Virginia Tech football returns to Lane Stadium on Saturday and plays host to Wake Forest on Homecoming. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET, with gates opening two hours out at 1:30 p.m.
The atmosphere should be electric once again, with the game being announced a sellout. Fans still seeking ticket options for the matchup are encouraged to visit SeatGeek, the official secondary marketplace of Virginia Tech Athletics.
Get ready for gameday with five things to know for Tech's clash with the Demon Deacons.
1. Wear Maroon
This Saturday's contest will serve as the Hokies' annual Maroon Effect game. Fans can order this year's long sleeve shirt online, although shipping is not guaranteed prior to gameday, or pick one up on Saturday from the Hokie Shop's trailer in Lot 4.
2. Homecoming
Tech alumni will return to Blacksburg this week for plenty of Homecoming festivities. The Homecoming parade is set for 7 p.m. on Friday night, traveling between campus and downtown on Washington Street, Main Street and Alumni Mall. A spirit rally will be held on the Drillfield following the parade, featuring live music and games before a fireworks display at 8:45 p.m.
Beamer Way will be closed from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. for the parade, and Lot 2 will be closed starting at 5 p.m. Lot 1 can still be accessed from the Washington Street entrance. Fans are also invited to attend Tech men's soccer's match against Notre Dame at 6 p.m. on Friday night at Thompson Field, as well as baseball (5 p.m.) and softball's (6 p.m.) fall ball games. Admission is free for all three events.
The Homecoming alumni tailgate will open on Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m. Registration is $10 in advance and $15 the day of and includes food and drinks. Guests may enjoy lawn games, music, a petting zoo, inflatables and more.
A special Homecoming presentation is set for halftime of Saturday's football game, featuring a performance by the Marching Virginians and appearances by dignitaries and this year's homecoming court.
3. Parking and Postgame Traffic Patterns
Football parking and tailgating on gameday is a valued commodity, and it becomes extremely significant as we welcome the entire Virginia Tech community to campus. Therefore, to ensure that each game day guest has a positive and safe tailgating experience, the following rules should be followed. Click here to learn more about postgame traffic patterns.
4. Enjoy the Pregame Festivities
There is a lot happening in Blacksburg on Saturday and we want you to be equipped to partake in it all.
Hokie Village
Located on the turf soccer/lacrosse practice field off of Beamer Way, the complimentary event begins at noon and concludes at 2:45 p.m. The Jared Stout Band will play live music and fans can enjoy food trucks and drinks being made available for purchase. Complimentary airbrush T-shirts will also be made available.
Hokie Walk
Hokie Nation will be able to welcome the Hokies as they arrive at Lane Stadium once again this year. The buses will arrive on Beamer Way outside of Lane Stadium at approximately 12:50 p.m.
March to Victory
The Marching Virginians lead the March to Victory from the Marching Virginians Center to Lane Stadium at approximately 2 p.m. Joined by members of the HighTechs, Corps of Cadets and Skipper, the march leaves the Marching Virginians Center at the top of Chicken Hill, winds through Lot 5 on to Sterrett Drive between Lots 2 and 3 and along the sidewalk outside of South End Zone into Lane.
5. Your Phone Being Prepared is Crucial
Be sure to download your mobile ticket to your wallet before you arrive at the stadium. This eliminates the variable of not having strong WiFi around the stadium and not being able to download it. Click here for more information on downloading mobile tickets.
Fans can download their tickets through the new, improved HokieSports app. They must update the app on their phone if they are an iOS user, or if they are an Android user, they must redownload the HokieSports app on its own, instead of updating, to be able to download their tickets via Virginia Tech Athletics. Fans can download the HokieSports app here.
Lane Stadium will continue to be a mobile-first and cashless venue when it comes to ticketing and concessions. Once inside, only a credit or debit card will be accepted at the concession stands for those wanting to purchase food and drink. There will be a limited number of pre-paid cards available for purchase with cash at the Hokie Shop trailer in Lot 4 outside of Lane Stadium.