For those of you who are thinking about catching a Syracuse Football road game this season, we are thankful to TexanMark for sharing his travel guide with us once again.
Cuse Away Games Ranked (Tailgate and Visitors Guide)
By Mark Bradwick AKA TexanMark
Where has the summer gone? I certainly don’t want to wish it away but now is the time to look forward to Fall Cuse road trips. Will they be closer to the fun McCord season or will last year’s post Angeli injury train wreck still hang over this team?
My rankings involve things like winnability, predicted weather, gameday atmosphere, tailgate and parking ease, and overall costs. There are six trips starting in Pittsburgh and ending in Boston. Throw in Connecticut, Virginia, and Tobacco Road you actually have interesting games that many Cuse fans can drive too.
I expect Syracuse to elevate their play this year. All these games are winnable however, I expect we’ll only be favored in 1 to 3 games.
Now let’s dive into each game ranked first to last. I’ll give my ranking inputs at the beginning of each write up. What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
1. Virginia, Saturday, October 10th, TBA
Pluses: great setting, on campus, free parking, weather, surprise teams of ’24 and ’25 meet, sundresses, last game there over 10 years ago, should have decent Cuse crowd
Minuses: Lodging expenses, airport, long walk from tailgating areas, wine and cheese crowd, winnability?
UVA tailgating is picturesque, upscale, polite, and deeply embedded into the historic campus. It is spread out beautifully fragmented across the rolling, tree-lined “Grounds” of Charlottesville. You’ll find a mix of traditional lot tailgating (like the JPJ Basketball Arena lots) and premium, picturesque tent villages pitched on the green lawns around Observatory handled by hired vendors.
Scott Field Football Gameday Guide
Parking
UVA has some paid high end parking along with other paid options for season ticket holders. There are some paid garage options too that Cuse fans can access. Unless you have access to these lots your best bet is to park and tailgate at the Fontaine Research Park or out by John Paul Jones Basketball Arena. It appears these lots officially open three hours prior and garages open five hours prior. UVA fans said you can access the lots by the basketball arena earlier. The great news is these lots are free. The bad news is the walk is around a mile. There are shuttles though if you choose not to walk.
Motels
There are higher end hotels and motels still available close by but you will pay a huge premium. If you want to save $100s you need to look 20-30 miles west out in Waynesboro and Staunton. Another reasonable option is Harrisonburg as James Madison Football is away this weekend.
Weather
Early/Mid October weather for Charlottesville should be near perfect. Cool mornings and mild to warm afternoons should make for great tailgating and football watching.
Two Unique Things
The Skyline Drive is a recommended diversion for fans coming down I-81. Fall foliage should be approaching peak in spots.
The Charlottesville area is fast becoming a major east coast wine region.
2. North Carolina, Saturday, October 24th, TBA
Pluses: setting, weather, on campus, numerous flight options, numerous motels within 30 minutes, could be favored, solid Cuse crowd
Minuses: small lots all over, wine and cheese crowd, close in motels are super pricey even if available, traffic can be bad, stadium seating
UNC is one of prettier settings in the ACC. The tailgates are scenic, nostalgic, scattered, and deeply relaxed. It is classic wine and cheese.
Kenan Stadium is carved directly into a pine grove in the center of campus, meaning there are no massive parking lots touching the stadium gates. Instead, tailgating in Chapel Hill is a scavenger hunt through the “nooks and crannies” of the campus and Chapel Hill. It’s highly scenic but lacks a single, raucous epicenter.
Kenan Field Football Gameday Guide
Parking
Parking is pretty straightforward but I highly recommend you pre-purchase if you plan to tailgate or don’t want to risk playing parking spot roulette. The lots become available for purchase on August 12th via the ParkMobile App https://app.parkmobile.io/venue/kenan-memorial-stadium/events
If you wait too long you will probably have to find a parking garage, private lot or use the free Friday Center Park and Ride lot and take the $10 per person shuttle.
More info here: https://move.unc.edu/events/athletics/
Motels
If you plan to stay within walking distance it looks like it is all sold out. There are still lots of options surrounding the city. The motels near RDU International Airport are also a viable option.
Weather
The averages for gameday are 71/51. If dry, I’m not sure it gets any better. The days are starting to get shorter but the 6:30pm sunset will still be great for tailgating if it is a night game. Fall Foliage around the Triangle should be just starting.
Two Unique Things
Carolina Basketball Museum
Limited hours but a must for college basketball junkies.
NC Historic Barbecue Trail
If you are spending a few extra days in NC a visit to a couple barbecue joints to try the different styles of barbecue in NC.
3. UConn, Saturday, October 3rd, Noon
Pluses: very drivable for CNY and Tri-State based Cuse fans, rival (kinda), weather, stadium sightlines, large Orange Crowd, easy parking, should be favored to win, airport has numerous flights, rail service from NYC to Hartford
Minuses: bad if Cuse loses, UConn fans exude little brother energy, off campus erector set vibes, generic area around stadium
UConn plays at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. The main campus is 35 minutes east in Storrs. There is zero collegiate feel but the tailgates are pretty lively with the both alumni and students participating. Syracuse traditionally travels well here. I would not be surprised to see at least 25% of the crowd cheering for the Orange.
Parking
Because it sits on an old airfield, the stadium is surrounded by enormous open parking fields. This layout creates a fantastic, wide-open space for a classic parking-lot tailgates.
Lots open 4 hours before kickoff for non season ticket holders. Gameday parking is available at the far south end in the ” Grey and Red Lots”. Single game parking passes are $20 for vehicles and $50 for RVs and busses. They can be purchased at UConnTickets.com or cash or credit card on-site. The biggest issue is the stadium authority enforces very strict rules.
I have a much better option for Cuse fans. The Aircraft Club (Pratt and Whitney Aero Club) offers parking for $20 ($75 for RV day parking).
It is located across the street from the stadium at approximately 550 Silver Lane, East Hartford https://maps.app.goo.gl/FLh4r8r1DHSgyC8t8?g_st=ac and officially opens 4 hours prior to kickoff. Look for a large fenced in lot with softball fields. I always use this lot and I expect hundreds of Cuse fans there on game day. Grassy fields, easy going staff and air conditioned indoor bathrooms create a tailgate environment hard to beat. The rules are more relaxed here. The UConn fans here usually are pretty chill too. There is a back entrance too (200 Clement Rd) which comes in handy for quick escapes or a convenient back door entrance for those staying at the close by Comfort Inn and Fairfield Inn.
Motels
UConn has two motels very close to the stadium. The Comfort Inn and Suites, 333 Roberts St and a dual hat Marriott property (TownePlace Suites and Fairfield Inn) at 363 Roberts St. Otherwise you need to look downtown or other suburbs.
Weather
Summer has faded but early Fall weather in the Northeast can be glorious or sometimes rainy. Average high 68 low 51.
Two Unique Things
Parkville Market is Connecticut’s first and largest food hall, it celebrates the best the state has to offer.
Bass Pro/Cabelas is located next to the stadium. This makes a nice diversion for sports minded folks. Another item of note is overnight RV parking is allowed. Be sure to call in advance to confirm.
4. NC State, Saturday November 14th, TBA
Pluses: gameday atmosphere, numerous flight and motel options, tailgating, huge late season statement game for Cuse
Minuses: off campus, weather?, parking is pricey, traffic can be bad, winnability?
NC State offers a very good gameday environment. It is closer to an SEC tailgate environment than the mostly wine and cheese affairs at UNC and UVA. I expect a good contigent of Cuse fans at the game. The stadium normally is sold out so you might go through SU for tickets.
Carter-Finley Football Stadium Guide
Parking
Permit lots generally open 5 hours prior. The Westchase Area just east of the stadium sells single game passes. Another option is parking at Cardinal Gibbons High School. The school campus is located at 1401 Edwards Mill Road. It has a shuttle option and ADA parking. Call the NC State Athletics office (919) 865-1510 to purchase passes at either area. You can also try driving up on gameday to purchase via digital payment. More info and options are here:
One last option to park at the old Backyard Bistro. They offer parking for $50. The advantage is on-site vendors and a full service restaurant, The Local. www.thelocalraleighnc.com
Motels
There are a few in walking distance. For those flying in or driving the business oriented motels near the airport are my go to option for NC St, UNC and Duke games.
Weather
Mid November is a real crapshoot for The Triangle. Average daily range: 62/40. Snow this early is very rare but cold, rainy days start to become more likely.
Two Unique Things
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest in the state.
Two Food Halls in Raleigh bring cool food and drink vibes before or after the game.
5. Pittsburgh, Thursday, September 17th, 7:30pm
Pluses: Tailgating atmosphere, parking, unique urban setting, weather, numerous flight and lodging options, a win would be huge over a rival who has owned Cuse lately, drivable for most in mid-Atlantic
Minuses: off campus, Thursday night game (travel), rented stadium, insane road patterns in Pittsburgh, PA Toll Roads are crazy expensive
Pittsburgh is unlike most ACC gameday settings. It is urban, gritty, highly energetic, and heavily fueled by professional sports culture. Pitt plays off-campus at Acrisure Stadium (home of the Pittsburgh Steelers) on the North Shore. The lots are backdropped by the Pittsburgh skyline and the Ohio River. You’ll find Pierogies, kielbasa, and other classic Pittsburgh fare on the grills. For big games, it’s loud, densely packed, and benefits from the immediate proximity of North Shore bars and the rivers (where some fans even boat-tailgate or “sailgated”). However, it lacks the traditional, cozy collegiate campus feel. I don’t expect many Cuse fans there. We have never traveled well there.
Pittsburgh (Acrisure) Football Gameday Guide
Parking
Single-game parking passes are not available through the Panthers Ticket Office. Single-game parking can be purchased in advance through ParkWhiz, SpotHero or ParkMobile. Note: if you buy parking and the lot is a commercial business you might find it unavailable until 5pm as Thursday is a work day. Another item of note, the Pirates are hosting the Brewers for a 12:35 game. PNC Stadium is just down the street from Acrisure Stadium. For once in a long time this Pirate baseball game might be meaningful.
More info on parking:
Motels
Pittsburgh has a great amount of walkable hotels to the stadium. The rates are actually fairly reasonable. Look in the Northshore area and also downtown locations. From downtown you can even walk to the game via a pedestrian bridge. One of the more unique ways to get to the game is from the Sheraton at Station Square via the Gateway Clipper Boat.
Weather
Mid September evening game. Average high and low, 75/56. Need I say more.
Two Unique Things
Primanti Brothers
Small regional sandwich chain got it’s start in Pittsburgh.
Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines offer great views and something the kids will love
6. Boston College, Saturday, November 21st, TBD
Pluses: setting, numerous flight options, close to MBTA line, historic city, could be favored to win, rival, large Orange crowd
Minuses: Parking, Tailgating, NIMBY rules, weather, lodging availability nearby, BC Fans
Boston College has a vibe unlike any other ACC school. It has an exclusive gameday environment, heavily regulated, and strictly bound by space constraints. It is a fantastic city to visit though. If you go adjust your tailgate expectations and make the game a part of a bigger visit to Boston. I expect a large contigent of Cuse fans there.
BC Alumni Stadium Football Gameday Guide
Parking
On-campus tailgating is a luxury reserved almost entirely for high-level donors (Flynn Fund permit holders) in designated campus lots like Shea Field or the Upper Brighton campus. The rules are strict: no RVs are allowed on campus, tents are generally prohibited, and campus police strictly enforce a cutoff 30 minutes before kickoff. If you don’t have a donor pass, your pregame mostly consists of taking a shuttle from a satellite lot or hitting local bars. For those inside Shea Field, the energy is excellent and packed with New England staples (like lobster rolls or clam chowder), but it is the hardest scene to casually join.
This Guide is a few years old but it gives a VG overview: https://www.playma.com/news/alumni-stadium-fan-guide-boston-college-football-2023/
My advice is to book a hotel near the subway line and take mass transit. The MBTA Green Subway Lines B, C and D will all get you close to the stadium. https://www.mbta.com/maps
I would look at the Cleveland Circle area for a pregame spot. You can walk or Uber to the game from there.
Finally, for those driving in on gameday another option is to park at one of the large MBTA commuter garages near the end of rail lines. Just check the weekend schedule to see if it works for leaving after the game too.
Motels
There are a couple places still available within a mile walk. I would recommend making a reservation ASAP. Another option is to stay near the MBTA lines and take the train.
Weather
The odds on favorite to have the worst weather. Average high and low: 50/37 You will be just past peak for fall foliage in the Boston area but there will still be a few trees full of fall glory
Two Unique Things
Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market is a historic shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Boston.
The Freedom Trail
This is a must for history fans. It is a 2.5-mile red line leading to 16 nationally significant historic sites.
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Thanks to Mark for sharing this guide with the TNIAAM readers
