GOOD MORNING MINNESOTA!
Updates from the ground this morning:
It's getting muggy again. Walking around the U this morning found me awash in sweat, and I was back at my bro's apartment before 9 AM.
Tour staffers, CSE, and UMPD were dropping off plywood on the plaza behind the scoreboard. Not sure what they were going to be doing (setting up booths, putting them up on the see-through fence to make sure the stragglers can't see).
The guys that think they're running the line are sitting on the step of the veterans memorial, next to Gate E. I was meandering around there, and a fella in a slouch hat asked me if I was looking for GA. I asked him if it was a wee bit early for doing that. He chuckled and said something along the lines of "If you'd have asked me that yesterday, when I started this, I'd agree. But since it's the day before the show, then not at all." I shrugged and went on my way.
I found that my seats in 246, row 9 are blocked by the canvas on the legs of the Claw. I guess I'll just have to move down to below the scoreboard
Based on weather forecasts, if I were on the floor for this show, I would expect to have to clear the deck at least once. The U is notoriously risk-averse, and if they follow the same rules that us softball umpires follow, it's time to clear the ramp if any lightning is seen. Having a giant metal claw hanging above 7,000 people on an aluminum floor does not help matters. Don't be surprised if there's a lightning delay. Considering I'll be coming from southern Minnesota to the U prior to the show and walking from my brother's apartment to the stadium (about 15 minutes), a slight delay won't hurt.
"Burning Sky" by Bad Company will be a good song for the GA line.
Hope to see lots of you at the Leaning Tower tonight!