My Third Raider Game, 2nd in Oakland − 17 December, 2006

On the Sunday morning of the game, Chris and I left the hotel at 10:00 am and rode the BART train to the Oakland Alameda Colisseum AKA McAfee Colisseum. It actually felt new to me as the last time I was there, my buddy drove and we walked through the parking lot. This time, we crossed the BART walkway and came to the back of Mt. Davis.

We were really early and bought some souvenirs from the stores and found our seats. We were literally above tunnel and saw many players close up as the were warming up. We saw several people with pre-game passes that were allowed on the field to watch warmups. Chris and I both agreed that we need to get those passes next year.

This trip was highlighted by meeting Jim Otto ("00") and posing for pictures with him. Before the game, I missed a chance to get a picture with him as he walked past me. But on his way back up, I caught him. It was truly an honor to stand next to this man that stands for all the Raider tradition is all about. My heart was pounding like I was a little boy meeting his idol. Because that's exactly what was happening to me.

After Jim Otto graciously posed with me, we were surprised with the Raiderettes walking up our aisle. I think it's cool that the cheerleaders walk up into the stands before a game to interact with fans. Fortunately, guys are respectful and I didn't see any ass grabbing or anything. Once again, we Raider fans exceed the expectations given to us by people that hate the Raiders.

Since we were sitting above the tunnel, we were on the 50 yard line too so it was the best seats in the house besides the black hole, which are good seats because you get the experience. But for simply viewing a game, we had the best. Thanks to Chris for finding them and coming with me.

Randy Moss and Robert Gallery were both hurt but I did see Kirk Morrison get the first sack of his career. Brooks played though and so did Walter, neither could get it done. Maybe we'll look for a QB in the draft. We can only hope we get lucky. But Al Davis passed on both Vince Young and Matt Leinart and that didn't have anything to do with luck.

In the end, I didn't get to see the Raiders score a single point, but I look at the bright side of everything. I've seen them destroy a Jets team and hold Curtis Martin to 20 yards total and win the AFC West division in 2000, and I've also seen them get shut-out by a very average St. Louis Rams in 2006. I don't regret anything about the trip or getting to see the game. I would have liked to cheer for a TD or something, but Win, Lose, or Tie, I'm Raider till I die.