Book Review Tailgate to Heaven : The Ultimate Fan Dream by Micheal Kavanagh July 31st 2012
In 2006 Adam Goldstein, a British Chicago Bears fan from London was in Arizona watching the Chicago Bears fall behind to the Arizona Cardinals. He left before the game ended. Now he should not have done that as any Bears fan will tell you beause behind an amazing defensive performance from Brian Urlaher and a return TD from Devin Hester the Bears went on to unbelievably win the game. Adam got two things out of this game. One, never leave a game early and two, the beginnings of an idea.
Now this idea was not original. Pretty much all NFL fans, be they US or European based, have had it at one stage or other. But not many have the finances or – for want of a better word – the balls to pull it off. Adam decided to make the Ultimate NFL Road Trip: What would it be like to watch a game in every NFL stadium over the course of a single season?
What were the differences between each set of fans? What were the tailgates like? The plan was to see a game in each stadium, support the home team, buy some merchandise and attend the tailgate which is such an American experience and so different to the British pre-game ritual.
Timing is everything with an undertaking like this and at just the right time Adam sold his London flat, so providing funds for the trip. The NFL added to the appeal of such a trip by adding a game in London and another in Toronto. An understanding girlfriend/wife is also essential and Adam also had that. Not only did his then girlfriend, now fiance, Stephanie not immediately say No way in hell! but she also joined him on the final part of his trip. (LUCKY is too small a word, don’t let her get away Adam.)
So after $70,000, 65,000 miles, three countries, 18 weeks and 40 games this book is the final result. A must read for any NFL fan who wants to go see one game or make their own road trip (even if it’s not as big as Adams). It gives an insight into the gameday experience and differences between each NFL city. Each game is covered and a play of the game is noted along with an Extreme Fan for each game. You get to know those crazy guys you see on the telly covered head to foot in their teams merchandise or in some cases barely dressed at all despite the weather.
I really enjoyed this book and it’s given me some great ideas for a trip I’d like to do for my 40th birthday coming up. I’ll be referencing it a lot and bringing it with me to help along the way. Its a book every NFL fan should own.
In 2006 Adam Goldstein, a British Chicago Bears fan from London was in Arizona watching the Chicago Bears fall behind to the Arizona Cardinals. He left before the game ended. Now he should not have done that as any Bears fan will tell you beause behind an amazing defensive performance from Brian Urlaher and a return TD from Devin Hester the Bears went on to unbelievably win the game. Adam got two things out of this game. One, never leave a game early and two, the beginnings of an idea.
