Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Friday night is the ACC home opener for Virginia Tech as the Hokies take the field under-the-lights at Lane Stadium. Here's a quick rundown of information for fans to answer the most frequently asked questions leading up to the game.
Gameday Central
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What's New in Lane Stadium for 2019
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Virginia Tech Gameday Fan Guide & Additional Parking Information
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* Football gameday parking will open at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27
Q. Are tickets still available?
Yes, tickets are still available - vthoki.es/VTvDuke
Q. How can I avoid purchasing counterfeit tickets?
The best choice to purchase tickets on the secondary market is visiting the official Virginia Tech marketplace at StubHub
Virginia Tech Police and Virginia Tech Athletics strongly suggest reviewing the following information on ways to spot counterfeit tickets: vthoki.es/TixAlert
Q. What time is the game and what time do stadium games open?
Friday's game time is set for 7 p.m. ET at Lane Stadium. Stadium gates open at 5 p.m.
Public Will Call (Gate 4) and ticket sales windows open at 9 a.m. Player guest opens at 5 p.m.
Q: Any other special events surrounding the game?
Virginia Tech's men's soccer team will host Boston College at 1 p.m. on Friday at Thompson Field. Admission is free. In addition there will be a free concert in Hokie Village with the Worx Band taking the stage at 3:30 p.m. followed by Nashville recording artist Jay Allen at 5 p.m.
The game will also feature a light show during the 3rd/4th quarter break. Fans are encouraged to download the HokieSports App prior to the game to use the Hokie Lights feature as we Light Up Lane. To participate in the cell phone light show, open the app and click on Hokie Lights in the menu.
Q. Can I park in Lot 1 for the soccer game?
Soccer parking will not be permitted in Lot 1 (Cassell Coliseum). Fans attending the game should park in their space for the football game. If you are only attending the soccer game, Lot 8 (Litton-Reaves) will be available for parking. All cars must be removed by 4 p.m. from Lot 8 or they will be ticketed and towed.
Q: What is the halftime entertainment?
Halftime will be performed by the Marching Virginians with skydivers from Team Fastrax diving into the stadium. In addition, the Hokies will have an on-field recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the 1999 Football Team with various members of that team returning to Lane Stadium.
Q: Any gate changes for the game?
Students who are assigned a seat in the North End Zone must enter through the specific North End Zone gates at Gate 7 (the Northeast corner of the Stadium next to the Beamer-Lawson Indoor Practice Facility). Upon entry, students will receive and wear a wristband which will allow them to enter and exit the North Stands as they desire without the need to continually check tickets for admission.
Students who have tickets for any of the other student sections in the stadium may enter at any gate surrounding Lane Stadium and find their specified seat in either the East Stands or the South End Zone.
Q: What should I wear?
It is the annual White Effect game, so show your Hokie pride by wearing WHITE! Friday will be on the warm side in Blacksburg with highs in the low 80s before dropping that night to the low 60s.
Q. What time does Hokie Village open and close?
A blast from Skipper will officially open Hokie Village at 3:30 p.m. on the field directly west of Lane Stadium across Beamer Way. Hokie Village closes at 6:15 p.m.
NEW – In line with national trends, Hokie Village will also be the home of a beer garden as a pregame entertainment option for fans looking for easily accessible family friendly tailgating options. As it is a controlled area, fans cannot bring in beer from outside of Hokie Village nor leave Hokie Village without consuming their beverages. Beginning with the Duke game on Sept. 27, both credit cards and cash will be accepted.
There will be a free concert held in Hokie Village this week, featuring the Worx Band with the opening act (3:30 p.m.) before Nashville recording artist Jay Allen takes the stage at 5 p.m.
This week Hokie Village will feature food trucks from Saucy Swine O's, Manns Sausage and Grandpa Ike's Donuts. The Virginia Tech softball and women's soccer teams will be out signing autographs. In addition, there will be tailgate games and several inflatables as well as the social media station.
Q. What weather can we expect for the game?
Friday will be on the warm side in Blacksburg with partly cloudy skies and highs in the low 80s. There is a 10-percent chance of precipitation. Sunrise is at approximately 7:13 a.m. and setting at 7:11 p.m. The game will take place as the day cools off, so be prepared. Overnight, temperatures will get down into the low 60s. As always, check for updated forecasts and plan accordingly.
Q. What is Virginia Tech's Heat Plan?
Virginia Tech will implement its heat plan when the heat index is forecast to be 84 degrees or higher or game day with fan safety being of the utmost importance. This new heat plan will both better prepare fans for their visit to Lane Stadium while also taking precautionary measures on game day.
When the heat plan is in place it will be announced the day of corresponding home game and will include:
Notification on all digital channels with recommendations on how to avoid heat related illness
- Fans will be permitted to bring in 1 emptybottle to refill per person
- Cool zones will be available in the corners of the stadium featuring fan misters and complimentary cups of ice
- Additional water and cool packs will be available at first aid stations
Whether the heat plan is in place or not, it is important to note that the following options are always available:
- Water refill stations - Fans are permitted to bring in empty containers to fill with water provided at these stations. Locations include: West Section 18, South Section 105, East Section 7.
- First aid stations - Available by West section 20, South section 202, East section 27, and East section 1.
- Fans are encouraged to take advantage of shaded areas on the West, East and South concourses as needed.
Q. What TV channel is the game on?
The game will be broadcast on ESPN with Dave Lamont serving as the play-by-play announcer and Gene Chizik as the analyst. Dr. Jerry Punch will be on the sideline.
The game will also be available online through WatchESPN – https://es.pn/2kPP9xb (subject to availability)
Q. How can I listen to the Hokies on the radio?
WBRW 105.3 FM will carry the game in Blacksburg
Follow this link for complete list of Virginia Tech Sports Radio Network - Affiliates
Satellite Info: Sirius Channel 84 | XM Channel 84 | Internet Channel 84
Listen digitally through the HokieSports website/app or TuneIn
Q. How can I follow the Hokies online?
HokieSports.com will provide comprehensive coverage throughout game day, bringing you closer to the Hokies than anyone else can with photos, videos and insights from inside the team. In addition, @HokiesFB on Twitter will have live pregame, in-game and postgame updates.
Q. When/where is "The Hokie Walk" taking place?
Team busses arrive at approximately 4:30 p.m. for The Hokie Walk. Head coach Justin Fuente and the team will walk from the outside the West Side of Lane Stadium on Beamer Way to the team locker room in the Merryman Center. Fans are encouraged to cheer on the team upon arrival.
Q: When/where is "The March to Victory" taking place?
The new March to Victory combines fans' favorite game day traditions to form a spirit parade into Lane Stadium. Beginning 1 hour prior to kickoff at the Marching Virginians Center, the parade will travel through Lot 5, pass between Lots 2 & 3, and conclude in Lane Stadium entering through the SW field tunnel. The parade will feature Skipper, the HokieBird, the HighTechs dance team, the Corps of Cadets spirit team -- Esprit De Corps, and of course the Marching Virginians. Fans are encouraged to join in the March to Victory and enter Lane Stadium gates upon the conclusion of the march.
Q: Are there any road construction or traffic flow changes that could impact my travel plans?
There is still some minor work being done with the new 460/Southgate Connector, but the project is mostly complete. However, the flow of traffic on game day has changed!
More information about the traffic flow can be found here - vthoki.es/Fan411Duke
Q: Will parking be more strictly enforced to provide access for emergency vehicles?
In an effort to address the issues of parking space infringement and crowds spilling into the roadway, a line will be painted behind each parking spot in lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. We request this line be the extension limit for your tailgate. Encroaching beyond the line will result in an infraction of the tailgating policies. This will ensure that we are keeping the roadway clear for emergency vehicles and that no one gets injured.
Q: Where can I find info on Blacksburg Transit?
Blacksburg Transit offers service on all buses and shuttles on football game day(s). In addition to regular fixed-route service, Blacksburg Transit runs extra football buses on regular routes to facilitate large crowds. Blacksburg Transit also offers shuttle service from public parking at P2 (map), located at 3109 Prices Fork Road to Lane Stadium.
BT Access provides free ADA shuttle service for passengers with disabilities to and from Lane Stadium. Please call BT Access at 540-961-1803 for more details.
Football Shuttles begin three hours prior to kickoff and run for two hours after each game. Regular fixed-route service is suspended for two hours after each game so that those buses can be used to assist departing fans. All shuttles will leave from Washington Street, by Cassell Coliseum after the game. BT staff will be available in safety vests to direct passengers.
More information can be found by clicking this link. – Blacksburg Transit
Q. Do the Hokies have a Clear Bag Policy at Lane Stadium?
Yes, the Hokies instituted a clear bag policy prior to the 2016 season. The following are approved to be carried into Lane Stadium:
Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x12"
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
Small clutch bag approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap and no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
For more information visit HokieSports.com - Link
Q. What items are restricted or permitted at Lane Stadium?
Lane Stadium has adopted several "best practices" that have been implemented at many major collegiate, professional and entertainment venues nationwide. Providing a safe environment for our guests remains an ongoing priority at Virginia Tech, along with increasing the comfort and efficiency of all individuals entering the facility.
Non-Allowable Items
In order to provide a more enjoyable experience and for the safety of all fans, the following items are not allowed in the stadium:
- Chair backs - Reserve a Hokie Stadium Seat by calling (800) 510-5614 or by logging on to hokieseats.com. Stadium Chair backs are also available on game day for $8.
- Smoking - including e-cigarettes- is restricted to the designated areas of the stadium
- Selfie Sticks
- Alcoholic Beverages or other beverages
- Audio or Video recording equipment
- Camera's with a detachable lens 6 inches or longer
- Coolers/Containers (unless containing medical supplies)
- Diaper bags
- Fireworks or any Explosive
- Folding chairs
- Food
- Illegal Drugs
- Large Bags or Backpacks
- Laser Pointers
- Noisemakers (Horns, whistles or artificial noisemakers of any kind)
- Pets (except service animals)
- Signs, Flags, or Banners
- Strollers
- Umbrellas
- Unmanned aircraft (drones)
- Weapons
PERMITTED ITEMS
The following items are permitted inside the venue:
- Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches
- Mobile phones
- Binoculars (without case)
- Seat cushions without arms, pockets and/or backs
- Radios with headsets
- Diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children must be carried in a clear bag