First NBA Game
BOSTON – October 30, 2019, is the day I went to my first basketball game ever, and it was indeed one of the best days of my life.
The plans were made out of nowhere so which made everything so much better. A past boyfriend of mine was visiting from California, and he wanted to get the whole Boston sports experience as much as possible, so he bought us tickets and we went together. I had no idea what to expect since I would not go to the Garden unless it were for concerts, but either way, I was really thrilled.
The best way to head out in the city is by train. We hopped on the red line from Quincy Adams and got out on the nearest train stop next to the Garden. My heart started beating even more. I could hear the footsteps of so many people surrounding us and conversations coming from all over the place. It was a rainy, cold October night, but I did not focus on that but more so on how packed the streets were in that oh so beautiful green jersey that you could see everywhere. Every Boston team sports game gives you a different experience and vibe, but one thing you can always count on with Boston fans is that our games are always packed, regardless of anything.
As we proceeded to walk to the Garden, I spotted the gorgeous TD Garden sign, and when I went in, I felt so happy to be there. Everything was so luminous leaving me in awe. As we made the line to go in, I couldn’t believe everything I was seeing. The atmosphere was intense and very fast-paced. Once we got on those escalators and finally saw the court, I could not help but start cheering and taking it all in.
We were right on time and heard the famous “I’m Shipping up to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys (my most-streamed song ever). Then they started showing that dope hype intro video and started naming the players one by one (you know the video I am talking about). We were on the balcony, but it did not matter at all, I was just grateful to be there. The environment, the people, the music, and the live basketball all gave me a sentiment that cannot be beaten. From yelling “LET’S GO CELTICS” and “DEFENSE” every ten seconds, none of it got tiring. The energy in that stadium on that night will always be something I will never forget and why I started going every chance, I possibly could until covid hit. There is no better feeling than supporting your team at home, with your fan family, and going all off for yours.
That specific night Jayson Tatum shot a three-pointer against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team, the Bucks, and dabbed up Paul Pierce that made the Garden go WILD. Pierce cheered for the Celtics regardless of a 19-point deficit. Maybe Paul’s encouragement that night helped Tatum, who helped to lead Boston to a 116-105 win. We also got this iconic picture that I saved immediately that night when I saw it on social media. Like said before the stadium went crazy, myself included. It is not an everyday thing that you see a Celtics legend like Pierce hype up the Celtics in the Garden, especially in your first basketball game experience. “It was crazy,” Tatum said of Pierce’s encouragement after the game. “Every time he comes to a game, he always gives us energy. I talked to him before the game, and to see someone like him standing up, yelling, cheering.” Paul will forever be a Celtics’ legend and our hype man.
My first NBA experience ended in a win and, most notably, with a new love for live basketball games. If you have not gone to one, once fans are allowed to go, or things go ‘back to normal,’ go to one and take it all in. Have fun! Go off, and if you are visiting the best sports city in the US, the state in which basketball originated from, then see the Celtics play. I promise you, and you will be astonished by the fans. It is one thing for you to read my perspective, but it is another thing for you to go out there and live your own and hopefully have a great time wherever you decide to go.
Now with covid restrictions, I miss going to Celtic’s games the most. I miss hearing the Garden go crazy over everything and anything. I miss the feeling of changing trains and getting on a train packed with Celtics fans and all of us wearing that beautiful shade of green. I miss getting up from my seat whenever one shoots a three or when they give them an unnecessary foul. Here is to being back like we never left and keeping the traditions going; no matter what team you go for once, it is safe to do so.