Virginia Tech Tailgating in Blacksburg: Top Things to Consider When Preparing Your Tailgate
Tailgating for Virginia Tech football games has become first class in the last decade as Frank Beamer has established the program to the top of the ranks, and the fan following with it. The sales of Virginia Tech apparel has expanded as Virginia Tech sports have grown, and Saturdays (and periodically Thursdays or other days of the week) in Blacksburg are full of fans wearing a Virginia Tech sweatshirt, Virginia Tech t-shirt, or Virginia Tech jersey. Virginia Tech football tickets are in very high demand.
The right tailgating for Hokie games takes proper gear and methods. To begin with, you need your tailgating spot. Parking spot is key. This is often about to being or knowing a Hokie Club member with significant ranking that has a good parking spot. The Hokie Club utilizes a bunch of parking lots on campus close (and some pretty far) to Lane Stadium to assign tailgate spots, and you want to make sure you get a prime spot. Buy a Virginia Tech football parking pass from an online auction site like eBay if necessary.
Next, make sure you are decked out for the occasion. A lot depends on the weather, but an authentic Virginia Tech jersey (either maroon or white) works great. If it’s a crisp fall day, get your favorite Virginia Tech sweatshirt. If it’s early in the season and warm, put on a Virginia Tech t-shirt, possibly a long sleeve t-shirt if you want to stay cool. A fleece, pullover, shell, or sleek Virginia Tech golf polo are also possibilities. I always try to wear maroon – we are a maroon school. Orange, white, and other colors dilute the stadium effect.
Hokie tailgates are mainly about food and drinks, so this should be top focus. I usually get there early so that the grill can be set up and given enough time to smoke a variety of meat for hours, maybe ribs, Boston butt, or marinated whole chickens. But grilling in general should be the main attention of your tailgate. Burgers, sausages, chicken, beef, or fish can all make great tailgate menu items. Hokie country is bar-b-que country, so choose a sauce that enhances what you are grilling and will ensure your tailgate guest happy. Complement your meat with whatever sides and extras you or your buddies can bring.
Food is a priority, but the drinks are the backbone of your tailgate. Personally, I equate Virginia Tech tailgating with ‘brown water’, aka bourbon. There’s nothing like a fine Kentucky bourbon or Tennessee whisky to get you ready for game day. However, this is my thing, and you need to have a variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to satisfy your guest (or have them BYOB).
Other important components of your tailgate: How are people going to find your spot? Get a bright Virginia Tech Flag , customize it some and fly it above your tailgate. Also, accessorize your Hokie tailgate out with Virginia Tech chairs, coolers, and blankets. Everyone should be drinking out of Hokie cups and mugs too.
While the Hokie football game is obviously the most important game of the day, there will be lots of other great college games on. People at your tailgate are going to want to see other games (or they’ll wander somewhere else). Do what many popular tailgaters do and get a portable satellite TV dish you hook up to a receiver and televisions you can quickly scramble to set up in the morning. A blow up Virginia Tech sofa right in front is also a nice
touch.
To me, the sign of a perfect tailgate is one that everyone wants to go back to after the game.
Getting ready for gameday in Blacksburg? Have a Virginia Tech fan that needs a gift? You can find great gear like a Virginia Tech Sweatshirt or other Virginia Tech Apparel at VirginiaTechFan.com, the Hokie Sports Blog and Fan Store.
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