Vast, empty lots, and a quest for fun

The first thing I thought of when I saw the vast, empty parking lots surrounding the complex featuring Jobing.com Arena and the University of Phoenix football stadium was … Wally World.

That’s right.

The lots here look exactly the same as the ones from “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” I could totally picture the Griswald family sprinting in slow motion through the vast emptiness on their elusive quest for fun.

Well, the lots were anything but empty for Game 1, and a good number of the people filling up the spaces — and the arena seats — were wearing Blackhawks colors.

Folks like Josh Rutherford of Chicago, who was in town visiting family and decided to get tickets to attend the opener with his girlfriend.

Then there was Brian Hentschel, who was born and raised in Arlington Heights before moving to Lincolnshire.

Hentschel, who now lives in San Diego, made the five-hour drive with his daughter Addison just to see their Blackhawks. And they plan on being back Saturday for Game 2.

Now that’s a quest for fun.

— Mike Spellman