Old Dominion Tailgating

[App74]

Tailgating at ODU is a little different, as I know of no for-pay lots in the area close to the stadium. Visitors can park for free at one ofthe two BB arena garages (one behind the Springhill Suites, the other two blocks away on the other side of the arena 43rd street). You can tailgate on Kaufman Mall, which has huge amounts of open grassy space, but I would not trust to leave a setup during gametime. Donor lots are all over the place, with the BLUE lot (across Hampton Blvd at 49th st) very active. We are very welcoming to traveling fans, and you should be treated very well should you choose to walk through and enjoy the atmosphere. Right next to the stadium are the bigger donors and fancier tailgates....all very nice. Look for "Charles the Monarch" (Has been on the TODAY show), a labradoodle that is shaved and colored to look eerily similar to a lion. Police have been called as he has been often mistaken as an escaped lion from the zoo.

Happy to answer any questions about lodging, food, etc. The csn.bbs link is great and good information there, as well. Great restaurants are in the area, but most are a drive away and the closest favorites are on Colley Avenue. Previous posters were correct in discussing that this is an urban campus with urban criminal elements, so be aware, but the immediate campus area is safe and fun.

Looking forward to this game and series. We played Ga Southern twice and made some great connections with their fans and see you guys as "kindred spirits" as we move up and try to establish a FBS presence. Let's hope for a competitive game that is injury free.

Thanks for the info! We're staying at the Renaissance Waterfront in Portsmouth. Any suggestions for bars/dining in that area?

[/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09]

I'm an App grad ('94) and just opened a new restaurant in Norfolk. We are 3-4 miles from ODU (7550 Granby St., Suite 90) but I'm going to be pre-tailgate partying at the restaurant starting at 11am. We've got 10 taps of local craft beer (O'Connor, Smartmouth, Pineapple Grenade, Terrapin Hopsecutioner, Vienna Lager, etc) and a variety of bottles and cans. Just got in NotYourFathers Rootbeer. Anybody wearing Black and Gold can have anything on tap for $3.14 Saturday. That goes for after the game too when we whip some ODU tail. I've got an outdoor area too that can seat 40ish. The restaurant is called Your Pie. We are a new fast casual style pizza restaurant where you build your own pizza for $7.99...unlimited toppings....and bakes in a brick oven in under 3 minutes.

I'll probably be here until approx 1:00 before I head down to tailgate but you're welcome to stay and drink all you want.

Awesome. Who do I ask for to say thank you.

[jrhoades2329]

Jeff Rhoades....I'll be there in my black and gold.

[ODUsmitty]

Yes, I believe drinking is allowed on Kaufman Mall. Pretty "dead" there,and you will be amazed at how much available space is there considering the tailgate lots are at such a premium.

Portsmouth is a challenge for dining. Fortunatelty your hotel is a good one and you are within walking distance to the best restaurant section in town.....High Street.

Here is a map with restaurants listed. I like the Lobscouser (Seafood) and Roger Brown's (big sports bar). Commodore theatre is also cool and serves meals/beverages while you watch the movie. Roger Brown's not on the map, but is 316 High Street and is probably the most known place in the area.

http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?c ... F+cmFkLjgw

If going to the game, one restaurant not listed but really good is Fellini's on Colley Avenue (near Cogan's) Italian, artisan pizzas, great linguine with white clam sauce, and "artistic" bathrooms.....you'll understand if you stop by and not be disappointed. We had Northern Iowa in town for a men's BB game a few years back, and they ate there prior to the game on my recommendation (Friends with one of the players parents). The coach thanked me for the recommendation, saying this far exceeded what they normally get on the road. Just a suggestion.

[ODUsmitty]

One other thing, this is Neptune Festival weekend, which is kind of like a food, art, etc show on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. We have purchased many of the items with which we decorate the house from this event through the years. Weather is expected to be atrocious, so crowds should be small, but for the wives, this is a pretty neat option.

[EastHallApp]

Man, this weather forecast is killing me. I'm heading up tomorrow with my family for a long weekend (staying until Monday). Would at least one day of sun be too much to ask?

[kiddbrewer]

I'm an App grad ('94) and just opened a new restaurant in Norfolk. We are 3-4 miles from ODU (7550 Granby St., Suite 90) but I'm going to be pre-tailgate partying at the restaurant starting at 11am. We've got 10 taps of local craft beer (O'Connor, Smartmouth, Pineapple Grenade, Terrapin Hopsecutioner, Vienna Lager, etc) and a variety of bottles and cans. Just got in NotYourFathers Rootbeer. Anybody wearing Black and Gold can have anything on tap for $3.14 Saturday. That goes for after the game too when we whip some ODU tail. I've got an outdoor area too that can seat 40ish. The restaurant is called Your Pie. We are a new fast casual style pizza restaurant where you build your own pizza for $7.99...unlimited toppings....and bakes in a brick oven in under 3 minutes.

I'll probably be here until approx 1:00 before I head down to tailgate but you're welcome to stay and drink all you want.

Thanks for the invite. My buddy and I enjoyed the food and the beer. Always glad to help support another App Grad.

[App74]

You have a great place! Food was delicious and staff very friendly. Thanks for the invite!

[ODUsmitty]

Hope everyone had a good time, a decent meal, and got home safely. Congratulations on the beatdown, and let's hope we can give you a better game next year in Boone.

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

Hope everyone had a good time, a decent meal, and got home safely. Congratulations on the beatdown, and let's hope we can give you a better game next year in Boone.

I am finding you all over the place.

[ODUsmitty]

You reminded me that I did not "close out" with a congrats over here, as well. At least Marshall is not coming to Norfolk next week....don't think I can take another offensive (meant both ways) performance at home!