Considering options for tomorrow...Captain's BBQ (hot but on the field) or Akerson Tower (up high, air conditioned but inside). This will be our only game at Annapolis so we want to experience it all! Best place to watch march-on, fly-over etc? Also, do you get to see your Mid much before or during? Thanks for the advice!
Tailgate options!
- Thread starter Afb
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Captains BBQ is a little more easy going. But I know tomorrow will be hot. Fly over, honestly anywhere is a great spot in the stadium. I think the best spot is the far end zone (where locker rooms are) as you can see approach, fly over you and then out. Unless you Mid doesn't March over you won't see them before. Depending on what class they are will depend on how much you see them during. A 4/C mostly you can catch them right before after marching on and then at the half.
Blue and Gold tent is where the Captains BBQ is. At half time it is opened up to Blue and Gold donors to NAAA. It used to be called try Varsity Tent and it was a gathering spot for former Varsity athletes. For the most part that is sort of where they still gather. Any place you can sit and visit is all that matters at half time. Be later in the day and probably looking for Mom and Dad to buy them dinner at half!
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There are two blue and gold tents. One is as Hoops describes, on the Gold side of the stadium. The one on the Blue side, nearest the Blue Angel jet, is the Supe's tailgate venue, invitation only, for official guests. You'll know if you're at the wrong one, because suited and sunglassed people with earpieces are often seen there.
There are also plenty of the usual food vendors in the stadium, along with booths at concourse level offering pulled pork, chicken tender platters, fresh grilled burgers, etc. That's a perfectly fine way to go, especially if you've had a nice lunch in Annapolis. Typical stadium prices. Find a place to perch and enjoy.
The USNA Alumni Assn also has a ticketed tailgater in a tent, open to parents. Catered with seating. Registration for these closes some X hours before game day.
http://www.usna.com/page.aspx?pid=509
The Akerson Tower is run by the Athletic Assn (NAAA), still a fairly new deal, for a certain level of donors who are then able to purchase club seats on top of that. At least that's the way I read it, no guarantees I have got it right. I've been there to functions but not football game day.
http://m.navysports.com/m/tickets/navy-tickets-m-footbl.html
What you don't want to do is be caught in the stadium security line outside as parking lot tailgaters surge to the stadium entrances to get to their seats for March On and flyover. If you want the right-over-your-head experience for the flyover from first sighting in the distance, stand on the open concourse near the refreshment stand at the Navy end zone. That's the water tower end of the stadium. Flyover can be seen from all seats. Then mosey to your seats if you like.
Another fun option is the famed New Jersey Parents Club tailgate. They have a massive tailgate and feed any mid who wanders up.
http://www.usna-njpc.org/site/mobile?url=http://www.usna-njpc.org/Tailgating_Essentials.html#2741
Your mid is in a duty status until after Blue and Gold is sung at game end. Depending on how strictly they are enforcing the rules, plebes/mids don't get to wander around much during the game. They are supposed to be in the Brigade seating area or in the Blue concourse for chow and bathrooms, so chilling at the Captain's BBQ is not for them. If they choose to meet up with you, you can swap texts in advance, get their favorite food and meet them in the Blue Concourse when they pop out for food. The lines get large at the half.
Hats. Sunscreen. Enjoy!
There are also plenty of the usual food vendors in the stadium, along with booths at concourse level offering pulled pork, chicken tender platters, fresh grilled burgers, etc. That's a perfectly fine way to go, especially if you've had a nice lunch in Annapolis. Typical stadium prices. Find a place to perch and enjoy.
The USNA Alumni Assn also has a ticketed tailgater in a tent, open to parents. Catered with seating. Registration for these closes some X hours before game day.
http://www.usna.com/page.aspx?pid=509
The Akerson Tower is run by the Athletic Assn (NAAA), still a fairly new deal, for a certain level of donors who are then able to purchase club seats on top of that. At least that's the way I read it, no guarantees I have got it right. I've been there to functions but not football game day.
http://m.navysports.com/m/tickets/navy-tickets-m-footbl.html
What you don't want to do is be caught in the stadium security line outside as parking lot tailgaters surge to the stadium entrances to get to their seats for March On and flyover. If you want the right-over-your-head experience for the flyover from first sighting in the distance, stand on the open concourse near the refreshment stand at the Navy end zone. That's the water tower end of the stadium. Flyover can be seen from all seats. Then mosey to your seats if you like.
Another fun option is the famed New Jersey Parents Club tailgate. They have a massive tailgate and feed any mid who wanders up.
http://www.usna-njpc.org/site/mobile?url=http://www.usna-njpc.org/Tailgating_Essentials.html#2741
Your mid is in a duty status until after Blue and Gold is sung at game end. Depending on how strictly they are enforcing the rules, plebes/mids don't get to wander around much during the game. They are supposed to be in the Brigade seating area or in the Blue concourse for chow and bathrooms, so chilling at the Captain's BBQ is not for them. If they choose to meet up with you, you can swap texts in advance, get their favorite food and meet them in the Blue Concourse when they pop out for food. The lines get large at the half.
Hats. Sunscreen. Enjoy!
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Currently 1/C and 2/C can sit with parents between March On and singing of Navy Blue and Gold if you buy a ticket for your DD/DS in addition to yours. 2/C will need to get an email from their Company Officer in order to show that they are approved to sit away from the Brigade.
Many companies have their own tailgates for all their Mids and your DD/DS may want to hang around after the game. Keep your channel of communication open before and during the game.
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Oh yes, forgot about that, thanks for update. Used to be just 1/c. Nice to be able to do. Plebes, their duty is to be sweating, standing, cheering, trashing their uniforms and doing push-ups as indicated.
I fully admit I am watching from the sofa in the AC today while DH is there with visiting '09 sponsor daughter and a friend.
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Plebe life is tough, and rank has its privilege!
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Nothing builds character like sitting in sunny 95 degree in a stadium...I happened to be hiding from the heat as well!
I believe they canceled parade yesterday afternoon due to the heat.