There exists a hypothetical hype meter for football games in Blacksburg.
Way down there are cupcakes at noon. When the reverse tailgate is more enticing than the game. On the other end of the scale, it's rampant rumors of Metallica playing the opening chords of Enter Sandman live in Lane. Virginia Tech-Notre Dame shattered the glass.
All the ingredients for a spectacle are there.
Primetime.
ABC.
Marquee opponent.
Ranked Hokies.
Ranked Irish.
#ALLMAROONEVERYTHING.
The atmosphere will be fully dipped. There is no denying Virginia Tech sets the stage for a great show, arguably better than any other program in the country. For the Hokies as hosts however, the recent on-field results in big spots haven't equalled the pregame theatrics. Exhibit A: home losses to ranked Clemson ('16), Ohio State ('15), Duke ('15) and North Carolina ('15) squads.
This is a chance for Justin Fuente to put his stamp on the program. For Virginia Tech to buck a negative trend. Fuente's mantra is 1-0, but some 1's matter more, and this, a game that does not even factor into conference standings, is one of them. It's optics, man. This is a moment for the maroon-on-maroon-on-maroon Hokies to resurrect the Terrordome. For its faithful inhabitants to be so invested in football that it prioritizes yelling among all other actions. For Lane Stadium to come alive and gobble a slew of naive newcomers.
Left tackle Liam Eichenberg was asked about the environment coming Saturday night in Lane Stadium."It's gonna be loud. But our stadium is loud. I'm excited to go in there, kick the shit out of them, get a win, then get out of there."— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) October 4, 2018
To denote when the Fuente era took its next step.
Frank Beamer sacked Texas in '95. Longtime fans and observers are quick to note that sugary sweet win catapulted Virginia Tech through its rise in college football. Fuente has the opportunity to make his mark on Saturday.
65,000 people are waiting.
Comments
I'm excited to wake up at 2 AM to watch the game. Hopefully I'll be able to make it down for a game when I return to the states next year. LET'S GO!
HOKIES!
Best. Username. Ever! Kudos
Whats up big perm!? I mean...Big Wor...wait, no - yeah, I mean Big Perm.
Same boat man. Getting the games in Africa is hard.
God bless the games down in Africa.
[high pitched singing] God bless the games!
[regular pitched singing] LET'S GO HOKIES, down in Africa!
God I can't wait...
8pm Saturday kickoff means 9am Sunday kickoff locally here in Japan. Best believe I'll be wearing my Sunday best, that is #ALLMAROONEVERYTHING
I'm actually kind of jealous of this. Having your whole Saturday to do whatever and not be arsed about following a stressful game has to be kind of nice.
South Bend was not loud. We'll show them loud.
So when I played high school football we did this thing after every win, we'd all be amped up and when we got in to the locker room someone would yell "loud noises" and our locker room would erupt and go absolutely crazy, so now that I've seen this Blacksburg is gonna go off this weekend. It's science.
The Hokies in attendance made it loud. It is very satisfying to be an away team and make more noise than the home crowd and the team responds.
All my legs for you, if I could!
The only stadium quieter than Notre Dames is uva's (with the exception of one game held every other year)
The odd years I understand, but what game in the even years? Is it when Pitt comes to town and you can hear the sounds of headsets being thrown echoing off of the aluminum?
Fixed. Too early in the morning
haha nothing against you. Take a few shots, it's gameday eve. That'll wake you up. Just wanted throw some shade at UVA and Pitt in the same post.
2 shots of Evan Williams white label for breakfast already
Must still be early in where you are (I believe you mean bi-annual game, semi-annual would be twice a year)
Fixed the fixing
At Notre Dame stadium, they yell at you if you want to stand up.
I've been to a few games there and just can't understand wanting to sit the entire game.
At Lane they raise you right. Stand and cheer until you can't. Then get up and do it again.
I haven't sat in not a student section in a long time (2010?) I fully expect, with my luck, the person behind me at this game will tell me to sit down.
Wow, where are your tickets? Since graduating I haven't had a seat yet that wasn't besieged by sitters who think it's ok to sit down while football is being played.
The only game in Lane where I've experienced that is 2007 BC, and that's also the only game I've sat in the West stands.
Coincidence?
West is definitely worse, you can't even stand up for big plays. I get it in East all the time though. People will mostly stand during big games when we're on defense, but you'll get guilted into sitting pretty often
It seems that the west stands are those where people sit for parts of the game. Outside of physical limitations, I think fans should stand in the east, north, and south stands all game (except halftime, that's when you rest.) If I want to sit, I'll stay home. My couch is a lot more comfortable than the bleachers. If I go to a game, I expect to participate.
This was closer to my experience.
Shit....I've got tickets for both games I'm going to in the West stands this year.
I think the West Stands experience varies a lot by location. Yes, people generally sit, but we're in section 2 and people around us definitely go crazy for big plays, at least. No one has ever asked me to sit down at any point (though I did generally follow suit with others around me).
whew, I'm in section 2 Y for ND
I will wave to you from up in row LLL.
I sit on the border between section 2 & 4. Around us folks mostly stand up when we are on defense (at least during big games) and sit when we are on offense.
There's no problem with sitting. As long as you're doing so to stealthily pour bourbon into your coke before standing back up to scream your head off.
Been to several games at ND including VT's. This was not my experience at all. Guess it just depends on where your tickets are and who's around you.
Let's take their pot of Gold
I'm hype as fuck for this one.
Sorry Irish, even Corso knows God is a Hokie.
SO. MUCH. HYPE.
CAN'T CONTAIN EXCITEMENT. LET'S DO THIS SHIT.
LET'S GO!!!
:(
I miss you T-Hill...you and all of your on- and off-field moves...
I had the same thought in seeing this gif, again.
Dax got moves! I like the little shimmy he's got going
I want to see a lot more of this! After a special teams play, turnover, or big defensive stop.
LET'S GO!
Great post, it needs to be given all the turkey legs.
Blacksburg is the place to be on Saturday. The hype and atmosphere is going to set a new standard for us and college football. It will not soon be forgotten.
I'll be jumping in Dakar at midnight! Hope to see House bend around Mr Eichelberg a bunch of times to take down the QB!
The Next Evolution Begins about 36 hours from now. By 2020, we'll have given the haters some real success to hate. The ODU loss was but a last convulsion of the old egg-laying program, on the point of death. Tomorrow night, the Irish gonna get housed, and House'd, and it will just be the beginning. So let it be written, so let it be done, so let our wills and skills bring it to bear.
DORK MAGIC ENGAGED.
That shit better be fully dipped. I don't come here for just some regular dork magic
WE AINT DENYING YOUR PUSSY TOUCHDOWNS TOMORROW BABY
Really glad Joe ended up deciding against naming this article "Mark Your Territory"
If so, I've already got that checked off in most places around Blacksburg.
Or "Mark from Winchester"
"GET THE NET!"
Don't get me wrong, I want to win the game but I don't want to put too much on this one. If we have to go 1-1 in the next two weeks I'd rather lose to ND and then beat UNC. That would put us at 3-0 in the ACC with GT and BC at home coming next. That's excellent position and a collision course with Miami. We can make our mark there if needed.
Perception is reality and I'd rather boot stomp ND in primetime with millions watching.
Why not both?
Don't be messin with Hype machine mojo!
Obviously both and every game from now until
is best case scenario.
por que no los dos
porque es una hipotética
Así es la verdad. Bien hecho Hokie amigo.
¿Dónde está la biblioteca?
Me llamo T-Bone la araña discoteca
I will lose my voice because of my shear hate of Brian Kelly.
You hate the way he cuts his hair?
His hair - WACK! His gear - WACK!! His jewelry - WACK!!! His footstance - WACK!!!! The way that he talks - WACK!!!!! The way the he doesn't even like to smile - WACK!!!!!
or as Frank Beamer likes to say "YOU'RE OUTTA WHACK!!!"
Nah, I think it's because Kelly stresses him a certain way.
Make your mark
Damn it macgruber!!!
Got me drooling all over my desk here.
Me: OK 👍
Hurry up Saturday!!!
LET'S DO THIS!
This article got me more hype than the hype video put out by the Athletic Dept.
Agreed. I was hype after I saw that video. Now I'm reaaaaaally hype
Underrated aspect going into tomorrow, there hasn't been a home game in nearly a month, I always found as a student, I started to get that itch again if the team had a couple road games in a row that helped add to the hype on campus that wasn't there if it had been 3 home games in a row
I feel the same way about the Hokies tomorrow as I do some members of my extended family before a big event.
I'll be happy if they just show up sober, and they don't do anything stupid.
That's so Leonard.
My goodness, that would have been nice against ODU.
THIS^^^^^^^ Well said!
Got goosebumps just reading this post.......TGIF!
Whit point blank said he hired Fuente because he was an "offensive minded" head coach. Would love to see a complete 4 quarters of Corn Fu offense to the tune of 35-38 points... which will be enough in Lane to win. ND's defense is good, but not elite to the point where we can't move the ball. Let's do this.
I'm behind this I think we win with anything >24 but that's being sketchy close with a young D vs Book who has looked at the very least decent. Breaking 35 would be fantastic and make me feel way better.
Bud has not been afraid to attack Kelly's offense in prior match ups. I'm interested to see how much heat he puts on Book and if Book can be as accurate as the ODU kid. If so, it's going to be a tough night for the defense. If not, Bud can dial up some well timed pressure and get him uncomfortable. Imperative we keep our crowd into the game early- play well make it a 4th quarter dog fight.
I don't see either team getting to 35 points, unless it's a blowout. First team to 3 offensive touchdowns wins.
Eh... this is one situation where a shootout is probably more likely than a slugfest in Lane. Our offense seems more consistent and quite possibly better than our defense, and Notre Dame's offense is really good, and their defense is decent but has some cracks.
Don't ever discount Bud and his boys' ability throw some 7s up on the board! Let's get 'em from both sides!
(Was going to say "ends", but I didn't want to steal any "devil's triangle" thunder from Kavanaugh.
So random question. I have a cousin coming in for the game. I couldn't swing $200+ for two tickets but he's cool with watching at a bar or something. He didn't want to swing for a ticket either.
That being said, I really want him to see and hear the stadium during the entrance before we head downtown after tailgating all day.
My concern is a) where would be the best spot outside the gates for a good visual of enter sandman and associated chaos, and b) which bar would you guys choose that has decent tvs and has the best chance of getting access to a bartender without wading through a ten deep crowd. That's asking a lot I know.
Go Hokies! I'm more hype for this game than I was the Ohio State home game. Can't get here soon enough.
You are going to have trouble seeing anything from outside of the stadium, so if you want a good auditory experience, you may want to go on the walk behind North Endzone and post up there for Enter Sandman. You may get peaks of the team walking to the tunnel, and being under/behind North Endzone when everyone is jumping is actually something everyone should experience once. It's nuts.
North End Zone walkway, as Wasknick said. Watch the team come out of the Beamer Barn and into the tunnel, and then situate yourself near the gate with your back to the West grandstand looking at the scoreboard,north stands, and east stands.
My concern is that after you experience this, you're going to have a hard time finding a bar that isn't shoulder to shoulder ten deep. I think your best chances will be at Champs or Hokie House. Steer clear of Sharkey's and PKs for this one.
Forgot to comment on Bars but yeah it gets tough there for games. If you are looking to eat then Hokie House downstairs if you can find a table. If not then you might as well head upstairs and find some standing room or one of the High Tops.
Champs and maybe Big Al's is a possibility too. Rivermill is a last resort but could work.
PK's will likely be packed with locals that don't go to the games.
That's the rub here. If he's going to watch Enter Sandman from the stadium, the tables at just about any bar are going to be claimed way before that.
Yeah, you'd probably have to post up a couple hours early to get a spot...
Find a tailgate with a TV going and contribute a case of beer. There will be plenty of tailgates still going during the game.
Yeah, I was in the same situation for Ohio State a few years ago, barely got a seat at Champs, and I got there probably two hours before kickoff.
The Northwest entrance has a decent view into the stands and the practice field if you're standing on Beamer Way (there's a little bit of a hill). I agree with GoKartMozart, Champs is the way to go, lots of TVs, good gameday atmosphere, never too many people.
This is where I was thinking as well, right on the corner of Beamer way on the west (parking lot side not stadium woods side) where you should be able to see the East stands and the team walk out from the locker room. You can also try strolling the parking lots in Hokie gear and may find someone with some seats willing to take face value when a person or two doesn't show up.
I agree with wasknick on where to be for Enter Sandman.
As for places to watch that won't be crowded, I'd say Franks Cinebowl. Huge screens and big bar (slow service though) and never packed anytime I've been. Bull & Bones is next door, which is a decent option also to avoid crowds. Unfortunately anything walk-able from the stadium will probably be packed. My best guess would be Mellow Mushroom.
no tickets? No problem, I got you, fam.
Step 1: become best friends with Whit Babcock...
I'm pretty good friends with a very high ranking member of the Hokie Club. Like really high. Does that help?
I'll get season tickets eventually. Just hate spending the money when I don't always enjoy the experience (leg room people!!!)
If he is "really high" he can get you a ticket to this- or any- game.
He's the prez, so yeah he could, but I don't have the balls to ask...
Who needs leg room if you're standing the whole game?
Yeah. This. Until the old fucks in West stands ask the fucking police to ask you to sit down. Then what?
It's happened to me twice. I'm stone cold sober (had my kids with me) and trying to cheer for the Hokies like I've always done. Next thing I know, local police tapping me on the shoulder asking me to sit down out of respect for the other fans (I'm 6'-8" tall).
So yeah, ideally you never sit down. Until it's either sit down or leave with an escort. Then when you obviously choose to sit, your knees are in front of some other old douche in front of you complaining about the length of your legs.
Sorry. Meant no offense. Just struck a nerve. I hate the west stands.
Go Hokies!!!
There are a lot of folks in those West stands that can't physically stand the whole game.
Yeah, you meant offense. Biggest jerks, fucks, douches and assholes I've had to deal with at football games have been "young" people, with no exception. And for the record, I've never asked anyone to sit down at a football game, nor have I called the police on anyone. Sorry, you just struck a nerve yourself.
Sorry fish. I respect your contribution to this community but I don't necessarily agree with your sentiment here. To each their own, however.
Have a leg to balance the down vote.
As I do your contributions wildturkey. I guess my sentiments are just that you could have made a point without ever using the word "old". I know, everybody's offended these days, huh? But to me, it is a blatant put down, while I'm sure you meant it to apply only in your specific circumstance. We'll get through this, and I'll admit that I downvoted you myself, and will immediately correct that. Hit nerve, game day nerves and all is my excuse.
I will leave you with the thought that I've pondered since my post. With all that is going on in this big round world today, here we are getting het up and bitching about fellow Hokies. And what goes for you goes for me, so I am reminded that to truly know about anyone's struggle in life, walk a mile in their moccasins. Peace, Love, and Go Hokies.
Sounds to me like his post wasn't directed at you then...
Yep.
Legs to y'all. I get pretty testy on game day.
Wait, they provide escorts now? I've been away too long.
Only if you're a basketball recruit at Louisville
Thanks guys. Good points.
I hate to not get downtown early enough to get a table but I feel like with a game like this I'd have to miss several hours of tailgating to get there early enough. I will probably just go with the flow regarding crowds at bars, even though crowded spaces really freak me out lol.
Tailgate just hard enough to not be obnoxious, enjoy pregame chaos, and hope that the tailgate buzz is enough to keep the edge off regarding insane crowds downtown.
I want my cousin to experience GameDay in Blacksburg. He can simply watch a game on tv any time so why not miss part of the early action in the name of a better overall experience?
Am I on the right track with my planned approach? Is that what you guys would do?
Thanks again!
@wildturkey84
Every time I have ever gone to a high profile game, I've always seen people selling/giving away tickets last minute (without exception). Maybe I'm just lucky or extra observant, but I think you could probably pull it off, even if its 2 singles and y'all squish into a student section. I think you could pull it off without spending a fortune.
Then again, I could be naive.
Good call. I always worry about counterfeit tickets or duplicate tickets if electronic. Is that a concern?
I'll take some cash just in case. Thanks!
It's always a concern. Just be mindful of who you buy from. The guy also selling unliscensed t-shirts is probably not the best bet. A guy with a group in a parking lot is a better bet.
I second this. Buy from a guy with a well established tailgate and with a group of people. Do not buy from a guy that's just selling tickets while walking around. They could be legit, but you could also be flushing money away.
Story time: a friend of mine, his freshman year at tech, drove down to Atlanta with three other guys for the bama game in 09. They all paid a scalper $100/ticket at the georgia dome, get up to the scanners and they were fake. Sprinted back to where the scalper was, and to the surprise of absolutely no one, he had vanished. They just hopped back in their car and rode all the back to Blacksburg. From that point on, I've always been terrified of buying outside any sporting venue.
I like taking selfies with my scalpers
Have you ever got one to do this?
I've done it twice. Both times from a little bit away from the guy before I walk up to buy tickets. Both times the tickets ended up being legit.
Buy from a fan and go into the game with them. Then meet your friend in the stadium.
Agree 100%. I've never had trouble finding tickets at or below face value before a game.
This is true 95% of the time but there are instances where it is not the case. I suspect this might be one of them because it is the type of game that will draw lots of people to Blacksburg even without a ticket. I wouldn't be surprised if tickets actually increase in price as the game gets closer and I've even had some experiences that tickets couldn't be found or were still priced extremely high after kickoff. It's rare but so is Notre Dame coming to Lane.
My tried and true method was always the same. Worked best for one ticket, but many times for two as well. Get there a couple hours before the game, wear your Hokie finest. Be sober (-ish, anyway, folks can be picky about who they're sitting next to) and start with the high roller lots closest to the stadium. Go from one to the other asking about tickets for sale, and keep it up, working your way out from there. The folks with the most money are often willing to part with extra tickets at face value, and while they'll sell them, they seldom will do much to hawk them, hence the ask everybody ploy. I've gotten fantastic tickets for face, unbelievable tickets for free, even, but one must be willing to work for it, forego the temptation to get shitfaced until the ducat is secured, and be willing to pay a few bucks more than face to get the deal done. While this method has never failed me, I admit that I'm a shmoozer by nature and willing to put in the effort since I'd been rewarded in the past.
If worse comes to worst, you'll still be able to do the watch the entrance thing and head for town, and while it might cost a few bucks more, you'll be glad you did if you get in. Thing is, you never know until you try. My best friend and I once got free tickets on the 50 yd line from Bimbo Coles' high school football coach without asking.
But how much are you going to enjoy if you're having to skirt around the game itself and trying to cram from one place to another?
If it were me, I'd save the gameday experience for an actual game I could be at.
Fortune favors the bold.
Redefine your expectations and go for it, but thats just me.
If it were me, this is the approach I would take. Tailgate, catch the entrance, then head downtown so that you're there for the great party after we win!
Who cares if it is too crowded to get to the bar often during the game as long as you can see a TV - that means the vibe will be raucous! Most of us at the game aren't drinking then either.
Definitely found tickets for $25 each right before kickoff. By this time, I had already committed to tailgating all day with wife, three kids, and cousin. Only found 2 tickets at $25 so decided to head home to watch the game with the fam and then head downtown after. Had a pretty good night, all things considered. Watched the entrance from outside the gates adjacent to the tunnel sort of. It seemed lit from where we were. Looking forward to seeing the GT game live. Hopefully our defense is ready to keep up or our offense is ready to blow the damn doors off. It might take one or both to get the W.
I want to win that coin toss so bad. The adrenaline from the entrance carries into kickoff and the first possession of the game. 500 decibels here we come.
This. Keeping that noise up for the first defensive series and having ND go three and out would/could set a serious tone for the game.
I'm torn between "keep that energy from kickoff for the defense" and "I want to get 7 right off the bat and THEN make them go 3 and out". Either way, the first possessions really will set a big tone for tomorrow
We almost always rise to the occasion.
Everyone is disrespectful to the Hokies against the mighty Irish! That only means we roll.
This one is a win one for the ages type game.
Go Hokies, the luck has run out Saturday night on the Irish faithfull.
As if I wasn't already prepared to run through a wall this morning...thank goodness my cubicle walls at work are made of softer material...
Watch those panel frames though....they'll get after ya.
Could someone post the clip of Cam Phillips juking the ND defender out of his shoes for a touchdown? I would love to re-live that
and just for good measure, angry Fuente:
I like the reminder that we were down 17-0 early in that game. We must keep bringing the noise regardless of what happens early.
I would like to take this opportunity to inform the TKP community that Arkansas blew a 24 point halftime lead in the 2016 Belk Bowl game held on December 29th 2016 anno domini in Charlotte North Carolina.
Hearing news a certain DB is injured.. if so, then crap
Elaborate, por favor....
If you're talking about that random comment in the Four Down Friday thread... maybe don't worry about it yet because that's not even close to an actual source.
Fingers crossed. But other folks who seem to have #sauces seem to hint at something
I better see some Corey Moore style quarterback crushing, Deangelo Hall fumble snatching, Ryan Williams style tackler-dragging, Tyrod Taylor playmaking, memory-making hurtful decibel level type atmosphere tomorrow night. Goddamn it I want it on that next level of pain. I want a memory to be made and a great one. I want ND humbled on national tv and I want us showing some toughness in the ass kicking. And I want this program elevated and you don't bring that fucking weak shit down to Lane Stadium and think you're walking out with a fucking W cause it ain't happening!!!!