View My Seats

At the Intersection of Sports and Culture

Photo Credit for Header: Alex Foucre-Stimes

English Premier League Soccer: The 2010 “Manchester Derby”

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Shortly after the 2010 World Cup, I committed myself to giving professional soccer a chance.  I, like many American soccer fans, was caught up in the patriotism of Team USA’s dramatic run into the round of 16. But, because I am an American soccer fan, the moment was fleeting and I have since been unable to sustain any sort of prolonged interest in the sport.

Here are a few things I do know. 1) Today’s “Manchester Derby” between Manchester City and Manchester United is a big rivalry game in the English Premier League. 2)Wayne Rooney,  the Manchester United star striker, has been involved in a massive sex scandal.  3) Liverpool, of the EPL, was just recently purchased by an American group led by Boston Red Sox chairman John Henry. 4) Attendance at NCAA soccer games has increased this season. 5) The US is a finalist to host the 2022 World Cup.

Should I be in to the MLS playoffs right now?  Is the US women’s team going to make it through 2011 World Cup qualifying? Share your views.

NFL Week 9 Recap: A Sellout at the Oakland Coliseum

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For the first time since the 2009 season opener, the Oakland Raiders played before a sellout crowd today during their exciting 23-20 overtime victory over the AFC West leading Kansas City Chiefs.  With the win, the Raiders pull to within a game of the division lead but, after a week 10 bye, face a very difficult upcoming schedule (@Pit, Mia, @SD). Don’t bet against head coach Tom Cable, who remains the most frightening looking coach in professional sports.

In other AFC news, the Colts and Patriots both lost while the Jets were fortunate to escape Detroit with a win.  The Ravens took care of business at home against Miami while Pittsburgh prepares for a dreary Monday night contest in Cincinnati.  If, as expected, the Steelers hold serve against the Bengals tomorrow night, do they become the AFC favorites once again? Share your views.

View of the Day: 2010 NYC Marathon

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Nice to see viewmyseats was well represented at today’s New York City Marathon.  Marathon Day is always a very festive day in the city where the finest conditioned athletes in all the world are cheered on by an eclectic mix of merry, occasionally overserved, New Yorkers.

Plenty of good stories surrounding this years marathon. Former Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer is raising money for charity and rescued Chilean miner Edison Pena is putting his new found celebrity on the line as well.

Every year, the NYC Marathon arrives and I tell myself that next year will be the year that I finally train for and enter a marathon. So, you heard it hear first, next year I’m going to train for and enter the 2011 NYC Marathon.  Who’s coming with me?  Share your views.

College Football: Rich Rodriguez holds onto his job for at least one more week.

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The Big Ten Conference, long known for its plodding offenses and stubborn defense, witnessed something of anomaly today in the Big House. Illinois and Michigan combined for over 1200 yards of total offense while playing a style of college football normally reserved for Auburn, Alabama and Eugene, Oregon.

While Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler spin in their graves, Michigan fans have probably seen enough of the Rich Rod era in Ann Arbor and could be expecting another change at head coach.  I may be wrong but Rodriguez and the Wolverines never seemed like a perfect fit.  I always thought that Michigan, a school rich in football tradition, would settle on a head coach who had a previous connection to the program.  With all of the success Jim Harbaugh is having out in Palo Alto, doesn’t he become a logical option should Coach Rod be dismissed?

Share your views.  Michigan alums, what say you? Had enough of Rodriguez or does the 67-65 victory give you enough to feel good about for at least another week?