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Stanford gameday Newbie - fredferdlap - 11-09-2011

Hello. I'm new to this board and will be attending my first Stanford game this saturday. (I think I picked a good one to start with, eh?)

So I have a few basic questions about attending the game:
1. I understand the regular seats are bucket seats? Should I bring a cushion? I assume the standard bench stadium seat with a back would not work.

2. Any pregame festivities that are a 'can't miss' ? (Besides the ESPN gameday which is unfortunately a bit early!)

3. Recommended food options? (other than tailgating...)

Any thoughts appreciated.

Go Stanford!
Go Andrew!!!


Re: Stanford gameday Newbie - Leftcoast - 11-10-2011

Wow!  You certainly did pick the right game - and we hope you'll get a chance to see a few other exciting games in the near future.  Maybe even a Big Game next week and a bigger game in January.

The seats are pretty comfortable as is but you might appreciate a flat cushion or blanket - not really a requirement but some folks bring 'em.  The stadium usually allows a small bag/backpack so bring along raingear and some light snacks and (sealed) drinks.  There's plenty of concessions if that's inconvenient.

Parking near the stadium is plentiful but you'll need to pay.  Approaches to the stadium get very clogged as gametime approaches so plan on being at your parking spot 90 minutes prior to gametime.

Stanford faithful like to soak in "the walk" and the mostly impromptu band performances near the stadium but for first timers I'd suggest a walk through the quad, oval and maybe a stop at the track shop for gear.

Eating choices near the stadium are sparse but a short drive away is downtown Palo Alto with it's wealth of choices.  You'll find a restaurant for any taste there.  A family favorite is the low key Peninsula Diner (we sit at the bar and watch our milkshakes get made) but there's plenty of spots that serve adult beverages nearby (Gordon Biersch, Empire Tap Room, Old Pro and longtime faves Oasis, Dutch Goose).  I'd suggest finding someplace to soak up the win while traffic clears.

I'm just scratching the surface and as I'm pecking away on a smartphone/dumb interface I'll let others with full keyboards elaborate.

I hope you enjoy your visit and remember the event for years to come if you're wearing red.  If you're wearing green, well, I still hope you enjoy the event, just not so much.

Re: Stanford gameday Newbie - Spiny_Norman - 11-10-2011

Food options at the stadium?  Don't miss the Gordon Biersch garlic fries.  But if you want to enjoy a Gordon Biersch beverage, you have to do so outside.  No beer sold in Stanford Stadium.

Re: Stanford gameday Newbie - terry - 11-10-2011

Some game day suggestions --

If you get to Palo Alto early and you're looking for a place to watch some of the earlier games, you might try the Old Pro, a sports bar in downtown Palo Alto. It probably will be crowded. The address is 541 Ramona St., Palo Alto -- http://www.oldpropa.com/ 

If you're arriving plenty early, and especially if you haven't been to Stanford before, I would suggest entering campus by way of University Avenue. It takes you through downtown Palo Alto and into the campus. The name of the street changes from University Ave. to Palm Drive as you cross over El Camino Real. That gives you the "picture postcard" view of the campus as you enter -- except that you probably will see the Game Day set as you come up Palm Drive, and that's not on the postcards. . .

If you get there early enough, you can park in Lots 8, 9, or 13 for $15. Those lots are on both sides of Palm Drive. Here's the parking map -- http://www.gostanford.com/footballcentral/parkingmap.html

Regarding game-day activities -- If you've never been to the Stanford campus, I would advise that you spend some time walking around the central campus area. It's possible to come to a football game, park, tailgate, and leave without ever seeing the central campus. I think that would be a mistake. Some spots to see on campus:

- The Quad. This is the academic heart of the campus. Spend some time wandering around. You will want to go into Memorial Church. Check out Memorial Court, which is at the main entrance to the Quad. Just outside the main entrance to the Quad is the Oval, a large grassy area that often is the site of frisbee, sunbathing, picnics, or whatever. That's where Game Day will be. The Quad is near the middle of this map -- http://transportation.stanford.edu/pdf/visitor-map.pdf 

- White Plaza. This the crossroads of the campus and there's usually a lot of activity. The Bookstore has Stanford clothing and souvenirs. You can get something to eat at the Tresidder Union. Look in the bottom center part of the map.

- The Rodin Sculpture Garden at the Museum. (The Museum is formally known as the Cantor Center.) I think admission to the Museum is free if you want to go inside, but you don't have to enter the Museum to see the Rodin Garden. Near the top of the map.

- Hoover Tower. You won't have a problem finding it. Just look up. If the tower is open, you may want to ride up and see the campus from above.

- The Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame. Located in the Arrillaga Family Sports Center on Campus Drive, between Maples Pavilion and the Taube Tennis Stadium. The Hall of Fame Room is on the left after you go through the main entrance of the building. (Be sure you are in the right building -- several buildings have the Arrillaga name on them.) The Stanford Axe is kept in a case on the right side of the entry lobby of this building, unless they've pulled the Axe out for some reason.

Two hours before kickoff (3 pm), the Stanford team will walk from its locker room at Arrillaga Family Sports Center to the stadium. The Walk is a long-standing tradition. Fans will stand along the route and applaud the team as it walks past. The best place to see the Walk is in Chuck Taylor Grove, along Sam McDonald Mall. The Band plays in Chuck Taylor Grove immediately before the Walk.

While you're in Chuck Taylor Grove, take a look for the plaques honoring college football Hall of Famers Chuck Taylor (a Stanford player, coach, and athletic director) and Pop Warner (Stanford's winningest coach ever).

The Stanford "Fan Fest" is in the hammer throw area of Angell Field, on the opposite side of Sam McDonald Mall from Chuck Taylor Grove. You can get something to eat at the Fan Fest.



Re: Stanford gameday Newbie - fredferdlap - 11-10-2011

Thanks for all the great ideas!
Hope the weather holds but will be a great game either way!