So I have been sort of a bad Hokie, and haven't gone to a game since I graduated 6 years ago. I'm in Raleigh for a wedding on Nov 2, the day before the BC game, so I was thinking of going to the game. Since I haven't been to a game in so long I had a few questions. apologies if this has been asked before or if this info is somewhere else(and if so, a link to it would be much appreciated).
1. How bad would the drive from Raleigh be on gameday?
2. All the hotels in Blacksburg seem to be booked up, and there are no airbnb's available near campus, looks like my only option if I wanted to get a hotel is to go up t Roanoke / Salem. Are there any hidden gems nearby?
3. Is there free parking anywhere in town? Used to live in Foxridge and walk to the stadium all the time, and parking was free for everyone when I lived there. So I wouldn't mind doing the same to save a few bucks. Also do the buses only require you to show ID to get on? I still have mine, but I think the buses on gameday are free any ways?
Comments
I live in Raleigh and make the drive to Blacksburg regularly. It should take about 3.5 hours pending any traffic. The only spot where I ever experience heavy traffic is around Greensboro/Winston Salem, and that's usually when I roll through there near rush hour. I usually park in the Prices Fork lot for 20 bucks, but if you're willing to walk farther you can probably park on a side street a few blocks east of downtown.
Having lived in GSO for a few years previously, just want to reinforce that once you're past that area, it's smooth sailing.
If you want to save 10 bucks and don't mind an extra 20-50 yards of walking, Luther Memorial Lutheran Church (at the corner of Prices Fork and Toms Creek, just across the street from the VT commuter lot) only charges $10 to park and they have plenty of room for tailgating. Bonus points for having indoor restrooms that are available up to about an hour before kickoff. I especially like this option because they have an entrance/exit on Toms Creek Road, which will enable you to avoid the post-game congestion on Prices Fork Road.
Just wanted to say that this is where we parked last time and it was a great option. It sucked walking to lot 18 for the tailgate with the case of beer and such, but well worth it to be relatively close and pretty cheap considering all other factors.
My dad and I have been parking there every year since 2005.
Not sure about a gem but convenience would be one of the hotels off exit 141 in Salem. Holiday Inn Express, La Quinta and Fairfield Inn is a new hotel that looks pretty nice. Better book something quick because they'll fill up.
Totally agree. When I stay overnight, that's generally the area I shoot for.
Check Christiansburg for Hotels. They are way cheaper anyway and constantly have rooms go up but you have to be quick. We got a hotel room at the Super 8 across from Walmart just a couple weeks before the Notre Dame game.
Thanks everyone! Also is there anything new on campus/ in town that I should check out ? Is there a TKP tailgate happening too?
Ditto for me. Also anyone recommended things to do friday night besides drink at a bar? I'm staying in roanoke.
Take a ride up to the Star.
https://www.visitroanokeva.com/things-to-do/attractions/roanoke-star/
Several hiking trails on the AT, check out Black Dog Salvage near Grandin Court (famous from tv series Salvage Dogs), dinner at The Homeplace, if going to a bar go to Cornbeef downtown they have a great shuffle board, Safeside Tactical has a great indoor shooting range on Shenandoah and of course lots of good breweries - Ballast Point is cool, Parkway in Salem, Soaring Ridge, Big Lick, Chaos, Deschutes tasting room, Olde Salem.
Some of us are always in Lot 18.
We got an AirBnB in Christiansburg. Wasn't much of a selection near campus/Blacksburg unless you wanted to break the bank. Was able to get a nice house for that fits comfortably 8 people for about $150/person for weekend.
Lucked out and got an AirBnB in Blacksburg! Anyone wanna grab a drink at Hokie House or Sharkey's lol ?