You can surmise from my name that I hail from NC, and I know we have a strong alumni base here. I'm curious on other TKPer's experiences attending away games in NC, specifically the triangle area but thoughts on WF for example would be interesting too. Personally I was looking at going to either the @UNC or @NCSU games this year and I was curious if there was anything I should know.
Forums:
DISCLAIMER: Forum topics may not have been written or edited by The Key Play staff.
Comments
Wake — Nice split level, single concourse arena. I sat in the upper level behind a basket and it was still a pretty good seat. Tickets should be cheap and parking in plentiful.
NCSU — nba style arena (home of Carolina hurricanes) where the upper level isn't a great seat, but comfortable seats with nice concessions. Tickets more midrange.
UNC — the smallest seats of any arena I've been to. No arm rest separation makes it feel tight. Haven't tested the upper level but shouldn't be too bad a seat. Tickets definitely on the expensive end.
From where I've seen us play
Duke - big high school gym. Tight concourses in the corners but it's basically a museum to basketball otherwise. Not a bad seat in the place because it truly is small.
UNC- pretty large building. Upper deck is far from the action and cramped. It feels like it's out of the 80s despite it's reputation. Tickets are generally way too expensive for the event.
Wake - smaller scale UNC. Aren't too many bad tickets and the upper deck means most seats are close to the action. Generally good value if you can put up with Wakes fight song being played literally every 2 minutes.
State - built for NHL but handles basketball. Upper deck is steep but far from the action. Corners might have obstructed views due to scoreboard. Mid-range prices for a stadium that only really sees upper decks start to fill against UNC and Duke. Relatively easy ticket to get.
Greensboro - go if you get a chance. Good atmosphere, tournament games are generally fun. If you're lucky enough to have the late session the second game you're generally able to sit where you want as low as you want. Enjoyed every trip there.
Campbell - Tiny venue that can get loud. Still can't believe we played there but we won. Probably won't ever play there again, but the venue itself is pretty nice.
Duke was my favorite venue down there by far. HOT though... like 90 degrees in that joint. tickets are super expensive for ACC games. Good luck.
NCSU was my least favorite. Just a big hockey venue that is forced to host basketball games.
Dean Dome is a bit overbuilt in my opinion. Even though you don't see it on TV, its rarely ever completely full.
Tried to get tickets to the VT-State game for Feb 2 but online fees make tickets $30, which isn't crazy but for a place that definitely won't sell out it's too much.
two things... wear Hokie gear and yell really loud!
I went to a game at Wake in Bill Foster's final season. If they haven't changed anything, the upper deck seats aren't bad at all.
Wake is your best bang for your buck.
Triad Alumni or Hokie Club, not sure which, gets package tickets to Wake games. Have gone several times. Usually behind the press seating behind a goal. Includes drink and popcorn for maybe $25 each. VT does not take over, but the worse WF is the closer we come to it. Been to UNC as well. Damn near only Hokie there, but was on lower level. Their fans were nice before and after, but did not like me cheering during the game. Only been to Greensbro for the tourney, where experience varied on opponent and time slot.
I went to that Campbell game when we played them in Buies Creek. I think they had just opened the new arena. That was a really fun place to watch a game. I wish there were more opportunities to go see VT play in arenas like that.
My other favorite was going to see them play UNC Greensboro, I was front row, just behind the radio crew. Was fun listening to Seth "coach".
Was there too.
Went with my family and we bought tickets at the last minute.
We got to the arena, and apparently they had sold out, but had processed the payment.
They didn't turn us away though, and ended up giving us the unused player parent tickets.
Best seats I've ever had a basketball game. Though all those seats would go for $$$ in larger arenas
Thanks for the input fam! Question though: are there certain sections you recommend buying for being with the "away" fans? I find it that even when the opposing fanbase is cordial, it's more fun when you're closer to where your fanbase is clustered haha.
Like I said, for the Wake game there will be a VT tailgate and block ticket sale by either Triad Alumni or Hokie club - they open it to both, but I am not sure which puts it together. From my experience there is no real away section at Duke or UNC. For the other venues, the best bet is to get your tickets through VT ticket office.