Pinstripe Bowl

When Jenn came up with our Little Apple to Big Apple slogan, we had no idea that we would hear the same slogan come out of the Kansas State football team less than six months later. But that is exactly what happened as the Wildcats came to New York City to play Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl.

This would mean that Kansas friends would be coming to the city and we would get a taste of home to bring in the New Year. The snow storm slowed us down but we were finally able to meet with them on Tuesday. I began the day by meeting my old boss for lunch. I then spent the afternoon with Mark his family while Jenn was working, and went with them to check out the Toys R Us in Times Square. After she was off work, Jenn and I went to dinner with some friends from Kansas. Once dinner was finished, we invaded O'Brien's Irish Pub and found a K-State stocking cap at the bar. The sign above it must have been an omen.



Bartenders will do anything for tips! This New Yorker was a great sport in donning the purple and white.



There is nothing like having home brought to you.



The next day I went to the pep rally in Manhattan. Willie was welcoming the Cats fans in the hallway of the Roseland Ballroom.



Wyatt addresses the crowd as the cheerleaders look on.



Cheerleaders perform a routine as the crowd awaits the player bus, which was late due to the big city traffic.



Hundreds of fans look on while the band sits in the mezzanine above.



The fans were treated to a collage of pictures describing the team's trip so far. It began with boarding in the Little Apple.



Landing at JFK.



Snow covered streets as seen from the bus.



Their view from the Empire State building.



The players finally arrived and it was made a big deal that they walked an extra block and a half to get there because the bus was stuck.



Before they talked, the classy cats had put together a New York style number for the players.



It was nice to see all the purple from the Little Apple wandering around the section of the Big Apple near the Sheraton Hotel. The city honored Kansas State and Syracuse by lighting the Empire State Building in purple and orange the night before the game.


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It's game day and Jenn and I ride the Subway from Brooklyn to Manhattan to pick up our Kansas friends.



Next to the hotel where the players and fans were staying, the K-State equipment trailer proudly displays the K-State tradition.



We've gathered our friends and are looking for the D line heading to Yankee Stadium.



As we entered the stadium, the teams engage in their pre-game rituals.





While looking for a place to buy a $10 beer, I ran into another guy from Manhattan, Kansas that I did not expect to see. I love the dedication!



K-State fans fill up the sections and are waiting to cheer on the Cats!



The defense takes on the Orange as the sideline watches.



The offense drives late in the game in an attempt to come back and tie the score.



After the infamous salute, the team gathers together as one and runs into the locker room.



After the game Jenn finds an opportune moment to take a picture with a former Wildcat basketball player, Chris Merriweather.



Having the Cats in town for a bowl was an unexpected surprise that filled up our week between Christmas and New Year. Aside of the zebras taking away those kids chance to extend the game, it was a great time to be from Manhattan...Kansas that is.