One Direction Through The Lens of a 40-Year-Old Dad [VIDEO / PHOTOS]

One Direction packed TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis last night (7/26). The guys estimated the crowd to be over 50,000 strong (no official word on attendance). I was reluctant to go to the show in the first place. It was a long second half of the week for me at work, and a quiet night at home sounded perfect. My wife promised no repercussions if I didn't go, so it sounded like I was set to bachelor it while the ladies took off for the cities.

About fifteen minutes before the ladies were set to leave, I decided to go after all. When would I get the chance to see the four Irish / British lads from 1D in stadium setting again (and did it really matter that much to me)? I knew going in, that the stadium would be packed to the rafters with screaming tweens and parents forced to accompany their die-hard daughters (just like yours truly). "Directioners" bought tickets to this show last fall and have been planning this night for the better part of nine months.

Traffic came to a stop as we approached TCF Bank Stadium (in the heart of Dinky Town) and I was afraid I'd miss my reservations at my favorite Italian restaurant before the show. To be honest, that's the real reason I went in the first place. I could already taste their homemade meatballs and that was worth the trip all by itself. P.S. we did get to the restaurant by 6 pm and were out the door by 6:45 pm.

The ladies of Icona Pop opened the show at 7:00 pm with a forty-five minute hard hitting, dance intensive performance that featured the radio smash "I Love It" and the duos new single "Emergency." After about an hour wait, 1D took the stage at 8:40 pm to a grand opener complete with fireworks (see video below).

I'm glad I went. The guys put on an amazing show that lasted almost two hours long. They played over twenty songs (most of them hits off of their last four albums) and thanked not only the fans, but the PARENTS multiple times for spending their hard earned money to be there. The guys were very gracious and gave it 150% from start to finish. This dad is now a "Directioner" and look forward to hearing the groups new studio album (Liam said they are one song away from having it completed).

I have to admit, I did sing along with the songs I knew, and found myself waving my hands in the air like I just didn't car! The plus is I got to spend quality time with my daughter, her BFF, my wife and her BFF. Perfect night.

Oh, I also ran into Grace our Mix 94.9 ticket winner and her guest. They had awesome seats in section B row 14.

I had to take a "selfie" to commemorate the night...right?