Just consider the initial 90 day wait time well spent. Once you get that permit in your hot little hands, it's all downhill from there. I got mine back in 2003, and had it within six weeks of applying. Guess it just depends on the workload at the time, there may have been fewer applicants back in 03 than there are now. But the re-application process is easy and speedier, all done by mail, with only new pictures required on your part. My first license was for five years, on the re-apply I did the ten year thing, so am good until July 2018. ;-)
Anyway, at the time I applied I had a valid security clearance, and that may have speeded things up a tad. Just patiently wait your license, then you get to decide everyday whether to pack or not. I work at Tinker so cannot carry most days. Prior to working there, I carried every day, even at work.
As to the game shooting, I thought packing at sports events was not allowed. I recall a paragraph within the rule book about that. Therefore even if you have a license, your still unprotected. I avoid going places I cannot carry at all costs. And I hate sports events and f--king casinos more than anything.