Ventured out to Raley Field to check out the Mountain Lions' opener Friday night – shocked the United Football League is still in business after the 2011 debacle – and came away with mixed feelings.
It's hard to get excited about players we've never heard of, many of whom met little more than a week ago. OK, we know quarterback Josh Johnson played four years in the NFL and was a late cut by the 49ers last month, and we know backup running back JD Washington has a famous pops, but beyond them?
Don't expect too many fans to require their fiancées to pass a Mountain Lions quiz before getting married.
The announced attendance of 8,023 seems like a reach, though certainly not as much as last year's announced (wink-wink) sellouts.
Though it's odd seeing a football field dropped into a baseball park, Raley Field is far more fan-friendly than Hornet Field was, and the crowd seemed to enjoy the atmosphere.
For as little as $8, spectators get real concessions – with a variety of food and drinks – real restrooms, little or no lines and plenty of room to roam.
We spent part of the game in the beer garden – 16 choices on tap! – hanging along the railing just yards from the end zone, admiring the view of the game – and the Tower Bridge, the Ziggurat and Sacramento beyond – on a beautiful fall evening.
Though the football won't be mistaken for the NFL, or even major colleges, the Mountain Lions offer another entertainment option.
Raley Field has been a great venue for minor league baseball – and now for minor league football, too.
What to watch
NFL, all day: 49ers-Jets at 10 a.m. (FOX40), Raiders-Broncos at 1:05 p.m. (Ch. 13) and Giants-Eagles at 5:20 p.m. (Ch. 3).
Today's poll
Which team will more likely make it to the World Series?
• Giants
• A's
• Both
• Neither
Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Friday's results
Who is to blame for the controversy over the replacement refs?
• Replacement refs: 8%
• Greed of regular refs: 20%
• Roger Goodell: 60%
• The media: 12%
Total votes: 303
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