Hockey

I am trying to decide if buying season tickets to our new AHL Hockey team is a good idea or a bad idea.

If you know me, you know I am not a big sports fan.

You also know that I don't particularly like hockey.

So, what is it that is making me feel this compulsion to spend a ton of money in order to spend two nights a week for six months in an ice rink with screaming fans?

I wish I knew. My husband looked at me like I had six heads when I suggested buying tickets. My father laughed. My boss said I was nuts.

My parents (mom and dad - pre-divorce) had season tickets for years to our old AHL team when we were young. They had seats near our family friends, and going to the hockey games was always a fun experience. I remember running around the venue, with my friends, and just feeling like the world was right. I remember my parents going out many Wednesday and Saturday nights - with my sister and I staying home with a babysitter. I enjoyed that as a child - I felt safe. My parents were out together, having fun, and we were home having fun with a sitter. I loved it.

So, I am sure there is some nostalgia at work here. Have I mentioned that a few years ago my husband and I almost bought a motel? We have absolutely no desire to own a motel, but guess who did own one when we were growing up?

You would think that from a psychological standpoint, I would attempt to do things as differently from my biological parents as I could. I mean, they had one of the ugliest divorces on record and actually couldn't even speak to each other civilly for almost 20 years afterwords. (They now do, Thank God).

However, I am instead attempting to emmulate their failed marriage in many ways. What the hell is that about?

In any case, I still want tickets. I even want them in the same section. Here are my reasons for wanting them:

1.) Automatic date nights with my husband. We are so very busy, and this would force us to take some time for fun and time away from the kids.

2.) Fun family nights. We would only buy 2 season tickets, but we can buy tickets for the kids on certain weekend nights as well and have family time. Especially nice through the long winter - it would be nice to have something to do.

3.) Ability for my husband and I to do things with our friends. If we have season tickets, and one of us does not want to/can't go a certain night, we could go with friends. Or, one of us could bring our son.

4.) Networking and career development. Apparently, this is one of the largest things to happen in this small town in years. A lot of people I need to know for and from work will have tickets. A good way to stay in contact with people - in a social way (very good for fundraising!) I need to be out in the community more.

5.) Maybe I will like hockey more as an adult???

And, the cons:

1.) $$$$$$ this is not a cheap undertaking

2.) The feeling of "having" to go to get our $$$ worth.

3.) We could be too busy for this! Husband travels. I work evenings a lot.

4.) Having to pay a babysitter a lot more.