Most Chicago sports fans couldn’t bid 2024 an adieu quickly enough. While there is hope that things will be better in 2025, there are no guarantees. (Say it like Emeril).

Due to quirks in the calendar and schedules, we’ve got the usual college football bowl games over the next two days. However, because of the playoff system, these games take on added importance.

Once again, the NHL has taken advantage of the holidays and the STL Blues visit the Blackhawks for another outdoor classic at Wrigley Field. On intrepid writer suggested that the Cubs will probably play four or five games in colder April weather. Putting that aside, is attending an outdoor NHL game on your bucket list? And on NYE?

Like most people my age, New Year’s Day is just another day on the calendar which isn’t to say that I haven’t enjoyed 40+ years watching college football games at relatives’ houses. Other than some very early USC victories in the Rose Bowl, I don’t recall many of the games’ specifics and not because there weren’t some great games, but because I never had a horse in any of those races. I enjoyed being with family and friends and watching them get all worked up for their teams.

I’ve also been fortunate enough to attend a few college basketball games on NYE over the years. Because I had a vested interest in those games, I remember the specifics 30+ years later.

As recently as 3 weeks ago, I considered making the 3-hour drive to Indy for a NY day, college basketball game in suburban Indy. When I saw tipoff was 5:30 p.m. I realized it wasn’t feasible-especially as I am working a 3:00-9 p.m. shift tonight.

Over the years, I’ve been able to work on NYE and NY day, so someone else could enjoy the night. In the case of pizza delivery (two years), it was about the cash. Hospitals and hotels don’t shut down for something as insignificant as holidays. While driving home late at night wasn’t optimal, there was a certain unmatched vibe in the hospitality industry-although checking out surly/hungover guests wasn’t fun or rewarding.

Anyone that’s ever gone out on the eve knows that restaurants and bars goose up the prices on “package deals” and that service often suffers. Besides, who wants to be on the streets with a bunch of (potentially) drunk drivers.

So, from a sports fan perspective, what is the ideal way to spend the next two days? If price were no object and assembling the people you want to spend the time with wasn’t an issue, how would you enjoy the days?

Have a Happy and safe NYE, however you do it!