Action from the 76ers' come-from-behind 129-128 win over Portland at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. My goal for this NBA game was to see whether I could get in with my Sony RX10MkIV 24-600mm bridge camera. Most NBA arenas prohibit what they call "professional" cameras (DSLR's with detachable lenses or lenses longer than 3 inches). However, this camera does not have a detachable lens. When I went through security, I was initially stopped by an overzealous security person. However, I explained to her that my lens could not come off and her supervisor said, yeah, it was ok for that to come in! Success!
My happiness was short-lived when I got settled in my seat and realized my camera DID NOT HAVE A MEMORY CARD IN IT! I forgot to put the card back in after downloading my photos to my laptop back at the motel. Fawk! Most, if not ALL, pro sports venues prohibit re-entering. I also figured that none of the stores/vendors in the arena would sell SD cards. I was devastated. What a waste! lol
Fortunately, I do have a habit of coming to events super early (in this case, 1 1/2 hour before tip off). I figured, what the heck, I would give it a shot and see if I could get out of the arena. I made sure I humbled myself before the omnipotent security people. I told them I had forgotten something very important back in my car and I needed to get it. After some hesitation, the lady let me go. They scanned the ticket such that it could be scanned again when I re-entered. Yes!
I fast-walked back to our motel - the Shilo Inn - which was about two blocks from the arena (good thing I booked a nearby motel). I was able to get my SD memory card and a few batteries.
It may have been in the mid 50's temperature-wise, but I was full on sweating when I finally got back to the arena! I was nervous as I re-entered ( I went through the same door where I had exited so I could at least get help from the security person who allowed me out in the first place if I was denied entry). But everything went smooth and I got to enjoy shooting the game until a 6'3" Blazer fan came and sat in the seat in front of me and essentially blocked my field of view the entire game. But that's okay. The 76ers came from behind and won on a Korkmaz 3-pointer from the corner with 0.4 seconds left and I enjoyed screaming and yelling with delight behind him!
I enjoyed the venue. We had great seats in Section 105, Row C, Seats 11-12 (aisle). Blazers were celebrating 50 years and it was 70's Night since they were playing the 76ers, whom they beat for their NBA championship in 1976-77.
