Just got back from an especially sweet 3.5 pound lobster at Don Pepe which managed to fill me up for the evening after we split the Camarones al Ajillo appetizer. After that a somewhat desultory three periods of hockey with noticeable momentum swings and excellent goaling on each side topped off by an intense overtime and a shootout that was anticlimactic.

The new rink is sort of prototypical of its type but somehow all of the noise seems reflected around and is magnified. We had good seats, first row at center ice of what they call the Mezzanine but which is really the first balcony. All of the suite levels below constitute a true Mezzanine and altho the view was good, these pews were a bit far away for a hundred bucks. The announcer is a complete a**hole, never shuts up, and his screaming is rather tough to take. I think that my future appearances at that rink will only be for playoff games.

Next game for me is Sunday in the Phone Booth at DC Flyers-Caps, after that Sunrise Senators-Cats, and top it off in Feb with Toronto at Tampa. IMO, the best new rink is the one in Washington, great views for hockey, great seat pitch, and built straight up (instead of being a big donut) so all the seats are fairly close to the ice.

Still 0/4 on this short weekend trip. CO really knows how to punish Elites flying on L fares... :(

I am 2/4 on L fares this weekend, on midcons no less (IAH-SMF-IAH). My crystal ball is hazy on the other two PHL-IAH-PHL.

Given your seats, I can't tell if your complaint is with the TV guy or the in-rink guy. The TV guy (Mike "Doc" Emrick) is rather well-regarded, so I'm a little confused.

I'll be up there next Friday for Devils-Cats, and again in Feb. for San Jose. My cousin's girlfriend is one of the Panthers Ice Dancers.

I am thinking of doing the LAS-IND $74 run... It's in L as well :( Good thing no one goes to IND ;)

I thought of that one as well - nice deal. I've actually never been to LAS either! :eek: I just need to find a cheap fare to IND...

You might be better looking at LAS as the starting and ending point. I tried finding something cheap to IND and it's more expensive than going to Vegas.

$320 a/i for around 7,500 EQM. ^

Plus, it gives me something to do on a Saturday.

Anyone know why the CRC in PHL does not let PC members bring in guests? Is it that tiny?

That's still not bad for a Gold on an L fare, considering that it is only Wednesday. Let us also keep in mind that January and February are elite-heavy in that the dropoff of elites who did not requalify for their respective level in 2008 does not occur until March 1.

Good idea. Unfortunately, my cheapest options for getting to LAS are on US or NW. Ouch!

Continuing to look at other options...

NW man! Upgrades galore! :D

True, but 50% EQMs and hellish service full of delays and cancellations! On top of all that, NW F seats are hardly worth the upgrade... :)

10 L segments, all upgraded 5 days out...
 

not to rub it in...BUT I'm flying SMF - PHL a couple of times this weekend (L fares), and all my flights EUA'd at 5 days out. I expected some EUAs, but was thrilled as each additional Elite upgrade notification came through.

I did a few PHL-SMFs a few weeks ago and was 7/8 on upgrades when all was said and done. I was Gold at the time...

Now that I am Plat, I am not doing well on advanced upgrades on PHL-SEA - still 0/4. I am just writing it off as being a more popular route.

What days/flights? Are we on any of the same flights this weekend? if so, and you still haven't made the upgrade, I could companion upgrade you (though plat companion is right above you (gold) on the list.

Also check the Y seat map - I have left behind some good exit row seats.

what day/time are you doing IAH - PHL/PHL - IAH? If at non-peak times, in my experience, they clear rather easily.