An Epic Day in the Steel City

Steve Dannenmann (Republican-Maryland) with Nolan Dalla (Socialist-Nevada) in Pittsburgh

I almost never watch NFL games in public.  Too much drama.

But today was an exception.

On assignment for the latest “Poker Night in America” event taking at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, we football fans couldn’t help ourselves.  We had to find a bank of televisions in order to watch all the games that were played on Sunday.

Lucky us.  We found the perfect spot at Jerome Bettis’ sports bar, which just so happens to be across the street from the west end zone of the Pittsburgh Steelers stadium.

The guest list started off small, and then grew steadily as the day lengthened and the winners started rolling in.  Cha-ching!  I don’t want to crow.  Let’s just say it was a good day.

Todd Anderson, who founded Poker Night in American (and the Heartland Poker Tour, before that) anchored our get-together.  We also had Joe Sartori, also affiliated with Poker Night in America, following his previous stint at the Palms in Las Vegas.  We also welcomed guests from Maryland Live (casino) near the Baltimore-Washington Airport, who joined the fun.  Chris Hansen, the on-air host of Poker Night in America as well as a popular drive-time radio personality also showed up.  Then, there was Steve Dannenmann, the carefree runner-up in the 2005 WSOP Main Event.  Later, Darvin Moon, runner-up in the 2009 WSOP Main Event came in, along with his wife Wendy.  The bar tab came to $610, not counting tip.  After the bill was paid at Jerome Bettis’, we all went next door and started another round.  Yeah, it was that kind of day.

Towards the end of the day, we all noticed a long line forming outside across the street.  It looked like a bunch of homeless people.  We figured it was a shelter, and they were giving out food.

But upon closer inspection, we discovered the line was mostly young girls.

What the hell?  Are times really that tough?

As it turns out, tickets to some concert were going on sale and the kids were lining up in advance.  By the time I got there, at least 300-400 kids must have been in line.  Curious about what was going on, I walked across the street.  The following conversation took place:

ME:  What’s going on here?  Why is there such a long line?

YOUNG GIRL:  It’s for twenty-one pilots.

ME:  Huh?  What are you saying?  Twenty-one what?

YOUNG GIRL: Twenty-one pilots.

ME:  Okay, I’ll raise you 43 giraffes and a lion.  What are you talking about? (thinking she must be stoned)

YOUNG GIRL:  Don’t you know twenty-one pilots?

ME:  Not unless I’m at an airport.

YOUNG GIRL:  (confused look, speechless)  Whatever.

By this time, I’ve finally figured out Twenty One Pilots must be a musical group.  I mean, what else could it be?

Anyway, here’s the line (see photo above).

Unfortunately, I’ll have to miss the show.

Coming Next:  Getting Thrown Out of the Pittsburgh Steelers Stadium