Well if your not sick of the two most egotistical cities in the U.S. bragging about their baseball teams then enjoy the next two weeks as they brag about their football teams. As a sports fan living in Boston ( oh yeah, they also have the Stanley Cup Champions Bruins and can’t forget the Celtics ) and New York ( well Rangers are good this year ) do they get a tooth ache from too much winning, do they have to book parade routes because of the many requests. I guess iam just bitter but then again iam a Maple Leaf fan, we book parade routes all the time…good thing they don’t ask for non-refundable deposits.

The NCAA proves every year that you don’t have to be good at something to succeed.  Admittedly, they are good at making money.  But when it comes to honouring the sports they claim guardianship over, they are embarrassingly inept.

Not that you need me to remind you of the litany of proofs, but I need to get this off my chest.

Firstly, the BCS.   Really, this is like shooting fish in barrel, but here goes anyway.  It starts with the refusal to have a playoff for the national championship, instead the BCS would rather have a group of figure skating judges and computers determine the 2 best teams in the country and then wait five weeks to play the game.  One of my favourite arguments against having a playoff that they use is that ‘we don’t want to interfere with exams in December’.  So let me get this straight. There is no time for a playoff because the students study for five weeks for their exams?  I think not. If that where the case, then why do they start playing Bowl games on the 19th of December?  The solution isn’t rocket science; just start a playoff on the same day the bowl games begin. Start with eight teams and play two playoff weeks and then a championship game. Now how hard was that?

Ok Steeler fans so your team is not in the Super Bowl this year, you still have an exciting hockey team that thrills a packed house of crazy hockey fans. Just 6 hours from the Canadian “hey” border this would make a great road trip for the best hockey fans in the world. Here is some help as to how to make the trip work:

TICKETS:

Stubbhub or ebay is probably the best route and depending on who is playing tickets will fluctuate.

PARKING:

I didn’t park around the stadium b/c it costs $15-20. If you drive to downtown after 5:00 PM, parking is typically $5.00 so if you don’t mind walking just a tiny bit, save the $$$

CONCESSIONS:

If you are visiting Pittsburgh you have to stop at Primantis inside the CEC! Other interesting fare includes kielbasa grinders, we were surprised had arena had higher end food and things like Caesar Salads

There is a place on the second concourse called The Smokehouse that seems very nice.  Here one can get a brisket sandwich, a BBQ pork or chicken sandwich and kielbasa.  They actually have a person carving the meat right there.

WHERE TO EAT NEARBY:

Seviche:  930 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh www.seviche.com Many visit here several times per year and am rarely disappointed in the fabulous presentation and service. I recommend the chef’s tasting menu to get the full experience, and always a pitcher of sangria.

COMMENTS

We loved this place. The chorizo-wrapped scallops and the filet mignon are worth a try. Fun atmosphere and great service.

The food here is outstanding. I have had ceviche in a number of countries and cities and this is by far the best. Definitely worth a visit if you are in town.

SPORTSBAR:

Tailgaters Sportsbar & Grill  1420 Centre Avenue  washingtonplaza.com… The food was great. The food menu had a great selection to choose from. I ordered the breaded buffalo chicken sandwich with fries and it was…..great!!

COMMENTS

Tucked away in the corner of Washington Plaza, yep that’s the giant white building with the big red “W” on it, right above the new Consol Energy Center is…….. Tailgaters…….our newest find…

WHERE TO STAY:

Marriot Pittsburgh City Center 112 Washington Place,  www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/p…

COMMNENTS

I have stayed here before but had the chance to spend another night this week and found the room very clean, the staff very courteous and helpful, the view spectacular, and the stay rewarding. The name of the hotel may be misleading since the only thing really near is the hockey arena, and perhaps Duquesne University, but there is a hotel shuttle which will take you wherever you want. If you want to be near quaint shops, stay at the Sheraton at Station Square. If you want to be in the center of the city, stay at the Omni William Penn. But if you can get a comparable price and want a quiet, comfortable place with a fine restaurant and a good track record, I recommend this place.

Even though the season is almost done with the Super Bowl less than two weeks away we here at Sportsruckus are preparing to release for next season our 15 year old proven fantasy football game that you and your friends can utilize for your fantasy leagues. The format has proven to keep all fantasy team owners on the edge of their seats each week for all the games being played that week so better get  the NFL Red Zone.

Keep yourselevs tuned into our website for more info!!!

and this is a must see. Maybe it was after watching Moneyball that i got the urge but with spring training around the corner why not plan a road trip to Fenway. Now is the time to plan and here is some info to get you on your way:

TICKETS:

One of the more difficult, if not the most difficult ticket to obtain in baseball.  At $52 a pop, the infield grandstand seats are one the better bargains in the game, given the proximity to the field.

Ebay is another potential option to purchasing Red Sox tickets.  Expect to pay 25% more than face value for weekday games (except Yankees), and at least 50% more for weekend games.  You can expect to pay triple face value for Yankee games.

PARKING:

If you miss the meters, just east of Evans Way is Wentworth Tech and there is parking on the south side of the Campus that will run about $15, probably the cheapest you’ll find.  15 minute walk to Fenway.

CONCESSIONS:

Fenway – Legal’s Clam Chowder – Not exactly ballpark fare, but one of the more appetizing items on the menu that won’t guarantee a trip to Walgreens. If you didn’t manage to fill up before coming in, the Premio’s Italian Sausage is worthy contender to anything offered around Fenway, but your pockebook will feel a little lighter. As for Fenway Franks – Don’t bother unless its just to say you tried them.

EATS NEAR THE PARK:

The Best Sandwich in Boston? Ask Sam Lagassa, 44 Province Street Boston, samlagrassas.com he makes 1300 sandwiches a day. How does pastrami and clam chowder sound?

COMMENTS:

All the other reviewers are spot on. The sandwiches are amazing and you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. All the employees seem to have been there forever and they are all business which makes the long line move quickly but it is worth whatever wait you might have… As some other people have alluded to, it can be pricey for just a sandwich but it is worth it from time to time. Be warned, they are only open from for lunch Monday through Friday.

This place was great. We found it on the diner, drivin’s and dives website and we were very impressed huge sandwiches and if we weren’t only here for a few days we would be going back HIGHLY recommended

Mr. Bartley’s Burgers, the king of Harvard SQ.  1246 Massachusetts Ave.Cambridge  mrbartley.com Wow, one burger here and you understand the real reason kids wanna go to Harvard.

COMMENTS:

I have been eating burgers at Bartley’s since I was a college student many years ago, and hope to do so for many more. The taste is completely dependable– freshly ground beef makes a huge difference– and prices have gone up very little, especially considering how expensive everything else in Harvard Square has become. This is also the only burger joint in the galaxy where the cooks really understand the difference between rare, medium-rare, and medium. But make sure to order your burger from the blackboard– much cheaper than the fancier versions on the menu– and expect a lot of noise when the place is crowded.

If there would be a heaven for burgers, that would have been this one!

Mr. Bartley’s is one of Boston’s landmarks since 1960. Located in Cambridge, right in front of Harvard campus, it is well known for its seven ounces of choice beef burgers.?Bartely’s siblings, Joe and Joan, took over a small store facing Harvard yard with a simple plan in mind: perfect the quintessential American sandwich, commonly the so called hamburger.?Handmade burgers are served with a choice of French fries or fried onion rings. Burgers’ names reflect the choice of collecting and serving a real American taste with food, that is why it will be easy to read on the menu names reminding of the American culture, such as the people’s republic of Cambridge, the Tom Brady, the Republican, the Democrat, the Ted Kennedy or the Bill Clinton… Simply and tasty frappes or lime Rickey’s can accompany your meal.

SPORTS BARS :

The Cask ‘n Flagon – It’s an institution around these parts.  We hope you are going to the game, but in case you are left without tickets, this might be the second best place to be.  With wall to wall TVs, free wifi (although I’m not sure why you would have your laptop with you), a good menu (make sure you try the Fighting Irish Sweet Potato fries), and voted the #2 baseball bar in the nation by ESPN, there are more than a few reasons to land here.  Not to mention it’s about 25 feet from the entrance to Fenway.

COMMENTS:

I was a little skeptical of anything that ESPN callsthe #1 baseball bar in America. However, they nailed this one. It is within spitting distance of Fenway Park and the gameday atmosphere was incredible. The place was full of baseball fans young and old and they have tons of TV’s with nothing but sports. No Oprah or Fox News. Very good beer selection on tap and in bottles, excellent food, and great service.

WHERE TO STAY:

Crown Plaza Newton/Boston -320 Washington Street Newton,www.crowneplaza.com Located on the edge of Boston proper, this hotel is pretty much a bargain if you aren’t a light sleeper.  That’s because this building was literally built right on top of the Mass turnpike.  Just an extra set of earplugs and you should be alright.

Howard Johnson Fenway – 1271 Boylston Street Boston  www.howardjohnsonboston.com There is no such thing as a cheap hotel in Boston, but this is about as cheap as it’s going to get.  And if the equation for you is location,location,location, and you don’t mind a tired and basic hotel, than this is the one for you.  Rooms can be had for

Why go to Buffalo for a road trip….first, it is a great sports town with  a real fan atmosphere at their venues. This time of the year the Sabre fans are rocking and the tickets are reasonable. Here are some tips and links for you to use in planning your trip and remember, you may get a bonus snow storm to extend your visit and miss a day of work !

TICKETS :

Keep your eyes on ebay.  Recently sighted several pairs at considerably less than cost.  In fact, one pair at lower centre ice sold for half of face value.

CONCESSIONS :

Actually above average options, the focus is on local flavor. Wings, Beef on a Weck, Fried Bologna and Onions.Try the ‘Pour Man’s Aud Club’ station, behind section 111, for the best experience. Plus you can grab an ice cream or Sundae for dessert.

EATING AROUND THE ARENA:

Blackthorn Rest/Pub -2134 Seneca St. blackthornrestaurant.com Great portions, great flavor! Try the buffalo standard Beef on a weck (a kimmelweck roll, a funky bun with a caraway top). Or the Big Guy special a massive sandwich that you’ll have knife and fork it.

Comments:

“Beer and cheddar soup was to die for. So were the prices. Very reasonable. Stuffed peppers were awesome as well. Great service too. If you want to be boring, go to denny’s, if you want to discover something new, come here. “

“We love watching Diners, Drive ins and Dives on The Food Network and wanted to try a place in Buffalo, NY. Blackthorn came highly recommended.

My husband ordered the Triple D. He loved it. The beer chedder soup was very rich in flavor! The portion was perfect for lunch!?I order the Chicken Quesadillas, they were amazing! Spicy, full of flavor.?The service was great, really nice people. The restaurant has a lot of character. It was a really nice meal! Would definately go back.”

Pearl Street Grill – 320 Pearl st  thecenturygrill.com This for a pre-game meal. They have a $15 all-you-can-eat pre-game buffet. Wings, Pizza, Weck, Pasta and more. Too, they also brew their own beer.

Comments:

Having eaten there several times we decided to have our son and daughter-in-laws wedding reception held here. What a great experience for our families, our guests and ourselves! The food was great as usual (if you eat here you must try their Pot Roast) and the staff was spot-on with its service.

I just love Pearl Street. The brews are fantastic! They even serve beer in large tubes with a spicket so that your party can share and drink up. The food is always good and the prices are very reasonable. Pearl Street is located in the heart of downtown in a building built in th 1800s. It features several floors with a bar on each floor. They also feature an outdoor patio on the second floor. During the summer it offers a beautiful view of the sunset. A definite must stop place to eat and drink when in Buffalo.

SPORTS BARS TO WATCH BEFORE OR AFTER GAME:

The Anchor Bar 1047 Main st anchorbar.com This is an institution around these parts and is well worth a visit as the locale that started America’s love affair with Buffalo Wings.  The wings are huge and and there may be a wait, but what’s a trip to Buffalo without at least one visit to this place.  P.S.  The Pizza is pretty good too.  P.S.S.  Be prepared for long waits at times.  P.S.S.S. Unless you are sitting at the bar – there are no TVs.

Comments:

This restaurant is known world wide as the original and best chicken wings. The pizza is also to die for. Although it is a thin crust it still has the integrity and chewiness of thicker crust. The smell of the crust is as fresh as can be. We like to have green and black olives on ours it really compliments the hot wings. We love this place and make it an annual trek!

Waited 10 years to get there for the wings and was not let down. Worth the trip despite Buffalo’s desolate feeling. The one and only original needs to be experienced.

Duffs Famous Wings at 3651 Sheridn dr originally opened in Amherst and has been serving wings since 1969.  It has become so popular that folks north of the border opened it’s doors to a Duffs in Toronto in 1985.  I guess Toronto gets Duffs and Buffalo gets Tim Hortons.  Seems like a fair trade.

Comments:

My wife’s family is from Buffalo, and when they want wings – they go to Duff’s. I recently visited Buffalo with my son’s 20 player hockey team for a tournament. We (including parents) went to Duffs and ordered a variety of wings – from the mild to the classic to the hottest. Service was great – they managed to get all of us sat and fed quickly. And the wings were as terrific as I am used to getting there. Everyone left happy, and happy they had Duffs wings. We got there early (11:30 AM Saturday), and when we left there was a line going out the door. Go to The Anchor Bar for the history, but go to Duffs for the wings!

WHERE TO STAY:

The Mansion On Delaware Hotel www.mansionondelaware.com top notch service, close ride to the arena, starting at 195/night

Comments:

This is a gorgeous building with beautiful touches inside and out. We live very close by but my husband surprised me and brought me here for the night for my birthday. There’s a great happy hour with complementary wine and cocktails and a lovely breakfast in the morning. We had dinner reservations at a pricey restaurant nearby but instead opted to enjoy the hotel more by ordering sushi from one of our favorite places. The hotel staff took care of everything. They brought a table into the room while we were enjoying happy hour and set up the sushi on beautiful plates. Everything looked so nice. They even turned on music and left us with some chocolate covered strawberries. A great experience- I’m looking forward to staying here again!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8f3qALzcQ8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

No radio personality is more full of himself than this ESPN radio host.  The self-proclaimed man of common sense is a true lightening rod which can make listening entertaining, but he takes it to an all new ridiculous level. I understand that my view may not be the popular one, as his show and involvement with ESPN has grown greatly since he was hired. In fact, I have a few friends who even enjoy him, although I have thrown the red flag and am waiting for a booth review on their friendship and have requested the results from their last Wonderlic. Seriously though, its time for this guy to run the gauntlet! Every day he tells us just how brilliant he is and he regales us with his myopic takes on sports while mocking and ridiculing anyone who may disagree.  In an industry of windbags, yours truly included, this guy is on whole different level. What earns him the ‘Windbag of the Year’ award is his wonderfully insightful comments on Tony Romo from September. He called Romo out for being a bum, and then made this genius statement, ‘Trent Edward is a better QB than Romo, he is a top 10 QB, he has to be, he went to Stanford.’ Wow! That is MENSA level analysis, it’s a wonder he doesn’t work in an NFL teams front office. The long and short of it is, if you don’t already have an opinion and would like one, listen to Cowherd. If you have an opinion but perhaps you don’t have enough anger or frustration in your life, Cowherd’s your man.

NR