Arsenal v Fiorentina @ Bank Of America Stadium

When it was announced that Arsenal were coming the Charlotte, there was never a question of If we were going, but where were we going to sit.  Tickets went on sale early in the year so it was the perfect birthday present for the twins in April.  We just hoped they could wait it out.

It was well over 90 degrees game day, so I can't tell you how happy I am how the day panned out.  Thanks to a neighbor, we got a parking spot close-ish to the stadium and we walked through the Fan Fest at Romare Bearden Park, where the boys got a couple of fake tattoo's, and soaked in the atmosphere.  The family got to pose in front to the 2004 Invincible's trophy.  We were near the stage when they bought out Arsenal's Rob Holding and 2 of Leland's favorites, Hector Bellerin and Pierre Aubamayang.  His head almost exploded.  We then marched the 3 block to the BofA stadium with the Arsenal Supporter's club which definitely had the crowd pumped.

Unfortunately the atmosphere inside the ground didn't live up to the pre-game hype.  While we had some excellent seats in the shade the whole game and near the air-conditioned concession area, we looked across to a near empty east side of the stadium, where folks must have roasted in the blistering heat.  Also I'm not sure Fiorentina was a big drawcard for Charlotte.  I saw more Liverpool, Man U and Chelsea shirts than Fiorentina's.  Initially Arsenal was supposed to play Roma, but they had to withdraw to qualify for the Europa League.  Though I'd not seen so many Arsenal shirts since we went to Highbury in 2005.

The game was entertaining with Arsenal dominating.  Not sure how those players survived out there but I'm sure they were appreciative of the many substitutions that were aloud.  While Arsenal looked shaky at the back at times, going forward was aggressive and fun to watch.  A deserved victory for the Gunners.

I love that these games come to Charlotte each year, and already looking forward to seeing who'll play next year.  Whoever it is, we'll be watching from the same shaded seats.

Arsenal 3 (E. Nketiah 15, 65, J. Willock 89) v Fiorentina 0

Crowd: 34,902

Courtney Barnett @ NC Museum Of Art

Not since my Tumbleweed fix back at home last year have I had my fix of Australian rock until tonight.  Courtney Barnett is someone who has been on my bucket list since I heard her first album Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit.  With Raleigh being her closest playing spot to us, we took advantage of Mum being here and Amy & I spent a night up in Raleigh.

We didn't get up to Raleigh until early evening and picked the nearest sushi restaurant for dinner.  Sushi Thai is this non-descript restaurant in a strip mall between the Double Tree and the Venue that we walked into and were completely taken aback by.  The place was packed, there were a million take away orders waiting and we were seated at one of the most ornate tables I'd ever sat at.  Obviously the food was fantastic as we munched through some sushi and appetizers.

Unfortunately this made us arrive at the NC Museum of Art after the opening act had begun.  The beautiful outdoor amphitheater was already full of people and we listened to Quinn Christopherson's last 2 songs as we wandered to the far side of the venue to set up shop at the side of the stage.  This venue is amazing.  Great views from most points and in a wonderful setting where relaxed security lead to a relaxed, respectful (of the venue, its boundaries and its performers) crowd.

Barnett and her band stepped on stage to a thunderous welcome at 9.15 and launched into Hopefulessness.  Sitting side stage was a new concert going experience for me.  But line of sight was good, and the sound was terrific where we were and we spent as much time watching the crowd as we did the band.  Avant Gardner was my first familiar song of the night and one that got the crowd started.  It wasn't until Small Poppies half way into the set that the band dipped into songs from that much loved first album.  Depreston was the great crowd sing-along, but Elevator Operator was the song that got everyone moving.  And Pedestrian At Best to finish the set was amazing.  Such a great song.  It definitely left everyone on a high.

Amy & I packed up the blanket and walked to a more central spot to see the encore.  On her own, Barnett sang her Kurt Vile duet song, Let It Go, before the band returned to finish 2 more songs.  Funny that the sound was better side stage than just behind the mixing desk.  Still a great show overall, in a wonderful venue (we may come back for John Butler Trio later this month).  I'm glad we got to see this great Australian singer/songwriter and I hope things get bigger and better for Barnett and her band.  

The Crap Facts:
This is my 455th concert.
NC Museum Of Art is the 125th venue I've seen a concert.

Raleigh is the 52nd city I've seen a concert.

This is my 91st concert in North Carolina.

This is my 258th concert in the USA.
Courtney Barnett is the 528th band I've seen.