Sunday was a beautiful day in London, so we started of by going to a new pub for lunch before the game.  The pub, Garden Gate has a very large garden, imagine that, and it was packed.  There were quite a few tables reserved for the Sunday Roast.  We found a table and split a hamburger for lunch.  The Roasts that were coming out looked delicious.  So we will definitely have to go back and reserve a spot. 

We took off early for Wembley because we had to pick up our tickets and to see what was going on around the stadium.  We were not the only people that had this idea.  There were plenty of Raider fans in full regalia, and we got Sue’s photo with one.  We went into the stadium about an hour and half before the 18:00 game time.  Our seats were in the fourth row in the end zone, because they were the cheapest.  There were players from both teams warming up on the pitch.  These guys are BIG!  The pre-game was well choreographed.  Def Lepard (blokes from Sheffield) were the musical entertainment and the Raider cheerleaders, the Raiderettes added the dancing and there were flames and fireworks.  I don’t know if this ever happens at European Football matches.  The game did start on time, it was on TV afterall.  The game started well, the Raiders took the opening kickoff and marched down the field and scored.  I think the Raiders held the Dolphins to a fieldgoal on their first possession.  But it was all Dolphins after that.  It was 24-7 at half time when we left.  We might have stayed if the game had been interesting, but the Raiders were pretty dreadful.  I should add that by game time the stadium was basically full.  We were surprised that more people weren’t leaving the game.  But I guess even if they were not a die-hard fan of either team, they paid enough that they were going to get there monies worth.  By the time we got home and turned on the TV it was in the 4^th quarter and it was 38-7!  The Raiders eventually scored a meaningless TD, we were glad we left.

Today it is a little more shopping and then tomorrow we are getting back on the painting quest.  We are scheduled to see eight more paintings this week.  Then Sunday Hannah and Steve arrive.  

Sept 28 2014 Wembly Stadium