Royalty is returning to Motown in December to see the Red Wings & the Pistons!

Here's the game plan:

The King & I are flying to Detroit on Delta Airlines. We leave LaGuardia Airport on Saturday, December 8th at 6AM Eastern Time. We're scheduled to land in Motown at 8:06AM Eastern Time if we're not delayed for any reason. Upon arrival, I'm renting a car from Payless Car Rental for the weekend. Sunday night we're flying home. Our flight departs at 9:49PM Eastern Time & is scheduled to land at LaGuardia Airport at 11:44PM Eastern Time.      

Saturday December 8th South Carolina Gamecocks at Michigan Wolverines 12 Noon       
                                                                         
                                         Islanders at Red Wings 7PM

Sunday December 9th  Pelicans at Pistons 3:30PM

If you're interested in going on this exclusive getaway royalty style just let me know so I can arrange to have you join us.

It's going to be a blast so why not come for a "royal" ride.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty is going to Motown in January to see Little Caesars Arena to join Club 123!

Here's the game plan:

The King & I are flying to Detroit on American Airlines. We leave LaGuardia Airport on Saturday, January 20th at 8:30AM Eastern Time. We're scheduled to land in Motown at 10:44AM Eastern Time if we're not delayed for any reason. Upon arrival, I'm renting a car from Avis for the weekend. Monday morning we're taking a flight home on American Airlines. Our flight departs at 6:15AM Eastern Time & is scheduled to land at LaGuardia Airport at 8:08AM Eastern Time.      

Saturday January 20th Ohio Bobcats at Eastern Michigan Eagles 2PM       
                                                                         
                                       Hurricanes at Red Wings 7PM

Sunday January 21st Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Wolverines 12 Noon
                                                 
                                    Nets at Pistons 4PM

If you're interested in going on this exclusive getaway royalty style just let me know so I can arrange to have you join us.

It's going to be a blast so why not come for a "royal" ride.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty meets up with Paul Swaney of Stadium Journey in Detroit!

Me & Paul Swaney, co-founder of Stadium Journey 

After Domish and I left Cleveland Saturday night, we drove to Rossford, Ohio which is just south of Toledo. We spent the night there at Knights Inn.

By doing so we were within an hour from Detroit, Michigan we had a big day of events lined up.

On the way there, we stopped off for breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Monroe, Michigan which was halfway to Motown. We had a tremendous breakfast that started a very memorable day for us.

When we were done, we got back in the car and we drove to downtown Detroit which is located off of I-75. I was going to Ford Field to see the Detroit Lions play the Chicago Bears while Domish was going to Joe Louis Arena to see a college hockey game. He saw Michigan play Michigan State in the third place game of the Great Lakes Invitational Tournament. He got a general admission ticket at the box office for $10.

Before the game, he went to get something to eat at Lafayette Coney Island, which is known for their coney dogs. While he was there, he spoke to a few people. Ironically they turned out to be the parents of Nick Williams who plays hockey in the FHL for the 1,000 Islands Privateers.

We parked the car on the street within walking distance of Ford Field and we walked over to Brush and Adams Street which is right between Comerica Park and Ford Field. Upon arrival, we met up with Paul Swaney, co-founder of Stadium Journey, which is the website that reviews sports venues all over the country and the world. I'm happy to say I'm a special correspondent for his site.

Last year when the NHL decided they were going to have their next Winter Classic in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the Big House which is the home of the Michigan Wolverines on New Year's Day, I planned to go. Ironically that's now where Paul Swaney calls home these days. Paul grew up in Traverse City, Michigan. He then moved to Chicago. Now he resides in Ann Arbor. As time went on, I looked forward to finally meeting Paul who I was introduced to by my pal Andrew Van Cleve back in May 2010 via e-mail. Paul and I have been in constant contact since on a friendly basis as well as on business related ideas and future plans for his site.

When the NHL decided to lock out and ultimately they cancelled the Winter Classic, I told Paul I was coming to Detroit anyway. I wanted to meet him so that was top priority for making this trip. When I was in Chicago a few times over the past few years, Paul was away so we never got to meet up. With that being said, I was determined to do so this time. I told him regardless I was coming and true to my word I made it happen.

We wound up meeting up at 11:45AM. We shook hands and gave each other some much deserved love. Shortly thereafter, I had some business to take care of. Paul decided to join me for the Lion game. He told me he was counting on me to get us tickets for a reasonable price. As the game day got closer, I thought for sure it wasn't going to be that tough of a ticket. Well I was in for a rude awakening. Despite the Lions being so bad this season, they were playing the Chicago Bears who started the season 7-1. They came to Detroit with a 9-6 record and they needed to win plus they needed other teams to lose in order for them to make the playoffs. With that being said, I thought getting in wouldn't be that difficult. Unfortunately I knew a good number of Bear fans would show up but I still thought we could get in without a problem. As the clock ticked, people kept walking by. I asked furiously if anybody had any extra tickets. One guy had a handicapped seat early on for $81 which was face value. I told him no because I didn't want to spend that much since I didn't think this game was worth it. Little did I know, it was going to be such a hassle. Much to my chagrin, other people were looking for $100 a ticket as time went on. It was frustrating to say the least. Finally around 12:45PM, I saw someone who had an extra ticket. I told them I'll give them $20 for it. Thankfully they took it. It wound up having a $35 face value. One down, one to go. I thought I would find another person with an extra ticket before the game started. Unfortunately, I wasn't so lucky. I was really upset because I very rarely get into a game late unless I get stuck in a traffic jam. Time went on, less and less people were coming towards the gate to enter the stadium. Luckily around 1:15PM, three people came along and they had an extra ticket. It had a $55 face value on it. I reluctantly told them I'll give them $40 for it because Paul said he was willing to pay that much for a ticket. I would have offered them less for it but a scalper was trying to get it too after I made the initial contact with them. I wanted to get inside so badly. Thankfully they took the $40 and we headed in. Paul went in first with his camera. He got in relatively easily. As for me, I was given a very hard time by a lady who was working security at the gate. She gave me hell after all the aggravation I had just to find a few tickets to get in. This was the last thing I needed. I vowed to never come back to Ford Field. I was that upset on how she treated me.

Finally I caught up with Paul and we went to find seats together so we can sit and watch the rest of the game. The Lions just scored to make it 3-0 on a 44 yard field goal by Jason Hanson with 5:54 left in the first quarter which capped off a nine play 65 yard drive as we got into the building.

As for seats, Paul & I wound up finding some empty ones in the last row of the lower level in the end zone despite the fact the stadium was pretty packed. After I finished blowing off steam from the horrible experience I had, I was finally able to sit and relax. After a false start, Paul and I got to enjoy the game and each other's company. He told me he was glad I got everything off my chest. I was really upset. I thought that was very nice of him. I knew from our constant contact he was truly a kind and caring human being. I'm happy to say I was right.

As for the rest of the game we saw, the Bears scored 20 unanswered points before the Lions added a touchdown with 12 seconds to go before halftime which cut the Bears' lead to 20-10 at the intermission. In the third quarter, the Lions got within three at 20-17 with 6:31 to go. The Bears extended their lead to 23-17 with 1:49 left as kicker Olindo Mare booted a 28 yard field goal. He split the uprights again with 10:47 to go in the fourth quarter to make it 26-17. The Lions gave the Bears a scare as they caught a 9 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brian Robiskie from quarterback Matthew Stafford with 6:55 left in the game.

Fortunately for the Bears, they held off the Lions for the 26-24 victory. Unfortunately they didn't get the necessary help they needed from other teams as they wound up out of the playoffs.

After the game, Paul and I went to R.U.B. BBQ Pub which is located a few blocks away from Ford Field for a post game meal. We both ordered a half a rack of  mouthwatering St. Louis ribs. In addition, we had some great side dishes as well. Paul went with their jalapeno cornbread and macaroni & cheese while I chose cole slaw and broccoli.  It turned out to be an excellent dining choice. I strongly suggest if you like southern style food that you give them a try if and when you happen to be in Motown.

Stay tuned for another special post that will recap the next leg of the getaway.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty meets up with Rick Morris in his mobile FDH Lounge at Cracker Barrel in Twinsburg, Ohio!

The King, Rick Morris and I

After driving back from Detroit to head towards Washington D.C. on Friday night, we stopped off for a late night snack at Steak N Shake in Brooklyn, Ohio which was about 20 miles from the Super 8 we were staying at in Twinsburg, Ohio off I-480 Exit 36.

As many of you know back on January 18th, I had the privilege and honor of being interviewed by Rick Morris on Internet TV in the FDH Lounge. It was the 4th anniversary of his show at the time. The audio is posted right here on my blog for your listening pleasure. Please allow some time if you want to listen because it's 37 minutes long.

I've stayed in contact with Rick since I was on the show and I told him I was planning to be back in Cleveland on July 27th for the Indian game against the Angels at 12:05PM.

Rick tried his best to get the day off from his day job but his boss told him no. That was too bad. To add insult to injury, Ervin Santana of the Angels pitched a no-hitter. Even though it was against the Indians, Rick was still upset that he missed a chance to witness history. We had him there with us in spirit though.

Despite the unfortunate way things turned out that Wednesday afternoon, I told Rick beforehand that I had a plan B in place. I knew Rick didn't live terribly far from where we were staying in Twinsburg.

In addition, I know that area well from many years of experience on the road. I knew there was a Cracker Barrel up the road from the Super 8.

I arranged to have Rick meet us for breakfast so he could talk to the King and I as well as our new sports traveler Paul Derrick.

Rick was more than happy to make some time to join Royalty.

We got to catch up on things and we discussed our bigger and better plans for the future. With Rick's aid, I see Royalty taking off fast and furiously in the public eye.

Rick is fascinated by our story and he has positioned it to his network of contacts that he has. They are very interested in getting involved to back us up.

I feel thrilled and honored to go forward with this brilliant idea.

In the upcoming months, I plan to be in constant contact with these special people to help make this a reality.
As Rick says and I quote "you guys are living the dream." Now I want to take it to the next level as we'll decide what the best way is to market how we live the life of royalty.

Stay tuned as this amazing opportunity starts to unfold.

Furthermore, check back for the wrap up of this memorable week of sports travel as it comes to an end after many months of planning.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty goes to Motown to see the Tigers play!

View from lower level at Comerica Park

After having a "Frickin" good time, we continued on our way to Detroit to see the Tigers play at Comerica Park.

Over the years, I've always had to drive quite a distance to see a Tiger home game. This time was no different. Back in the day, it was always worth going to the corner of Trumbull Street and Michigan Ave. where there once stood a baseball cathedral. It was known as Navin Field when it first opened in 1912 then it was referred to as Briggs Stadium in 1938 then in 1960 it was called Tiger Stadium. In the mortal words of the late great Tiger radio announcer Ernie Harwell, it's "long gone."

Nowadays going to a Tiger game is nothing like it used to be. Comerica Park in my eyes is the worst of the new modern ballparks that have been built.

They did a very nice job honoring the storied history of the Tiger franchise though. I always give credit where it's due.

But as far as watching the game goes, the intimacy here is totally lost in this cavernous ballpark. The seating area is so pushed back especially on the lower level and it's seems very far away which is typical of any of these modern buildings these days.

Don't get me wrong, Tiger Stadium had a lot of bad seats and obstructed views too but when you sat upstairs behind home plate, you felt like you could reach out and touch the batter you were that close to them especially in the last season of 1999 when they removed the screen from behind the plate which was right above the press box.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to go there know exactly what I'm talking about. For those who are too young or for whatever reason didn't get there, I feel for you. You missed out on an amazing experience.
As for the game we saw, the Tigers beat up the Angels, 12-2. No history on this night from the Halos just an old fashioned butt whipping.

Stay tuned as this journey heads towards its end but there are still some good stories still to be told.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty is hitting the road hard at the end of July with special guest and roadtripper, Paul Derrick!

Over the years, the King and I and numerous others have made some of the most memorable and unique sports road trips you can ever imagine.

Unfortunately we have the misfortune of holding down full time jobs which limits the time we get to go away.
With that being said, we always maximize the time off we have to the fullest. Like everybody else we play the cards we're dealt.

We've never seen all the parks and/or stadiums in the same year and we may never get to do it.

As an alternative, we do things differently than most people. We do it the royal way.

The King loves to maximize the number of games he sees each and every day of the year.

I prefer to see as much quality as possible. In other words, the more places we can see in a short period of time the better even if it means giving up a "number" if you will.

Well back in January, I got in contact with a young man named Paul Derrick who lives in Houston, Texas.
He saw my blog and he was totally amazed. He decided to pick my brain. I told him please feel free to do so. He told me and I quote "be careful what you wish for." He refers to me as his "sports travel idol."

On July 22nd, my wish and his dream will come true. He's flying in from Houston aka H-Town as people like to call it to the Big Apple aka New York City. For the record, he was here a few years ago in 2009 and he went to Citi Field and Yankee Stadium.

The initial seed will be planted upon his arrival. Time will tell how much it will grow.

Paul is an up and coming sports traveler. He did time in the Army and he has spent time in different parts of the world. Now he wants to pursue his love for sports to go along with his love for travel here in North America.

As far as I'm concerned, he couldn't have found a better pair of people in the King and I to show him the way on how it's done. With our experience and know how, Paul will be a pro in no time.

We're going to embark on a journey to parts of the country that he's never been to before. The King and I on the other hand are masters of this territory. He's going to be in for a real treat.

He's an overview of the game plan that I have set up for us:

We're going to see 13 baseball games in 9 days in 13 different ballparks. 8 major league games and 5 minor league games. We'll be driving and stopping off in 10 different states along the way.

Here's how it will go as long as mother nature cooperates:

Friday July 22nd Athletics at Yankees 7:05PM

Saturday July 23rd Cardinals at Pirates 7:05PM

Sunday July 24th Angels at Orioles 1:35PM

                           Trenton Thunder at Bowie Bay Sox 6:05PM

Monday July 25th Padres at Phillies 1:05PM 

                            Potomac Nationals at Wilmington Blue Rocks 7:05PM

Tuesday July 26th Mets at Reds 7:05PM

Wednesday July 27th Angels at Indians 12:05PM

                                 Aberdeen Ironbirds at Jamestown Jammers 7:05PM

Thursday July 28th SI Yankees at Batavia Muckdogs 11:05AM

                              Hudson Valley Renegades at Auburn Doubledays 7:05PM

Friday July 29th Angels at Tigers 7:05PM

Saturday July 30th Mets at Nationals 7:05PM

I'm renting a car for 9 days and I plan to drive around 3,400 miles give or take.

Stay tuned for the aftermath of this "royal experience on the road."

Since I can't text while I drive. Paul is going to be my guest blogger for this trip. He''s not just going for the ride, I'm putting him to work too. Since he loves to write like me it will be a thrill for him to document this special excursion.

As I like to say we give you royal treatment and an education too.

Wait and see what Paul has to say when this adventure is all said and done.

If you want to be a part of the story, let me know and I'll arrange to have you meet up with us along the way.

Paul and I have been in constant contact writing each other back and forth since January. Everything I told him will come true and then some. That's a promise. Wait and see. My talk is not cheap, it's priceless.

For more details about Paul, please feel free to check out his sports travel blog. It's on my blog list under his name and it's called Sporting Puma. He's still a rookie right now. When he returns home to H-Town, he's going to be like the King and I, a seasoned vet.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Super Fan Chris Coats got plenty of royal treatment while he was in NYC!

Chris Coats

When baseball season was getting ready to start, I got an e-mail from one of the biggest Kansas City Royal fans I know.

This one was from a young man named Chris Coats. He's been traveling around the country the last four years watching his Royals play. In addition, he goes to all their home games. He has gotten quite a following as a result. He's known as "Super Fan" back home.

He wears all kinds of Royal gear from head to toe as he roots his hometown team on where ever he sees them play home or away. He usually wears his cape so he can live up to his nickname.

When he told me he was coming to NYC in the middle of May, I got all excited. The one and only time he came here was back in June 2007 when he saw the Royals play in Old Yankee Stadium.

This time he came to see the new one. Chris is a great kid who knows how to listen to me. Just like I did four years ago when he was here, I guided him along every step of the way if you will so he could maximize his time and minimize his cost during his visit here in the Big Apple.

He got to experience the absolute best royalty has to offer. I gave him his options and he made some wise decisions. He even took a "Great Adventure" while he was here.

He was very grateful for all my assistance along the way. He was kind enough to give me a ride home from the subway before he left NYC for good this time so he could head out towards Detroit where he was spending the weekend seeing the Royals play.

He picked the right time to come to new Yankee Stadium as his Royals took two out of three from the Bronx Bombers for the first time since 1999.

He witnessed history as the Royals top prospect Eric Hosmer hit his first major league home run and for good measure he saw his second one too.

More importantly, he got to enjoy royal treatment again as I made sure he got out of the Stadium alive. Ironically, former Royal player and now broadcaster was wondering how he was going to get out of the Stadium. Chris is very respectful and he doesn't look for trouble. He got laughed it by some Yankee fans along the way but in the end he wound up getting the last laugh as the Royals won the series.

I plan to go to Kansas City again over Labor Day weekend if things go as I have them planned out tentatively speaking. If indeed that happens, I expect to see Chris and some other great people I know from the Heartland.

Let me know when you want to get a sample of royalty that way I do a special post about you.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty is going to Detroit Rock City in November!

In November, Royalty will be doing a Motown weekend.

The game plan is as follows:

The King and our friend, Frank Anichiarico will be joining us as we go head to Detroit to see Frank's beloved Lions and our Jets play that weekend and then some.

Saturday, November 6th we have a flight booked on Delta Airlines that departs NY LaGuardia Airport at 6:05AM Eastern Time and it's scheduled to land in Detroit, Michigan at 8:01AM Eastern Time.

Upon arrival, I'll be renting a car and we're going to drive to East Lansing to see the Michigan State Spartans play the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers  in a college football game that hopefully kicks off at Noon local time. Please note the game time is still listed as TBA.

In addition, the University of Illnois plays Michigan at the Big House that day too. That game time is also TBA. We've been there done that. But if somebody wants to go there let me know. I'll drop you off in Ann Arbor and pick you up.

After the college football game, we have a minor league hockey game in nearby Toledo, Ohio. The Toledo Walleye of the ECHL host the Kalamazoo Wings at 7PM that night. That makes for a convenient doubleheader assuming the football game is an early start.

Sunday, November 7th, we'll be back in Detroit at Ford Field to see the Detroit Lions take on the Jets. Kickoff is scheduled for 1PM local time.

After the game, we're driving 30 miles North on I-75 to Auburn Hills to see some NBA action. The Golden State Warriors with ex-Knick David Lee are in town to play the Detroit Pistons at 6PM.

Monday, November 8th we'll be flying home. Our flight on Delta Airlines departs Detroit at 7:25AM Eastern Time and lands at LaGuardia at 9:17AM Eastern Time. Upon arrival, I'm off to work.

Please feel free to check back for all the details of how it turned out.

If you want to join us, please let me know so I can arrange to make it happen.

Thank you for reading.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman