Last autumn I finally made the trip to Hampden, Scotland's National Stadium. A place with a glorious history. Home to the Scotland National Team as well as Queen's Park - the club that bought the land and built the largest stadium of that time. When the stadium still had standing only sections, it held up to almost 150,000 people. Now over a hundred years old, it has been updated and has a capacity of 52,000.
Many a times I have arrived at the train station to realize I must queue behind kilted, chanting crowds headed to Hampden. Rode on the train swaying with the rumble of excitement for a National team football or rugby match. Heard the final verses of Bon Jovi singing Livin' on a Prayer. Had fans streaming by my place after a 3+ hour Bruce Springsteen concert, riding the high of a tremendous performance.
Every time this happened, I would tell myself I needed to get to Hampden for something. Sport event. Concert. Didn't matter.
Scrolling twitter...the US Men's National Team is playing a friendly match vs Scotland at Hampden...TED talks...wait...back up...US Men are coming to Scotland!?!...Hampden!!!
I knew the crowd would be on the small side and there is never as much energy for friendlies. Although the game was lackluster, I could actually feel the history of the building as I entered the stadium and sat in the stands. It seems like the stadium just carries an aura of respect and love of the game. I imagined all the many moments of joy, heartbreak, and awe that people have experienced there. And while the crowd was tame, I got a taste of the witty commentary I love.
Many a times I have arrived at the train station to realize I must queue behind kilted, chanting crowds headed to Hampden. Rode on the train swaying with the rumble of excitement for a National team football or rugby match. Heard the final verses of Bon Jovi singing Livin' on a Prayer. Had fans streaming by my place after a 3+ hour Bruce Springsteen concert, riding the high of a tremendous performance.
Every time this happened, I would tell myself I needed to get to Hampden for something. Sport event. Concert. Didn't matter.
Scrolling twitter...the US Men's National Team is playing a friendly match vs Scotland at Hampden...TED talks...wait...back up...US Men are coming to Scotland!?!...Hampden!!!
I knew the crowd would be on the small side and there is never as much energy for friendlies. Although the game was lackluster, I could actually feel the history of the building as I entered the stadium and sat in the stands. It seems like the stadium just carries an aura of respect and love of the game. I imagined all the many moments of joy, heartbreak, and awe that people have experienced there. And while the crowd was tame, I got a taste of the witty commentary I love.
One of my favourites...in response to the US supporters group chanting "U S A"-
"They certainly enjoy their spelling."
It was a great night. The stadium is now being modified to be the home of the athletics (track) events for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Excitement is building for the Games. I'm sure there will be many great moments to add to the deep history of this stadium.
It was a great night. The stadium is now being modified to be the home of the athletics (track) events for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Excitement is building for the Games. I'm sure there will be many great moments to add to the deep history of this stadium.
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