the Graham Cracker House

I haven't been to the Energy Solutions Arena since I was about 10 years old.  Back then, it was the Delta center.  So when Michael and Stephanie told us about a BYU basketball game happening there, I eagerly convinced Bjorn we should go (he's not the hugest sports fan).  Chis, Mick, and Steph met us at our apartment, then we carpooled (through much traffic) to downtown Salt Lake.  Luckily, we automatically have a great parking spot because Bjorn attends LDSBC and can park there anytime.  On the way, Mick and Steph told they us they had forgotten their tickets!  Not at our apartment, but in American Fork.  Sad day.  they asked around and tried to see if there was any other way they could get in- but no such luck.  They ended up watching most of the game on a screen at a store in the Gateway, and the last half at Deseret book.  The 3 of us, meanwhile, met up with Chris's friend and cheered enthusiastically and tried to figure out what's going on in the game while sitting in the student section (with annoying people behind us).  The friend suddenly said his Dad works there (as an usher... or seat finder... or whatever they're called at Basketball games) and found some good seats for us.  So at half time we moved down to the front section and had a blast until the real owners of the seats showed up. whoops.  The friends dad, however, then kindly showed us to the media table.  Still on the first level, but back a little ways.  We were sitting in tall chairs, with a table in front of us, and name tags like "Thurl Bailey".  Bjorn asked "who is Thurl Bailey" and none of us had any idea.  We had heard the name and figured he was someone special..... but couldn't place a finger on it.  Michael told us afterwards that he is a famous NBA player who played for the Jazz. I found out later that he was a convert to the LDS church later in his life, with a neat conversion story.  According to wikipedia he is currently a "broadcast analyst" for the Jazz- and we were sitting in his seat!
Also- while glancing through the team roster in the program (conjured by above mentioned friends Dad) I recognized the name of player #12.... he served in my mission!  I read his Bio to be sure.  Yep. He's the one.  I wish I could say I played basketball with him on the mission, but the fact is, I didn't.

After the game (which we WON... I guess I could mention we were playing against Arizona)  We made it through the traffic back to our place, and had dinner and games and a good time with everyone.