🏈 First real "game day" experience... Need suggestions

[Jseakin]

Ok first I apologize mods if this has been done already and I just didnt see it but I am going to the Vandy game this weekend and it will be pretty much my wife and I's first real game.. (we went to GA State last year but got there right before the game started and left right after). I know we plan to go early so we can take in as much as possible but give me some suggestions on "cant miss" things.. How early do we need to go? Is there a too early? Museum? parking? etc.. Thanks in advance for any advice...

 

[Bo]

Bryant Museum is a must if you've never been.

 

[Colin]

always get there about an 1 hour and half to two 2 hours early if you're hungry. I don't know off the top of my head what time the kick off is but say it's at 1, you should get to the quad outside the stadium around 11 and either eat at the ferguson center or somewhere on the big quad section beside denny chimes (someone will be selling food or t-shirts) or just find some friendly people to make conversation with. If you're going to go to the Bryant Museum then get there at like 10. Players also go through the newest side of the stadium (not sure which enzone/side) , the walk of champions, where all the coach statues are, when they get off the buses, that's usually exciting. The band is usually around that side of campus too (the quad/library area, or near the walk of champions)

 

[doemasters]

homecoming parade that morning so be sure to get there early for parking and all

 

[Colin]

I forgot Vandy is our homecoming....get there even earlier than 10 if you can, there's going to be lots of festivities in that area and lots of alumni, so ...what Doe said.

 

[Jseakin]

Kickoff is at 6:00pm.. Thank you for the suggestions thus far, keep them coming.. I am going to try and make a list and figure out what time to go based on it. Thanks again

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

With it being HC weekend, no such thing as too early. Get there early and grab some breakfast at Rama Jama's and enjoy the parade which I think starts at noon? With late games, if I'm not tailgating, I'll normally head over to the Strip and grab some lunch at one of the restaurants there because you can usually find a table that points to a TV with the afternoon game(s) showing. A mexican place on University across from Publix called El Rincon Bar and Grill is my favorite, but Little Italy in the shopping center on the other side of the street is good too. Buffalo Phil's is also a good spot.

For parking, closer to the Quad/stadium you can pay a little more to the boy scouts and park, but have more difficulty leaving (traffic), or park a little further away at Central HS on 15th St for 10 bucks and have a little longer walk but less congestion leaving.

Other than the Bryant Museum, which will be packed of course, just take in the sights and sounds of the Quad. Explore the campus. Chances are you will run into someone you know at some point for you walk around for a while, which is really cool if that person is tailgating... Check out the band pep rally in front of the library on the Quad and/or the Walk of Champions at the Stadium... and most importantly, meet up with Doemasters... he will lead you to the action!

 

[doemasters]

i will be running from place to place on saturday, right now i plan on getting there early and taking pictures at the parade plus i am going to try and film it as well and then i have to drive back to pick up my dad and then back to try and do the walk of champions. I am trying to mix it up a good bit this year and the pep rally is always real crowded on homecoming

 

[RollTideinGA]

Honestly I would avoid the Bryant Museum on a Gameday. Everyone is there. If you are looking for a gameday experience don't spend time inside a museum. Sorry. Flame away.

1. Get there early and attend the HC parade.
2. Stroll Sorority Row/ Frats to check out the HC decorations.
3. Hang out on the Quad, check out some tailgaters.
4. Check out the Strip and have a drink/ food.
5. Be at the Mound when the band warms up.
6. Go to the Walk of Champions and watch the team come in.
7. Go in the game early and enjoy the sight of the students filing in, and the pregame videos.
8. Have a great time, get some shakers, and ROLL TIDE!

Other than that Porter hit some good food joints. Checkout the Houndstooth bar and the Bear Trap bar both on the strip will be showing other games on their big screens during the day.

 

[bamafan9201]

I'm all for the bars and tailgating while watching the earlier games. Just be fun and lively and talk to people if you can. For the most part you can just get some food from tailgaters. Especially if you're smart enough to bring some beer for them. I like to sit outside with everyone and watch the other college games in the tents with everyone else instead of packing into a bar to watch some. I'd have to say the walk of champions is fun to look at and of course the museum (but I wouldn't go on gameday). Anyways, the Vandy game is a night game, you'll have plenty of time to partake in the festivities if you show up somewhere around 12 or 1. I'd also go check out Denny Chimes if you get the chance.

 

[RollTideinGA]

I'm all for the bars and tailgating while watching the earlier games. Just be fun and lively and talk to people if you can. For the most part you can just get some food from tailgaters. Especially if you're smart enough to bring some beer for them. I like to sit outside with everyone and watch the other college games in the tents with everyone else instead of packing into a bar to watch some. I'd have to say the walk of champions is fun to look at and of course the museum (but I wouldn't go on gameday). Anyways, the Vandy game is a night game, you'll have plenty of time to partake in the festivities if you show up somewhere around 12 or 1. I'd also go check out Denny Chimes if you get the chance.

Yeah, I've done the Quad thing and tailgating experience for years but over the past few years I've been hitting the Strip and hanging with that crowd.

 

[Splittine]

How early before the game does the team show up, I've been to 2 games this year and have been getting to the stadium 2 hrs before the game and know they have been there for a while I would imagine. Would like to see them take the walk at the Tenn game.

 

[RollTideinGA]

How early before the game does the team show up, I've been to 2 games this year and have been getting to the stadium 2 hrs before the game and know they have been there for a while I would imagine. Would like to see them take the walk at the Tenn game.

2 1/2 hours before I think. But get thjere 3 hours before if you want to get up front. People start lining up early.

 

[bamaupsman]

I like to get a folding chair and a jug/cooler and people watch. I have yet to get tired of coed-viewing.