It’s worth the wait: Prized tickets cause Indians fans to line up

Published 9:49 pm Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Battling hornets, ants and rain was all part of the experience while waiting in line Wednesday for tickets to sit on the Port Neches-Groves side of the Bum Philips Bowl, scheduled for Friday.

Susan Bean was one of the first in line for tickets, arriving around 10 a.m. to claim her spot. By 3 p.m., six people had begun to claim their spots in line behind her.

“There’s going to be a long line,” she said. “There always is. It’s not the first time. I’m actually surprised there isn’t a bigger line yet. It’s part of the process. This is fun. The later at night it gets, the more fun it gets.”

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Bean said this was her fourth or fifth year to wait in line for tickets to the rivalry game involving Nederland High School and nearby Port Neches-Groves High School.

“We had to go buy some bug killer because the ants were really bad,” she said.

Bean said she has grandchildren that play on a select softball team where players from Nederland, Port Neches and Groves play together.

“We’re all friends and family, except this one night and this week,” Bean said,  laughing.

Kristine Brucia was also waiting in line for the coveted tickets and
working as acting pest control agent, swatting and killing hornets swarming the area.

“I’m going to charge the school for this work,” she said jokingly. “For me, the fun part is the momentum that is built up behind it. I think the greatest thing after the game, not matter who wins, is them getting the trophy.”

Last year, the Bulldogs beat the then undefeated Indians by going for a two-point conversion on the last play of the game. This year, the Bulldogs are undefeated, but she said she does not see this as a revenge game.

“I think both teams have a good record this year,” she said. “I think it will be a great game.”

Bean said she is looking forward to the game, because of how much it means to her grandson.

“He lives for this game,” Bean said. “He lives to watch this game. This is the highlight of his year. That’s why we do it. That’s why we stay in line. He goes to Nederland, but he’s an Indian. His momma married a Bulldog, but he is always asking if the Indians play.”

Tickets go on sale at 7 a.m. Thursday at the ticket booth in front of Indian Stadium.