Spoiled! {BYU Football}

We have gone to our share of BYU football games and have always loved them. When we were students, we got the All-Sport pass that gave us access to the student section at football games. When we moved back to Utah in 2010, we went to several games with the Olsons while we lived in Layton, and then we got season passes for a couple of years when we moved to Provo. Since we have always been financially conservative (cheap!) all of those seats have been the least expensive we could find. They were usually high in the nosebleed section of the south end zone. But guess what? We still had a great time! We definitely didn't know what we were missing, and there may be no going back after this...

Jonathon and his graduate student started their own business in November of 2018. After a lot of work, research, and meetings, they finally secured an angel investor company. The company goes around looking for businesses to help get off the ground by providing training, legal advice, and financial capital. One day, out of the blue, one of Jonathon's investors called him up and offered him premium tickets to the BYU vs New Mexico State game on November 17th. We said "yes" because we love BYU football, but also because it was a cool opportunity to be spoiled.

They gave us four tickets, so we tried to invite a couple of different people to go with us, but they all had other plans. In the end, we asked Aaron and Audrey if they would like to upgrade their student seats and come with us. They were as excited as we were!

Our tickets entitled us to a fancy dinner before the game. We were given a bracelet that would get us into the venue, but we had no idea where we were supposed to go. We wandered around through the different booths and tents outside the stadium for quite some time. Nobody seemed to know where the dinner was. Finally, we were directed to a room inside the stadium under the west stands called the "Cougar Room." It was huge and filled with comfy couches, enormous television screens, and tables to eat at. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by people handing out free BYU shirts. They were really cool shirts, and we knew we were in for a treat!

We found our table and greeted the other people that were seated there. One of them was one of Jonathon's investors with his wife, and the rest were other people that they had invited. Throughout the meal I was struck by how relatable everyone was, even though I knew they were wealthy beyond my wildest dreams. They were eager to get to know us and were so willing to offer their help and advice. They made us feel included and important. In fact, there were several moments during the conversation when everyone at the table was totally captivated listening to Jonathon as he described his research.

What a wonderful experience it must be to have plenty of money and be able to use it for good! I'm fully aware of the pitfalls that can come with wealth, but it can also be used to bless so many lives. If we are ever wealthy, I hope that we can spread so much cheer and good will.

The meal itself was amazing with turkey, salmon, roast, potatoes, salads, rolls, and tons of drink options. They also had a hot chocolate bar throughout the evening. When the game started, we headed to our seats. They were about 15 rows up, right in the middle of the field. As I looked ahead, I was staring right down the 50 yard line. I have never had that view from a game and probably never will again. At our seats was a little cooler with a king-size candy bar, two bottles of water, and a coupon for a free cougar tail donut.

The game was a blowout by the Cougars, but it was still super enjoyable because it was a completely different experience than I have ever had. We could see the player's faces, hear the coaches talk, and watch the plays develop. Watching the game from that position was way better than watching it on television.

At half time, we all went back to the Cougar Room where they served amazing dessert. I had molten lava cake, but everything looked simply divine. They also had containers of popcorn as we arrived and tons of snacks and candy in the center of each table. We were stuffed full, but they encouraged us to take some stuff home for our kids, so we did.

We went back out to the stands for the last half of the game that we eventually won 45-10. We all had the best time! We felt totally spoiled and were so grateful to have the opportunity. Aaron will graduate in May, so this was his last football game as a student. That made it especially memorable.

I'm sure we will go to lots more football games in our lives, but this was one we will never forget!