I know the lines at the concessions stand were long. I know that we were worried that the home team might lose.

I know, I know, I know about the problems. But let me take some time to be a Pollyanna about the first Saturday evening at the TCF Stadium.

All that maroon and gold walking everywhere on the University of Minnesota campus was as exciting as the game days my husband and I have spent in Madison, Wis., and Columbus, Ohio. The campus was a magical kingdom for a few hours.

And how about how lucky we were to be sitting in a section that housed several Air Force fans? The competition was hearty but respectful and just plain fun. What great young men and women those Air Force "kids" are.

How about the band? Such precision, so well-prepared, so energetic. They pumped up the fans and set the stage for the game.

The introduction of the "special" people was touching and so right. All of them were deserving of the recognition and it was so sweet as we acknowledged the children and one brother of those who were standing in for those being honored. It was quite a reminder of the Minnesota legends.

How very fortunate we were to have been part of history, to have been a part of the exuberant crowd at that first game, to have the memory, now, of a most wonderful evening.

I wish the Gophers a marvelous season and the fans the time of their lives.

RITA DALZELL, PARK RAPIDS, MINN.