Evacuate the Gym Floor

I've seen a lot of basketball games. Probably more than the average human sees in a lifetime. Today, something I had never imagined happened.

I walked into the Coles Center at NYU and was in awe. What an awesome facility. Not that there aren't better out there, but it had a unique feel to it. Underground, with two levels overlooking the gym floor from above. On top of that, the atmosphere inside the gym was great. The pep band, the crowd, just the constant hub-bub going around the building. I guess that's what happens when there is a university in the middle of Greenwich Village.

As the game tipped off, Case jumped out to an early lead. An intense game from the beginning, the weird buzzing noise that started about five minutes in didn't seem to catch anyone's attention. It was more of an annoyance. The game went on and people ignored the noise sporadic flashing lights.  That is, until the announcer got on the P.A. system and announced that we must evacuate the building. Everyone stood around for a minute before realizing he was serious.

A pissed off crowd made their way up the three flights of stairs to the main level. The bitter cold that blanketed New York City today was not appreciated. As we were walking, people were quick to express their displeasure of having to evacuate for a "fire drill."

As I lugged my travel bag outside looking like an eskimo, Jeff came over to tell me that there really was a fire. A small one albeit, but a real fire. So, while listened to every Tom, Dick, and Harry complain about evacuating, I was in the know! The FDNY was entering the building before I even made it to the exit. A job well done if you ask me! In Schenectady, I once watched a house burn for a half hour before the fire department made their way over. They worked hard once they got there, but why the delay?

About twenty minutes later, fire abutted, we were allowed back into the building and play was to resume.

The intensity of the game returned after a minute or two and the incident was quickly forgotten. With temperatures mirroring that of the arctic tundra, this was a good thing! I was happy the game was prolonged for a few minutes longer. Even though I couldn't be right there with Jeff, it extended my time with him. For the conclusion of the game meant we went our separate ways, again. Other than the whole leaving part, the weekend as a whole was wonderful. Thanks for asking!