This past weekend I went to Lawrence, Kansas to attend the first football game of the season for my alma matter, the University of Kansas. I’ve been getting TONS of email from college buddies counting down the days till the first game.  After our win last year at the Orange Bowl — Jayhawk fans have been anxious to see how good our team is this year!

When we were driving in the car to the game, I was discussing how there are three undeniable adrenaline pumping moments of excitement everyone experiences when attending a Kansas football game.

1.)  There’s a feeling of excitement which forces you to smile when you pull into the town of Lawrence. The glimpse of the historic landmarks and buildings bring a sense of “home” and “comfort” of a place that holds some of the dearest memories from years past. It’s enough to make you wiggle in your car seat anxious to walk around the city. It’s also not uncommon to immediately roll your windows down to “soak it all in” and enjoy it.

2.)  The second greatest adrenaline pumping moment begins after you’ve parked and begin your journey of walking to “the hill”.  Upon walking into the tailgating areas and crowds of people around the stadium, you’re hit with a combination of emotions that is made up of both pride and pure excitement. This is something easily seen in the faces of all the students, fans, alumni — not to mention the abundance of glorious paraphernalia endorsing “KU” and “Rock Chalk Jayhawk”!

3.)  Finally, the last great moment is when you walk in to Memorial Stadium and you see the inside of the stadium.  While KU is not traditionally viewed as a football school, our stadium is gorgeous!  Looking around at the “sea of blue” in the stands is one great feeling!

When I was at the game, I snapped some photos (below) and video blogged some footage (below). I wish I had taken more — but frankly I was having too much fun!