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Blacksburg Trip

Cane_Mutiny

Cane_Mutiny

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Hey guys. Making my first trip to Blacksburg this year for Miami-VT in November (taking my younger brother as a delayed graduation present), and I'm trying to get a jump on planning since it looks like things book up real quick. Looking for any advice or anecdotes you all may have from going to past games up there.

Seems like a real piece of **** little town and I bet it'll be as cold as a pitbull in an unheated outdoor kennel, so I'm not expecting too much besides the game experience... All the same, I'd like to see if you all have any advice for tailgating, lodging, and anything else worth doing before/after the game that may require advance planning.

Game tickets in the visitor section are already purchased and I have flights held into and out of Roanoke, but if you have any advice on tickets/transportation feel free to share... I'm sure there will be other people curious.
 
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My advice is pray it don't rain. I went with my crew back in 2009 and if I recall correctly, it rained non-stop during that game. Nowhere to sit under shelter and continue watching the game, besides the press box. Believe it or not, the most exciting thing to do while we were up there was the food court they had on campus. Food was good, but I'll probably never go back there again. Nightlife sucked. No ****y bars. Eye candy seemed non-existent. Everything seemed to close at sundown. Just not my cup of tea. We're going to Dallas this year, but I'd do GaTech or BC before doing VTech. Just my 2 cents
 
coachpatg said:
My advice is pray it don't rain. I went with my crew back in 2009 and if I recall correctly, it rained non-stop during that game. Nowhere to sit under shelter and continue watching the game, besides the press box. Believe it or not, the most exciting thing to do while we were up there was the food court they had on campus. Food was good, but I'll probably never go back there again. Nightlife sucked. No ****y bars. Eye candy seemed non-existent. Everything seemed to close at sundown. Just not my cup of tea. We're going to Dallas this year, but I'd do GaTech or BC before doing VTech. Just my 2 cents
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That '09 game sucked watching it on TV... I bet in person it was 10 times worse. Your assessment is pretty much what I'm expecting, although hopefully the weather is halfway decent and we can get some tailgating in. Going up to BC for the first time this year as well (have a couple friends living up in Boston) and I've done GaTech several times... Probably won't ever go back to Blacksburg, but we want to see a game at Lane once, and this looks like it could be a big one.
 
VT is a fun experience and atmosphere for a game. I went a few times when I still lived in the northeast. We always stayed in Roanoke just a little north of Blacksburg due to there being more lodging and things to do. Christiansburg is a little closer but usually books up faster. Can't remember where we tailgated but there was plenty of space within walking distance if you arrive early.
 
I plan on going this year as well. I'm driving up from Bristol - about 150 miles. Weather in November can be either in the 60's or colder than a well diggers ***. I'd plan for the cold.
 
Good athmosphere and if you get the right fall weather, it’s a very nice part of Virginia - surrounded by blue ridge mountains, etc. There are some nice B&Bs in surrounding areas but if that’s not your thing, team hotel maybe?
 
Nothing will ever replicate our Canes coming out of the tunnel through the smoke, but Enter Sandman is pretty awesome.

If the town weren't such a crap hole I'd love to get to a game there. Best away game for me by far has been at UNC.
 
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I will be making my first trip to Blacksbooger also (been to many other games) . I will also be bringing a newbie (1 year now) fan to the game. We must keep bringing new fans on board to grow our Legion! Looking forward to it, hope the weather cooperates somewhat.
GO CANES!
Would be nice to get any info on Canes parking lots for tailgating. Thanks!
 
UMCaner74 said:
VT is a fun experience and atmosphere for a game. I went a few times when I still lived in the northeast. We always stayed in Roanoke just a little north of Blacksburg due to there being more lodging and things to do. Christiansburg is a little closer but usually books up faster. Can't remember where we tailgated but there was plenty of space within walking distance if you arrive early.
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Never go back to Roanoke.. 5 words.. American Horror Stories Season 6
 
Sheraton in Roanoke is where the team used to stay as well as the ESPN crew working the games. I don't know if that's the case any longer. It is about an hour drive due to game traffic coming and going.

The nightlife in downtown Roanoke isn't big city by any means, but there's a cluster of bars that'll do the trick. I haven't looked at the date, but I was there one year around Halloween and it was a blast as people were all dressed up.

Someone said there's no ****y bars, yes and no. It's not a big establishment and might not even be there anymore, but there was one. You paid for a yealy membership, basically the cost of normal admission and whatnot.

Blacksburg is hilly, but I wouldn't go so far as to say in the mountains. They are right there, so maybe you find something that direction to stay, but that takes you further from the airport.

Tailgating, they do a good job of it. As for a Canes specific one, perhaps that'll pop up as the day grows closer.
 
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They tailgate all morning regardless of opponent because it's Blacksburg, and there is absolutely NOTHING to do on a Saturday in that whole New River Valley area except for a VT game. That said:

- Roanoke is a pass-through town. Don't stay there. Stay in Christiansburg (also a pass-through town). It has local bus loop connections to the hotels and the middle of campus, I believe. It will be a lot cheaper. With Miami coming to town, Blacksburg will be a mess.
- As much as I don't want to, I have to give the VT fans credit. Their fans are loyal(location: Bum**** Va), and mostly hospitable. Some of them may even invite you to their tailgates for beers just to talk football.
- There is no night life except for a street lined with bars crowded with country folks and frat boys, but Go to Sharkey's bar before the game. VERY strong drinks for literally a few bucks.. You can walk to the stadium in about 5-10min through campus from the bar. Most people do.

I didn't go to VT( nearby Radford Univ.), but i've been to more of their games than I would like to admit. Being a kid who's family is from West Palm Beach and Cocoa/Merritt Island, I honesltly have to say that their fan base is almost second to none. Win or lose, you will enjoy the experience.
 
Been 3 or 4 times. Stay in Roanoke at the hotel right by the airport. The team stays there uber down to downtown night before, Cornbeef and Company is the spot. There are a few other bars down ther as well people are pretty cool and some hate the Hokies and love Canes. You can get a shuttle at airport to Roanoke for $3. It will put you right on campus. Back in early 2000's a lot of their fans were ****s last few times tho they've been real cool. It's a great trip and I've been to most of the BIG away games
 
The Canes United Crew will be hosting a catered tailgate and will post that as well at parking info in the coming months. It will be a great time in blackburg.
 
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