Morning Everyone, I have a question for those of you with younger kids: How old were they when you first brought them to Lane? My oldest is 4 and I really want to take him to a home game this fall but my wife is afraid the noise will be too much for him and I am trying to convince her otherwise. What has worked for those that took their kids? Noise Canceling Headphones? Earplugs? Any tips or advice (other than tell him to MTFU ;) ) would be appreciated.
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I brought my kids to Lane when they were in diapers-besides the 'watching a kid is harder than not having to watch a kid' typical stuff, we had a blast and they were fine.
Noise was never an issue-not that it wasn't loud, but the kids had fun.
Of course, I was selective in that I didn't take them to any night games: only noon games versus OOC teams.
We've taken my son (age 3) twice. Once in 2012 and once this year. Ear muffs have been key to us, since our son seems to have sensitivity to noise. We have some children's model from Peltor (These I think). Activities are key. We brought some toys, and lots of snacks. The longer they're eating, the longer they're willing to sit still. If you're willing to let them have screen time, and iPad or phone can probably kill a bunch of time. Binoculars can be good, they can watch the activity on the sidelines or try and find the Hokie Bird.
The other key point is accepting that you won't be watching much of the game beforehand. That way any part of the game you do see is a bonus. For our first game, we spent a little bit of time in the stands but quickly relocated to the grassy area behind the East stands and took turns watching from the balcony areas near the SEZ while he played in the grass. The second game (Western Michigan) we spent the whole time in the stands, but we were still preoccupied keeping him busy and relatively still. Both games we've left at half-time or before (mainly because he usually naps smack dab in the middle of a nooner).
Definitely plan on getting there early and going to the Hokie Zone. They've got a bunch of bounce houses, and various mini-sport activities (football, soccer, maybe something else). Our son also had a great time getting into the cheers and getting to yell to his heart's content.
Probably the most important thing is to not push them too far. If they're done, they're not going to have fun and the people around you won't. Let them enjoy the experience and try to make it a little longer the next time. Have fun!
Good points, thank you. I took him to se the Lakers when they came to play the wizards when he was 2 and he was great for that because they are always doing so much at the game (jumbotron, halftime shows, etc), boredom was not an issue. Now to just convince her to stay home with the 15 month old while me and the older boy go to the game...
What I'm gathering from this topic is Joe should bring Baby Keyplay to the Thursday night game next week.
The most important thing to remember is this ironclad rule - the experience is about them, not about you. By that I mean you need to be prepared to miss much of the game action in order to keep them occupied. That will mean going repeatedly to the concourse to get food, restroom breaks, or just to walk their energy down. You'll have to engage them a lot in conversation and activity. It also means that you need to be very - repeat, very - prepared to leave the game early.
Staying the whole game for your own benefit can ruin the experience for them, so if that means you only stay one half or less, that's what it means. If/when that happens, take the opportunity to take them to the Duck Pond to feed french fries to the ducks, or the War Memorial and tell them to feel the Hokie Stone. Whatever you like, but don't try to force the whole game on them.
As mentioned above, the Hokie Zone is a must. Again - your usual routine takes 2nd priority to keeping them interested. Having young kids at a game is fun, but you have to remember it is not the same as when you were a student. Be patient with them, and they'll love it.
Well said... I agree with everything here. Our first son has been to 4 games in his 3.5 years starting with Arkansas State when he was 6 months old and this year our second son attended his first game against Western Michigan at 14 months old. If you are going with kids under the age of 2, admission is FREE, but you still want the seat for them. Inevitably, you will have some large back with diapers, bottles, toys, whatever, you will have food and drink for yourself, you might have coats, blankets, etc, the extra space is invaluable. Buy the extra Consider purchasing tickets that are near an aisle or in a less crowded section of the stadium (S. Endzone) as there will be multiple trips to the concessions, bathroom, concourse to run around, etc.
Just FYI ... technically anybody in Lane needs a ticket infant to elder. There is no longer a cutoff. Sometimes you can get in others you cannot. This is part of the reason I have not taken my kids yet. A friend (a Hokie Club Chapter President) of mine got stopped and had to scalp a ticket to get in with his 1.5 yr old.
If you read the hokiesports page ... that is the policy though some of the side gates and at a rush time you can sometimes get away with it.
there is a lot of wisdom going on here.
3 months old...slept under the seats...
on bourbon and coke soaked blankets (ok not really)
I was 5 when I went to my first VT game, back in 1990. Friends of mine with children just took their oldest son, who is 4, to his first game this year versus William and Mary. They sat in the West Stands and said that their son had a blast.
Plus, you'll have Hokie Village to enjoy now - that seems like a great way for kids to get involved in some fun pregame activities.
Daughter was 3 at her first game and made it the way through but, it was because the entire family was there including Mom mom ( her first college football game at age 68) and Pop pop ( his first VT game live), Mom. dad and sister (7, also here first football game). Duke - Coleman's break out game.
The key there was her constantly visiting different adults and snacks.
Now she normally lasts until 4 Q. If they have to, Mom leaves with her and I stay with the older sister now 9.
Like the guys above, snacks, we bring Pom poms so they can properly cheer. Let him have the keys for 3rd downs (make up a set of old ones so, if they get lost you can still drive home.)
I have two young boys (2 and almost 4). The oldest has been to a game every year of his life, and the youngest went to his first game this year. We usually take our kids to at least one game a year. For them noise has never been a factor, but it couldn't hurt to bring headphones just in case. The issue for them is just the sheer length of the games and having to stay in one spot and they usually get restless around halftime.
If you haven't already, I highly recommend membership into the Hokie Kids Club where for $25 the kids get a birthday card from the Hokie Bird, free entrance to all WBB games and some MBB games, private autograph signings and meet the players events, and we even got free entrance for both kids into the W&M game this year. (Edit: I forgot about the free Hokie Kids Club t-shirt)
Major leg up for that second paragraph. That should be practically mandatory for Hokies with kids. Even if you don't attend games, they would love the attention & the connection to Hokiedom on their own level.
Excellent suggestion!
My kids don't understand that there are other schools outside of Virginia Tech. I intend to keep it that way. Operation: Maroonwash.
I took my 2 year old to UNC last season. He lasted about a quarter, then a girl sitting with us took him to the east stands concourse to get food and run up and down the ramps. I ended up retrieving him at half time because he hit his nap time and so my friend could see the rest of the game.
As others have stated, you will not really get to see the game if you are responsible for watching the kid. having friends sitting with you who are only marginally interested in the game around you is key.
I recommend waiting to try the spring game. Great atmosphere for the kids, and lets you get a gauge on how much the game will keep their interest. Our oldest did not have enough interest to keep from needing a baby sitter at the game with him until 7, but his little brother was good at almost 6. How much of the game do they watch when its on TV? Thats how much of the game whoever takes them will get to see. They also will not be able to see anything when the fans stand up if the stadium is full unless you pick them up, which gets old fast. He will not remember going at that age, you will not get to see much of the game, will likely have to leave early.