In spite of the rays upcoming demise, you found me, unc. Your up, bud.
The Teatro alla Scala (or La Scala, as it is known), in Milan, Italy, is one of the world's most famous opera houses. The theatre was inaugurated on 3 August 1778, under the name Nuovo Regio Ducal Teatro alla Scala with Salieri's Europa riconosciuta.
La Scala's season traditionally opens on 7 December, Saint Ambrose's Day, Milan's patron saint. Unlike the Phillies/Rays World Series Games, all performances must end before midnight; long operas start earlier in the evening if need be. Ticketholders are not allowed to enter after the performance has begun.
Bonus pic of typical Italian opera-fan. Jessica Alba is probably thinking of calling me at this intermission to tell me how much she missed me being at this great opera house with her...maybe next time, dear:
