07-31-2018, 03:16 PM
(07-31-2018, 01:17 PM)Spiny_Norman Wrote: SteveAztec,
Getting back to your visit to campus for game day, long-time CardBoarder Terry has a standard set of recommendations that he offers to visiting fans. I have copied here and updated for recent campus activity.
If you get to Palo Alto early and you're looking for a place to hang out, 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 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.
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. The Quad is near the middle of this map -- https://campus-map.stanford.edu/
- 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. Part of the Cantor Arts Center.
- 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 Home of Champions in the Arrillaga Family Sports Center, 641 E. Campus Drive. This is the new hall of fame space which opened a year ago. Free admission. Lots of interactive displays. Lots of trophies too.
Two hours before kickoff, 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. https://gostanford.com/sports/2013/4/17/208445471.aspx
Thank you very much. We will be up the night before the game at a hotel in the area and then head to Stadium.