GAME OF THRONES Night In Staten Island
Just came home from the big Game of Thrones night at Richmond County Bank Park, where the Staten Island Yankees play. Tonight, they became the Staten Island Direwolves, playing against the Lannister Lions (nee Hudson Valley Renegades). George R.R. Martin grrm himself was there, signing books and things for the first 400 people in line. Sadly, my wife, son and I arrived too late to get wristbands for the signing, but we did get some terrific limited edition SI Direwolves caps, and copies of the first GOT book, as well as George's FEVRE DREAM, which I've yet to read.
We are normally Brooklyn Cyclones fans, and hadn't been to the RCBP yet. Friends who have gone told us that the stadium is never more than half full. It's not in a great neighborhood, and the parking lots are scattered over a several (very hilly) block area. Tonight, it was bedlam. All four gates into the park had very long lines that wrapped around the stadium and down the street. Everyone was very friendly, though some of the regulars were very surprised at the crowds. I heard a few muttering about the strange people in attendance, and it was surprising how many actually had to ask me, "What is this Game of Thrones thing?".
We saw plenty of people in costume - from Khal Drogo to Daenerys, from Joffrey to Jaime, and from a White Walker to a Faceless Man. Frankly, I thought I was at Worldcon again.
Our seats overlooked the area were George was signing. It's a shame we were too late to get wristbands. I've met George many times over the years, but my son was looking forward to meeting him. Austin did get to see the real wolf that was on display.
I did get some nice photos of George at the signing, and during the singing of Take Me Out To The Ballgame. I've posted them on my Picasa site.
We had a really great time, and I hope George did, too. I really love to see my favorite genre authors treated like rockstars.
We are normally Brooklyn Cyclones fans, and hadn't been to the RCBP yet. Friends who have gone told us that the stadium is never more than half full. It's not in a great neighborhood, and the parking lots are scattered over a several (very hilly) block area. Tonight, it was bedlam. All four gates into the park had very long lines that wrapped around the stadium and down the street. Everyone was very friendly, though some of the regulars were very surprised at the crowds. I heard a few muttering about the strange people in attendance, and it was surprising how many actually had to ask me, "What is this Game of Thrones thing?".
We saw plenty of people in costume - from Khal Drogo to Daenerys, from Joffrey to Jaime, and from a White Walker to a Faceless Man. Frankly, I thought I was at Worldcon again.
Our seats overlooked the area were George was signing. It's a shame we were too late to get wristbands. I've met George many times over the years, but my son was looking forward to meeting him. Austin did get to see the real wolf that was on display.
I did get some nice photos of George at the signing, and during the singing of Take Me Out To The Ballgame. I've posted them on my Picasa site.
We had a really great time, and I hope George did, too. I really love to see my favorite genre authors treated like rockstars.