Live: Celtics Opening Night

A few months ago I learned via the Celtics Twitter handle when 2010-2011 Celtics tickets would be going on sale, including tickets for opening night. When it was announced that the first game would be at home versus the Miami Heat I became down right obsessed with ensuring I would be inside the Garden for the match up.

Over the past few weeks the city of Boston has literally been pulsating with anticipation about this game. Not only did the Celtics come incredibly close to winning it all last year, but now they would be kicking off a new season versus the newly stacked Miami Heat. Miami's golden boy Dwayne Wade now shares a roster with Lebron James, Chris Bosh and former Celtic Eddie House.

I purchased tickets for me and my friends about three weeks ago and couldn't wait to actually get inside the stadium for the festivities.

We arrived a few minutes before the Boston Pops took center court for the national anthem. Keith Lockhart conducted the musicians in a custom Celtics jersey which had his last name on the back and the number 18 (the Celtics are chasing their 18th national championship).

Our seats were in the second to last row of the highest balcony. Also known as the section where the real fans sit. Every seat in the arena had a brand new, bright green Celtics t-shirt draped over it as a thank you and welcome gift for the fans. I went to opening night two seasons ago and they also gave out free t-shirts then. I have to say, I love that perk!

Though the Celtics have a pretty tame intro (especially compared to the Miami Heat. Can you say pyro?) the crowd went wild when each starting player was introduced, particularly the newest and largest addition to the team, Shaq.

Captain Paul Pierce grabbed the mic before tip off to thank the fans for coming out and to toast to the quest for banner 18.

It was a great game, with the Celtics leading for most of the night. Shaq actually made his free throws (nothing short of a miracle) and Ray Allen sunk three pointer after three pointer as if he could do it blind. After four solid quarters, the Celtics triumphantly defeated the hyped Heat.

For me, the best part of the night was being a part of the electric energy of opening night for my home team as they took on the most talked about new roster in the NBA. Now 24 hours later, I am still high from the incredible experience.

If you can get your hands on tickets to at least one game this season, you have to check out the Celtics in action at the Garden. The fans are loyal and loud, and the vendors have margaritas on tap. Need I say more?

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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