Sunday Gravy Sabbatical: Boots on the Ground! DTLA and Staples Center.

Howdy folks!

First of all a quick apology as Sunday Gravy is on a one week hiatus, it will return next week in it’s regular time frame. Trust me, next week is going to be an INSANE episode of Sunday Gravy and I can’t wait to throw that fucker down.

If you were tuning in to hopefully find a recipe or two for Saint Patrick’s Day next Saturday here are a couple. First, some Irish stew and next the whole corned beef dinner thing.

That should be able to get you through.

This week in place of Sunday Gravy I will be bringing you an episode of “Boots On The Ground – Downtown L.A. and Staples Center.”

The Brothers Right celebrate the holidays annually and rather than giving gifts we will decide on a live event to attend where we take the money saved from purchasing gifts and just upgrade to some seriously sweet fucking seats. We’ve done Rams games, Charger games, Laker games, Clipper games, Kings games and even a Ducks game and it’s always a blast. This year it was time to see the L.A. Kings play again as they took on the Chicago Blackhawks.

Yes, our seats were THAT close to the glass.

For those of you who think I’m slacking by taking a day off I actually did cook last Sunday but we’ve already covered enchiladas. Although this time I made a beef and cheddar batch of enchiladas along with a batch of chicken, mushroom and green chile enchiladas.

Here’s some food porn for the Gravy deprived folks.

As the day dawned drizzly and overcast we loaded up the Wagon Queen Family Truckster and headed North to Downtown L.A.

That shot was taken on the 110 Freeway heading North into downtown. Downtown is actually considered just a neighborhood in Los Angeles as opposed to being the entire city of Los Angeles. It is recognized now as “DTLA.”

Look! I can see the Hollywood sign out of the other window!

Yeah that is a pretty crappy photo but the sign is there between the palm trees.

Staples Center is right in the heart of Downtown L.A. at 11th and Figueroa in what is a suddenly booming development area.

I’ve lived in L.A since 1991 and wasn’t sure I would ever see the type of mid city renaissance that is currently taking place. The old downtown that I first got acquainted with was more well known for Skid Row than for a booming commercial and residential area. After WWII L.A started suburbanizing and spreading out. Many folks stopped living in downtown and moved out to newer and cleaner suburbs leaving downtown to slowly decay and crumble. It really went to shit in the late 60’s and early 70’s. At one point in the 1920’s the Broadway District in L.A. not only rivaled but outshone the Broadway District in New York with tons of world class movie and stage theaters but with the lack of upkeep most of the older downtown fell to ruin. There are still parts of DTLA that you better stay the fuck away from come sundown – Hello MacArthur Park – but gentrification is well on it’s way to becoming a reality.

Look at this shit!

That is some Times Square, Vegas Strip type insanity. It’s a wrap-around TV!

I hadn’t been downtown in close to a year and the new development was fucking nuts! I barely recognized it. Those used to be parking lots and vacant lots where those new buildings are going up.

Holy shit!

As most of you know Staples Center is Home to the Lakers, Clippers and Kings as well as being a premier concert venue (with pretty shitty acoustics in my opinion) and is at the very center of the DTLA entertainment district,

They also really love their fucking statues there.

The “Star Plaza” has a veritable fuck load of statues of former LA sports notables.

Let’s take a look shall we?

There’s Shaquille O’Neill and a very cool statue effect. This is the only “suspended” statue that I know of and is one of the more recently added statues on display. Additional Lakers Magic Johnson and Jerry West are also on display, soon to be joined by Kobe Bryant no doubt.

Kings players also get the statue treatment.

There’s Luc Robitaille with Oscar De La Hoya in the background. If you blow that photo up you can read the entire plaque for Robitaille. Yes, there’s a Gretzky statue too but I didn’t get a photo.

One very cool thing, L.A. not only memorializes their athletes but they respect their announcers as well.

That’s legendary Kings announcer Bob Miller. Miller was the Kings announcer from 1973 until his retirement just last year in 2017. If you look close the statue shows both of his championship rings because of course the Kings gave him a ring after each of their Stanley Cup victories. Statue looked pretty damn close to actual size as well.

Now here we go:

Fuck yes that’s “Chickie Baby!” Chick Hearn was the Lakers announcer from 1961 until he passed away in 2002. At one point he announced 3,338 consecutive games before breaking his hip and ending the streak. Chick was fucking legendary and he was the inventor of many of basketball’s now familiar phrases including “Slam dunk”, Air-ball”, “Dribble-Drive” “Finger Roll”, “Give and Go” and many, many others.

Just to give an idea how spoiled LA sports fans are, at one point we had Miller calling the Kings, Chick calling the Lakers, Vin motherfucking Scully calling the Dodgers, Dick Enberg announcing the Angels and Ralph Lawler calling the games for the Clippers – he still does by the way. Hell, Al Michaels and Keith Jackson earned their stripes out here too. These guys deserve their accolades.

Time to wander inside.

First thing you notice is, goddamn that’s a lot of luxury suites. Three plus levels of nothing but luxury boxes. You may also notice just right of the score board are the 2 Kings Stanley Cup banners for the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 seasons. Think they like waving their championship dicks in your face? You ain’t seen SHIT yet.

Yeah. There are the Lakers and Sparks championship banners.

Like retired jerseys?

The two on the bottom “8” and “24” are both jersey numbers Kobe Bryant wore and they were both retired earlier this season.

Before you start thinking, I’m not a fan of either team. I’m a Bulls fan and a Devils fan but I still love to see live sports. I mean look at this fucking place.

Oh and for you poor folks who may not have attended a hockey game, it’s cold. Like really fucking cold. Like wear a goddamn jacket cold. This should be obvious since the game is played on, you know, ICE but just a bit of warning. This is because the first hockey game I attended in 1975, I believe, I froze my damn ass off and talked my parents into buying me a sweatshirt.

Even if you’re not the biggest hockey fan you can still come for the hot zamboni action!

The crowd was yet another sellout for the Kings who are sitting near the middle of the pack of the Western Conference standings. The Blackhawks are definitely having a down year and they reside in dead last of the Central. As the crowd filed in and we approached opening face-off both teams came out on the ice for the warm up.

Here the entire Kings team warms up.

How close were our seats again?

If you’ve ever sat this near to the glass, each missed slap shot slams off the glass like a rifle shot. Now that the protective netting has been enforced league-wide you don’t have to fear about taking one off your goddamn noggin while you fuck around with your phone.

Still, pay some fucking attention people. Isn’t that why you’re here?

Game intro.

The Kings have a pretty solid spectacle before each period with laser light effects and this really fucking cool lighting effect that emanates from the top of the protective netting and encircles the entire rink.

Good crowd for this game with a BUNCH of ‘Hawks fans in attendance. Since this was a 1:00 PM PST start time, they didn’t even get that hammered drunk.

Surprising!

You will also note that I haven’t mentioned concessions, beers etc. That’s because of the 1:00 PM start. I can’t get too crazy in the day like I used to so I basically consumed nothing at the game. This is a new tactic that I’ve employed for early games. It saves a ton of money, reduces dramatically the number of men’s room visits and it allows me to drive/remain coherent until later in the day when I can then properly overly imbibe in the safety of my own home or hometown.

From memory Staples has pretty solid concessions with the big sellers being Wetzel’s Pretzels, Jody Maroni’s sausages and Popcornopolis popcorn. All local offerings.

They do have a solid selection of beers including a wide array of craft beers as well as several full bars.

You can drink what you want here, no doubt.

I’m not going to do a full write-up on the game but I can hit the highlights.

During the first period the ‘Hawks were on the attack.

And the Kings were on the defense for the majority of the period.

The only goal of the period was scored directly in front of us as the ‘Hawks took a 1-0 lead at the end of the first.

Score at the end of the 1st period.

During the second period the Kings looked to begin their own offensive charge. The Kings scored 3 unanswered goals and basically hammered Blackhawks goalie Anton Forsberg. After the third goal the Kings fans were loudly serenading the goalie with chants of “Fors-berg.” It looked like the Kings day at this point.

Once again, all 3 of the Kings goals happened directly in front of us at our end of the ice.

At the end of the second.

But there’s a reason why the game is 3 periods long. Unfazed by the Kings 2nd period assault, the Blackhawks came back with a goddamn vengeance in the 3rd. They just blasted Kings goalie Jonathon Quick with FOUR, (4) 4!! unanswered goals including an empty netter to seal the deal as time was expiring.

Alas, at the end of the  game…

Blow that photo up to see the final stats. The Kings out shot Chicago 32-25 and they outhit the Blackhawks 34-7. Thirty four to seven! What the fuck happened to you Chicago? Didn’t you come from the old Norris Division where all the gooniest teams resided? Didn’t you used to be nicknamed the “Hackhawks?”

“And now you’re playing like a bunch of…pussies!”

Regardless, it was an amazing time. Great fucking fun. And all 8 goals scored in the game happened on our end, directly in front of us. When does that ever happen?

We walked back to the parking lot, climbed back in the Family Truckster and headed Southwest towards home.

Now some of you are wondering “Why didn’t I eat anything again?”

This was waiting on the other end. That’s a Brooklyn style charcoal fired oven pizza from Grimaldi’s. Which in my opinion is the best fucking pizza in L.A. If any of you L.A. residents are skeptical, give me a message and get some availability because I will be happy to prove it to you.

Thanks for reading along and hopefully this either piqued or satisfied your curiosity in regards to Downtown L.A. and the Staples Center.

Sunday Gravy will return next week with a goddamn DOOZY!

Peace!

 

 

0 0 votes
Article Rating
yeah right
yeah right is a fully vaccinated lifelong Vikings fan, food guru and LA Harbor resident with a black belt in profanity.
Subscribe
Notify of
241 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
JerBear50

If you look closely at the Oscar statue, you can see the bags of money Trinidad’s people threw at the judges to get that decision.

They opened a Grimaldi’s here in Clearwater a few years ago. That was the first time I understood why people actually like NY pizza. Chicago roots or not, Grimaldi’s is fucking fantastic.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

His Converses didn’t help him this time.

Redshirt

“Cincinnati” and “Champions”.

I understand those two words individually, but combined it just complete gibberish.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

theeWeeBabySeamus

Melania feels more bony than I remember.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

*Bonery.

JerBear50

Pence immediately proposed a law to allow stadium vendors to not sell them food.

King Hippo

ok, see everyone on the bracket reveal thread. It shoulda published already.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

King Hippo

No, that was an even better description of my life, can’t even get across halfcourt.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

OK, why you keep talking your sex life still?

Redshirt

Pray for Hippo.

Redshirt

Aw. I want this to go to OT and delay the brackets.

King Hippo

shooting for the win, miss, lose on an over the back call. THIS IS MY LIFE

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

King Hippo

Uncalled travel, then the former NC State guy fucks Hippo over. Yup, makes sense.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Yes Mr. Hippo; we received your resume.

comment image

King Hippo

SIGH. I am so looking forward to interviewing again.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

King Hippo

HOU choking just like RI did. Painful.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Maybe a little choking during the act heightens their pleasure.

comment image

King Hippo

I dated a gal that preferred that, sprung that tidbit on me during the act. We parted ways soon after, Turns out, about 5 years down the road, she committed “suicide by cop” breaking into an ex-bf’s house. Thank God it wasn’t mine.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

theeWeeBabySeamus

This is totally new information to me.

(seriously dude, talk about dodging bullets)

King Hippo

not the same girl, I had very few feels for this one.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

theeWeeBabySeamus

No, I’m not talking ’bout THAT one. She’s just a confused young’un who didnt know better than to screw over the best thing that ever happened to her (you, that is).

But you told me the choke girl story before too. I hate she ended the way she did, but glad you weren’t involved in teh investigations.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

theeWeeBabySeamus

Speaking of (talking to) cats…does anyone else have this problem?

Every time I go in to take a shit, if I don’t close the door all the way, the cat somehow knows I’m in there and pushes the door open and comes in and won’t leave me alone. Meowing at me, wanting to be petted. I mean Jeebus. What is it? It’s sure as hell can’t be for the smell!!!!!!!!!

WTF YOU WEIRDO CAT???? I’M TRYNNA TAKE A SHIT HERE!!!!!!!!

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

My dog walks in occasionally, and has a look like “Well, you gonna go get the bag and shovel?”

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

I just keep reading.

theeWeeBabySeamus

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

King Hippo

Good timeout by Kelvin Sampson. I like that guy, glad he got a 2nd chance.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

King Hippo

ah am a recluse, goddamnit – who else I’mma talk to?

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

King Hippo

we shall see who has more depth. Two physical teams, and the zebras are committed to fouling everyone out.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

“we shall see who has more depth. ”

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID!

comment image

King Hippo

I do not care for this officiating. Why yes, it is TV Teddy’s crew (again).

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

It’s going to be a while.

Brick Meathook

Nixon was also outdoorsy:
comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

King Hippo

too bad harder to find teh shirtless ones ,, smh

Brick Meathook

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Stupid Sexy Nixon.

blaxabbath

I don’t know how basketball players dunk hard but never hurt their hands.

...

The rims flex, so that probably helps.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

At 19 (only year I ever was able to dunk a few time) I caught my hand on one of the net hooks; not very deep but a bloody cut. Fun times.

...

Oww

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Didn’t hurt until the coach put alcohol on it……

Pretty sure he enjoyed that part.

blaxabbath

Lucky thing he had his flask.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

He would have NEVER used his personal stash of Evan Williams on some kid.

blaxabbath

Still, I’d think my palms would hurt if I whacked a piece of metal that hard, even with it having very little resistance (like, say, that of a child).

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

The skinny jeans problem is nothing new.

...

It took me some trial and error to find a pair of jeans that properly fit my waist but didn’t squeeze the shit out of my crotch and ass.

King Hippo

yeah, way to subtly brag about your horse dick and ba-donka-donk

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Well, for me it is Old Man Saggy Balls (TM); if you get out of your truck in the wrong fitting jeans…….. painful.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

They can’t see me.

...

No horse dick, just horse balls.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

“WAT?!!?”

-John Elway

King Hippo

ah, gravity. I know it well.

King Hippo

Huzzah, for Yoooooouston! Such a fun fucking team. Hope they don’t get seeded opposite my Shitty Wolves ™ for historical reasons.

They really ought be a 4-5 seed anyhoo, but American Conference is underrated. It’s much better than the PAC-Twaaaalve, at minimum.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

King Hippo

Damn it Moose, I engaged in self-abuse already today…

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Ronnie without a shirt; every repub’s cum bath.

King Hippo

perhaps my favourite thing about Baskets is Louie Anderson’s Bakersfield Mom character having the orange tabby cat named Ronald Reagan.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Does he shit on the poor too?

King Hippo

every human is a poor to a cat, silly!

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Except those with a can-opener.

comment image

Brick Meathook

The other Reagan
comment image

Brick Meathook

comment image

blaxabbath

Been watching the conference finals and, beside the absolute 3rd rate joke conferences playing in like high school gyms with the ESPN banner taped to the walls, the PAC12 was absolute dog shit this year. Until 12 days ago, Arizona was just a roster of talent who only played about 13 good minutes per game and seemed absolutely vulnerable to any team not being directed from an unplugged Nintendo controller. AND THEY WERE THE CLEAR CUT FAVORITE!

Like, seriously, the PAC (annually) is so overrated because they’ve just got the cash to throw at lobbying for a Power conf feature – esp because their football IS Power 5. It’s Great Value Brand college basketball — better than nothin’ but not something you’re gonna brag about to your cooking friend.

King Hippo

AZ should be a 3 seed, USC the play-in game, NIT the rest of the “under consideration” folk

blaxabbath

Part of me wants to see asu left out but, honestly, I want them put in and shipped to outdoor game in upstate New York as a 15-seed against a nightmare matchup team with basically 20k home fans blowing the place up.

Then I wouldn’t have to hear from their fans about what they COULDA done.

King Hippo

to have gone 8-10 in that conference….Jeebus

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

comment image

blaxabbath

And every loss was close. That team was actually strangely overachieving. Like, they had all that senior leadership to be a high scoring and ‘good’ team — but those same leaders had not ever having been competitive before so, like in late game situations, NO ONE could step up like they’d been there before and this was just their turn.