The Oakland Coliseum is native soil to the National Football League’s Oakland Raiders. Once a year, I devote a Sunday to witness my team go into battle on their turf. Upon entering the parking lot, I see the stalls transform into an ocean of darkness, with fans in black attire. Echoes of hard bass thumps out from car stereos, white smoke fills the air, coupled with the aroma of grilled meat. As we line up our vehicles, we equip ourselves to become consumed by the pandemonium and uproar of the game.
The sun beams on the blacktop as we begin to empty the trucks to set up for some pregame entertainment. Canopies are raised to keep our group from getting sunburned, alongside making it a comfortable spot to eat, drink, and dance. The ladies begin slicing up vegetables to make salsa while, the men preheat all flame broils in preparation to feed the group. The hit of the beats escape from speakers, feet start to tap, and trigger butts to wiggle. Cocktails and beer fill hands and voices start to recite the words of the chorus. …show more content…
Ricochet of laughter and hands slapping fives pierce my ears as I fight my way through the sea of silver and black jerseys. An aroma of freshly popped popcorn swims through the air. A young daughter gives puppy dog eyes to her parents as she pleads for a set of pompoms. To the right of me a man kindly holds his wife’s purse so she can run to use the restroom before the game. In the distance, taunting grows louder as both sets of fans clash amongst one another. People swiftly form lines in front of the concession stands to place their order before kickoff. Arms are tucked in close in an attempt to avoid spilling beer as they journey through the chaos. A mother overlooks her tickets, ensuring her family is headed in the right direction. The ticket verifier points me in the direction of where I’m sitting and I politely excuse myself as I move past those already