ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Well, this may be my last trip ever to Rockford -- the IceHogs are moving to the American Hockey League next season -- and I have to say I'll miss it.
(It should be noted, I think this series is going six games, so there will be at least one more trip out here, but you never know.)
Other than the MetroCentre, otherwise known as the Big Orange Box, being wildly outdated, it's a good hockey town and there seems to be more to do in this city than there was, say, five years ago. I hope they get the sinks fixed at this building before next season, though. What is it with this arena and Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, Mich., that there's only cold water and the sinks don't run without all sorts of effort?
Anyway, I have now officially tried every possible route for getting here, so for those of you coming Friday or Sunday, here's what I recommend: Take 30W until you get to the Valparaiso exit, which is US 49. Take that north to the toll road. Then take 90 into Chicago. Get onto I-290 West and circumvent the city. Then get back onto 90 and take into Rockford. Have plenty of toll money and allot at least five hours, depending on rush-hour traffic.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
Thanks for traffic directions. I've read and mapped about a half dozen ways to get there. No way to make it shorter than 5 hours ...
Any idea how many Komet fans are planning to go Friday? Many there tonight? Weeknights are really tough.
Posted by: No11 | May 02, 2007 at 08:24 PM
There a million different ways. People say, oh, you can make it in four or so, but I've never found anyone who has actually done it. Plan on five. Not too many Komet fans here tonight, maybe, oh, a dozen. But it's hard to tell. There's only about 2,000 total in the building. Not sure about Friday yet.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | May 02, 2007 at 09:09 PM
I am looking for someone with a spot in their car for 1 this Sunday. Let me know if you have room. Thanks!
[email protected]
Posted by: KrazyKometFan | May 02, 2007 at 11:45 PM
Just got back from the game and it only took 4 hours to get there but then again, I don't exactly always go the speed limit.
Posted by: Brandon | May 03, 2007 at 05:08 AM
We may have an extra on Sunday if we go Tina..check the board later and I will let you know.
Posted by: Tom | May 03, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Justin...in Kalamazoo I had the same trouble with the sinks and then a guy in the bathroom laughed at me and explained it to me. The sinks in Kalamazoo are backwards. The cold faucets are where the hot is and the hot is where the cold is supposed to be. He said everything here is half a** backwards. We both laughed and then watch the Komets win the Tarry Cup that night. Funny someone else had the same problem.
Posted by: Tom | May 03, 2007 at 02:33 PM