I was on the Pike, driving home from delivering my niece to the Alewife T stop, when I came to the 495 exit, and I thought, “Well, I’m here, so why not.” I turned on to 495-South and made my way via Route 1 to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, arriving at noon, kickoff time for the UMass-Vanderbilt game. Here’s the view from the parking lot.

I didn’t have a ticket, but there was a brisk business at the Box Office, and after having my pack searched and being body-scanned (I’m not sure if this is a new thing), I made my way to my seat in Section 108 (Row 29, Seat 11).

Here’s a view of the scoreboard to my left.

I had a good seat, I thought, and managed a few action shots.

The Commodore team is in gold and white, and the Minutemen are wearing black, but I can’t tell who has the ball for this play.

The Minuteman Marching Band performed at half-time.

The band directors stand on small platforms, as you can see in this shot.

Here’s a close-up of one of the baton-twirlers.

During the second half, the Commodores eventually overpowered the Minutemen.

Vanderbilt fans sat in a section on the opposite side of the field. Here’s their mascot cheering on the team in this shot below.  By the way, I’m an alum of the Graduate School, 1981.

The final score was Vanderbilt 24, UMass 7.

I didn’t know what to expect in terms of the weather, and although it remained cloudy most of the afternoon, it didn’t rain.  I’m glad we didn’t have full sun though, because I was warm enough in a T-shirt and jeans.   This was my first UMass football game, and I must say that I enjoyed it.  For a full recap of the game, click on this UMass Athletics Department link.