[Embo]

Would appreciate any opinions regarding the value of ths event.

In recent seasons I attended tailgates organzed by the Stanford Alumni Association at Wake Forest and Duke.  In both cases, the value was in the interacton wth other Stanford folks.  As a pure food and beverage play the value was low, and the prices were a lot less than $65 each.

Also, I plan to attend the Rose Parade so probably wouldn't get to the Rose Bowl tailgate until 11 at the earliest.

Geaux Cardinal!

BigEasyCard -
You are correct regarding the pure food and beverage play.  As I mentioned, I've been to the past four pre-Bowl tailgates.  Each increased in size, stature, and price.  The Sun Bowl brunch was really comfy, intimate, and a great value, which paralleled the nature of the town (they really did make us welcome) and the bowl.  (I think it was $20 per person.)  The Orange Bowl was $50 - it was pretty much burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and beer, but IMHO it was worth it because it helped make a statement that Stanford fans do travel and spend well.  (That tailgate was sold out prior, people did ask me on the street in South Beach if I had a extra ticket).  VaTech did not have any such equivalent tailgate.  The ante was upped with the Fiesta Bowl - it was a very large crowd taking up a whole field, had better food, had entertainment including a live band, an open bar (including margaritas).  The $65 ticket might have been considered pricey, but it continued the image that our fans were BCS bowl worthy - it was sold out well in advance, and Oklahoma State did not have any alumni tailgate.
Last year's tailgate was even pricier - $75 per head.  It had a better variety of food, but you are supporting Stanford with your cash.  There were problems (the vendor ran out of food, necessitating the SAA giving refunds to whomever asked).  That shouldn't happen this year.

I'd have to say you should attend the SAA tailgate only if you value the interaction with Stanford folks, and watching the band perform.  I went to the Rose Parade in 2000.  It'll end around 10 AM.  There are shuttle buses from the Parsons Corp to the Stadium, but you are correct - getting to the golf course by 11 may be iffy. 

[Embo]

Would appreciate any opinions regarding the value of ths event.

In recent seasons I attended tailgates organzed by the Stanford Alumni Association at Wake Forest and Duke.  In both cases, the value was in the interacton wth other Stanford folks.  As a pure food and beverage play the value was low, and the prices were a lot less than $65 each.

Also, I plan to attend the Rose Parade so probably wouldn't get to the Rose Bowl tailgate until 11 at the earliest.

Geaux Cardinal!

BigEasyCard -
You are correct regarding the pure food and beverage play.  As I mentioned, I've been to the past four pre-Bowl tailgates.  Each increased in size, stature, and price.  The Sun Bowl brunch was really comfy, intimate, and a great value, which paralleled the nature of the town (they really did make us welcome) and the bowl.  (I think it was $20 per person.)  The Orange Bowl was $50 - it was pretty much burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and beer, but IMHO it was worth it because it helped make a statement that Stanford fans do travel and spend well.  (That tailgate was sold out prior, people did ask me on the street in South Beach if I had a extra ticket).  VaTech did not have any such equivalent tailgate.  The ante was upped with the Fiesta Bowl - it was a very large crowd taking up a whole field, had better food, had entertainment including a live band, an open bar (including margaritas).  The $65 ticket might have been considered pricey, but it continued the image that our fans were BCS bowl worthy - it was sold out well in advance, and Oklahoma State did not have any alumni tailgate.
Last year's tailgate was even pricier - $75 per head.  It had a better variety of food, but you are supporting Stanford with your cash.  There were problems (the vendor ran out of food, necessitating the SAA giving refunds to whomever asked).  That shouldn't happen this year.

I'd have to say you should attend the SAA tailgate only if you value the interaction with Stanford folks, and watching the band perform.  I went to the Rose Parade in 2000.  It'll end around 10 AM.  There are shuttle buses from the Parsons Corp to the Stadium, but you are correct - getting to the golf course by 11 may be iffy.