The Weekend I Won't Forget

Alternate Title: How Garth Won Best Husband of the Year. 

I have wanted to go to a Kenny Chesney concert since forever. I've been a fan of him for years and every year I plan on going... until I see the ticket prices.Then I regret it every year. 

I just can't pay $120 for one ticket. That is just highway robbery. I knew the concert was the 17th and we had already made plans with friends so I wasn't even thinking about it. I would go "someday." I reasoned. 

Thursday evening Garth nonchalantly told me not check our bank account. That was unusual. I knew something was off. "What are you up to?" I asked him about a million times. I knew I could break him. Garth is horrible at keeping secrets. He was holding his ground so I asked for a hint and he said it was on Saturday. That's when I knew. I blurted, "We're going to Kenny!!!" And he said no with a grin. I knew it. "What about Eric and Kirsten?" I asked and Garth just smiled and said they understood. I could barely contain my excitement. I talked about it all Friday and couldn't sleep Saturday morning because I was beyond excited.

Now, I think I should mention we were in the nosebleed section. I think our tickets were so cheap because a speaker was in our view, but it didn't bother me. I was at a Kenny Cheseny concert!!!! But more on that later...

We thought we would get to Detroit early so we left our house and arrived in the D around 3:00 p.m. (the concert was at 5:00). The city was booming and there were people EVERYWHERE. Apparently, people camp overnight for this concert so it was pretty packed out. We had to park in a parking structure for $40 (highway robbery!). We walked around the city and people watched. Oh my heavens. I knew there would be scandalously dressed women, but I did not expect the amount of drunk people. They were everywhere!

Since the city was packed and everything surrounding Ford Field and Comerica had long lines we walked for a bit until we found a restaurant that was not crazy busy. We settled on The Coach's Corner which was a cute little place with a great atmosphere and good food. This is where we saw four really drunk boys get on their table and moon the innocent restaurant goers. Never a dull moment!

It was crowded so by the time we drank our beer, ate our food and walked over to Ford Field it was time to go in and find our seats. This was our first time in Ford Field and it was very impressive. And very large. I read later that 42,000 people attended the concert. Insane.

First up was Kacey Musgraves and she was awesome. I am obsessed with her song Merry Go Round and I liked a lot of her other stuff. She is so talented with a really pretty voice. Her bubble blowing finale was cute and fitting to end her set. 

Next up was The Eli Young Band and they were also really good. I only knew two of their songs, but they were entertaining. 

During Eli's set we got a drink. I'm a big believer in getting the full experience. I knew the drinks were going to be crazy expensive, but "when in Rome," right? Garth got a beer and I had this awesome margarita. Actually, it was really sweet and I didn't drink much of it. But it was all about the experience so I'm glad I had it.

Okay, so next up was Eric Church. I liked a few of his songs, but didn't realize how many of his songs I actually knew. Also? Eric Church is an awesome entertainer. During his song "These Boots" he grabbed cowboy boots, autographed them, and gave them to fans. At another point of the show he poured two beers into his mouth resulting in mostly drenching himself. That drove the crowd wild. His finale song, Springsteen  was incredible. He had the crowd so pumped up that I think even he was surprised how into it everyone was. That is Garth and my song so were up on our feet dancing and singing with the whole stadium. So. Cool. It was definitely one of those moments I'll never forget.

While they were setting up for Kenny I got to talking to the lady next to us. Like me, she has always wanted to go to a Kenny concert and her son surprised her with tickets. We talked for a bit and when Kenny came on she grabbed my leg and whispered "This is it!" It was really sweet. 

Kenny did an awesome job. He sang all of my favorite songs and I sang right along with him. Hearing 42,000 other people sing along was beyond amazing. It was everything I hoped it would be. Kenny was so energetic running around the stage and dripping in sweat and singing his heart out. It was a night I will never forget and something I'm so glad I did. Garth had a blast as well, though Eric Church was his favorite of the evening. 

This article really captures the evening better than I could ever say it. The only con would be that we sat on the end which meant getting up a million times for people. Garth, bless his heart, was at the very end and had so many drunk people lost and needing directions back to their seat. It's a miracle that he didn't get any beer spilled on him considering how many drunkies stumbled up the stairs with their beer splashing back and forth in their cups. But I'm all about memories and this was a night that was chock full of memories Garth and I won't soon forget.