Questions for Delaware Fans

[CAA Flagship]

I drove by your stadium for the first time today as I was passing by on I-95. I wanted to get familiar with the area prior to coming up next September for the Old Dominion Game.

I have a couple of questions:
1. Where do the visiting teams usually stay?

2. After looking at your parking map http://www.udaf.udel.edu/images/Athleti ... ev2-10.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I see the "Single Game Parking" areas. Are those open to anyone or only for season ticket holders? Do they just charge a fee to park there on gameday?

3. How many hours before kickoff do they open the lots? What is the alcohol policy? Grill policy?

4. Any idea how hard it is to get a room at those hotels across the street during the weekend of home games?

5. I saw the TGI Fridays across the street. I imagine that would be a good place to go the night before the game. Any others that are "family friendly" that might have football fans?

As I pulled into the parking lot, I looked for someone that might be able to answer some of these questions. A guy was getting out of his car so I politely asked him a couple of questions, but he was not very sure. Then I found out why. It was Matt Marcorelle. He never sees the parking lots. He was extremely polite and seemed like a real nice guy. I wished him luck and told him that the Old Dominion fans were pulling for the Blue Hens.

[State Line Liquors]

I drove by your stadium for the first time today as I was passing by on I-95. I wanted to get familiar with the area prior to coming up next September for the Old Dominion Game.

I have a couple of questions:
1. Where do the visiting teams usually stay?Right across from the stadium

2. After looking at your parking map http://www.udaf.udel.edu/images/Athleti ... ev2-10.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I see the "Single Game Parking" areas. Are those open to anyone or only for season ticket holders? Do they just charge a fee to park there on gameday?You can park in the single game lots. Yes, it's $15 to park.

3. How many hours before kickoff do they open the lots? What is the alcohol policy? Grill policy?4 hours of tailgating before kickoff. Alcohol is welcome...no worry about containers if you're an adult. We only use propane at my tailgate. They may allow charcoal.

4. Any idea how hard it is to get a room at those hotels across the street during the weekend of home games?Not sure. Usually depends on the week. Embassy Suites is the best choice.

5. I saw the TGI Fridays across the street. I imagine that would be a good place to go the night before the game. Any others that are "family friendly" that might have football fans?There's a ton of places on Main Street.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I looked for someone that might be able to answer some of these questions. A guy was getting out of his car so I politely asked him a couple of questions, but he was not very sure. Then I found out why. It was Matt Marcorelle. He never sees the parking lots. He was extremely polite and seemed like a real nice guy. I wished him luck and told him that the Old Dominion fans were pulling for the Blue Hens.

Head over to GoHens.net and register when you get a chance. I'm sure if you use the same screen name it'll be approved when the admin gets around to checking his computer.

[93henfan]

State Line pretty much nailed everything. No need to go to TGIF when there's likely one where you live. Main Street is the place to go. There are many good local places to choose from on Main Street. Also, charcoal is fine for tailgating. If you are looking for the drunken coed scene, go to the lot by the ice arena. It can get rowdy there. If you are looking for a more peaceful tailgate, go elsewhere, like the lot on Rt 4 past the treeline.

So you ran into Matt Marcorelle? Pretty cool. He's been on the team since the late 90s it seems. He's been injury plagued over the years, but when he's healthy he's a beast. Three weeks off will be good for him.

[CAA Flagship]

Thanks guys. That's a big help. I'm thinking the Embassy Suites is the way to go. Will try Main Street on Friday night but will be saddled with my kids. Hoping to hit the casino at Delaware Park late night though. It sounds like parking/tailgating is not a problem so that is good.

OK, so I thought it was Matt Marcorelle. Now I'm not sure. I never asked his name but he mentioned that he was a senior and he was driving a car with Florida plates. I took a quick look at the roster and found one senior from Florida that was his size. But I just looked at the picture and now I'm not not sure. It may have been Siddiq Haynes. Either way, he was super nice.

[UD1Hens]

Thanks guys. That's a big help. I'm thinking the Embassy Suites is the way to go. Will try Main Street on Friday night but will be saddled with my kids. Hoping to hit the casino at Delaware Park late night though. It sounds like parking/tailgating is not a problem so that is good.

OK, so I thought it was Matt Marcorelle. Now I'm not sure. I never asked his name but he mentioned that he was a senior and he was driving a car with Florida plates. I took a quick look at the roster and found one senior from Florida that was his size. But I just looked at the picture and now I'm not not sure. It may have been Siddiq Haynes. Either way, he was super nice.

Siddiq is from NC so your are probably right with the Marcorelle guess. Both players are extremely nice. The easiest way to decide who it was by asking what they look like. Siddiq has a darker much darker skin tone than Marcorelle. His pictures on the website was taken freshman year so he looks totally different now. If you go out on Main Street with the kids you will be fine. Plenty of family friendly places to go. The bar scene gets crazy after 9 but I imagine you will have the kids out of there by then. Iron Hill Brewery, Home Grown, Klondike Kates have decent food on Main Street. Depending on the age of your kids, Grottos is a sports bar with games for even kids to play. Either way you'll run into a bunch of UD Football fans.

[cougarpines1]

Actually there is a UD run Marriott on campus

[∞∞∞]

You're quite the early planner 'Flagship.

[YoUDeeMan]

Thanks guys. That's a big help. I'm thinking the Embassy Suites is the way to go. Will try Main Street on Friday night but will be saddled with my kids. Hoping to hit the casino at Delaware Park late night though. It sounds like parking/tailgating is not a problem so that is good.

How old are your children?

[CAA Flagship]

How old are your children?

They will be in the 9 - 11 range at that time.

You're quite the early planner 'Flagship.

No sleeping in the offseason. Key hotel reservations may be the difference in a good time and a great time.

There appears to be a lot of space out there for tailgating. 3 hotels directly accross the street from the stadium. Full casino within 5 miles (table games and NFL parlay betting). I didn't see Main St. but it sounds like a great "central" location for hanging out. I think of all the road games in the CAA, Delaware may be the best for us. W&M is obviously closer but you're not likely to make a weekend out of it. I think CAA fans will enjoy Old Dominion with the beach nearby (Sept and Oct). Villanova may be OK for Philly attractions. Towson for Baltimore attractions. UMass UNH, Maine and RI may be OK but the distance has to be factored in too. UR and JMU? Meh.

[93henfan]

I guess different people seek out different things. I'm a big fan of scenery and the outdoors, so JMU is an appealing trip. Richmond is an appealing trip for a Civil War buff as well.

Villanova might be an excuse to see Philly, but the gameday atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired.

[89Hen]

Best roadies in the CAA IMO: W&M, JMU and UD. I would expect ODU to join those thanks to packing their stadium.

[CAA Flagship]

I guess different people seek out different things. I'm a big fan of scenery and the outdoors, so JMU is an appealing trip. Richmond is an appealing trip for a Civil War buff as well.

Villanova might be an excuse to see Philly, but the gameday atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired.

You're right. It depends on the person. For me, W&M, UR and JMU are in places I have been to. Outside of the game, I'm looking for a central area to gather the night before with several bars and restaurants, and football fans. Also looking for other attractions. We don't have a casino anywhere close to us in SE VA so that would be something different that VA schools can't offer. Philly has all that big city stuff (both commercial and historical) and a casino too. Not sure what Towson has. Beyond Philly, the trip becomes too long in comparison to the southernmost 7, at least for us. Not saying I would not go, just saying that it may be less desirable due to the travel time.

[93henfan]

I guess different people seek out different things. I'm a big fan of scenery and the outdoors, so JMU is an appealing trip. Richmond is an appealing trip for a Civil War buff as well.

Villanova might be an excuse to see Philly, but the gameday atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired.

You're right. It depends on the person. For me, W&M, UR and JMU are in places I have been to. Outside of the game, I'm looking for a central area to gather the night before with several bars and restaurants, and football fans. Also looking for other attractions. We don't have a casino anywhere close to us in SE VA so that would be something different that VA schools can't offer. Philly has all that big city stuff (both commercial and historical) and a casino too. Not sure what Towson has. Beyond Philly, the trip becomes too long in comparison to the southernmost 7, at least for us. Not saying I would not go, just saying that it may be less desirable due to the travel time.

So you're a problem gambler. Understood.

I'm really looking forward to my first trip to ODU in 2012. Just a straight shot down Rt 13.

[89Hen]

I'm really looking forward to my first trip to ODU in 2012. Just a straight shot down Rt 13.

Pretty easy drive until you get to the Bridge Tunnel. Last time I went that way it was backed up for miles.

[CAA Flagship]

Best roadies in the CAA IMO: W&M, JMU and UD. I would expect ODU to join those thanks to packing their stadium.

I think the gameday atmosphere alone will make it one of the better trips. A little time at the beach would be a bonus for most, especially in late Sept or early Oct. When we kick-off at 3:30 or later, fans can walk the beach in the morning and have plenty of time to begin tailgating. Only one hotel across the street from campus. But then again, waking up to an ocean view (at off-season rates) may be worth the 20 minute drive to and from campus.

[93henfan]

I'm really looking forward to my first trip to ODU in 2012. Just a straight shot down Rt 13.

Pretty easy drive until you get to the Bridge Tunnel. Last time I went that way it was backed up for miles.

When I was a kid (before they added the second span), we used to head south for NASCAR quite a bit and I remember times when the weather was so bad they'd shut it down until a thunderstorm passed. I've been on the bridge before when whitecaps were smacking the side of the bridge and spray was coming up and over the decks. That's a little unnerving.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Pretty easy drive until you get to the Bridge Tunnel. Last time I went that way it was backed up for miles.

When I was a kid (before they added the second span), we used to head south for NASCAR quite a bit and I remember times when the weather was so bad they'd shut it down until a thunderstorm passed. I've been on the bridge before when whitecaps were smacking the side of the bridge and spray was coming up and over the decks. That's a little unnerving.

Yep. I've been on the bridge during rough weather. You can't see land and waves are breaking onto the surface - it can make you a bit uneasy.

Last time I was over Bridge/Tunnel I think they were charging $11 and that was about seven/eight years ago - what are the hitting you up now?

[93henfan]

Last time I was over Bridge/Tunnel I think they were charging $11 and that was about seven/eight years ago - what are the hitting you up now?

$12 w/ $5 for a return crossing within 24 hours. Ass rape for sure, but not nearly as bad per distance as the $8 I paid for the f'ing GW bridge in NY several weeks back. Plus, I'd pay $25 to avoid DC during rush hour, or whenever the traffic decides to stop over in that cesspool.

[YoUDeeMan]

How old are your children?

They will be in the 9 - 11 range at that time.

No problem with bringing them into the Main Street area restaurants. Plenty of food friendly places that have menu selections for that age group.

If you hop on GoHens.net, you'll get all the visiting advice you'll need. Tax free shopping is a bonus.

[93henfan]

And really, there's no better place to tour the chemical industry and study its impacts on the water table than Delaware. We put the brown in brownfield and the super in superfund.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

And really, there's no better place to tour the chemical industry and study its impacts on the water table than Delaware. We put the brown in brownfield and the super in superfund.

With that being said, CAA-F might want to avoid drinking any water directly from the tap.

[89Hen]

Plus, I'd pay $25 to avoid DC during rush hour, or whenever the traffic decides to stop over in that cesspool.

Hey! I resemble that remark. It was funny yesterday that on the drive home from Pittsburgh, at the first sign that said Washington > the cars started slowing down.

[93henfan]

Plus, I'd pay $25 to avoid DC during rush hour, or whenever the traffic decides to stop over in that cesspool.

Hey! I resemble that remark. It was funny yesterday that on the drive home from Pittsburgh, at the first sign that said Washington > the cars started slowing down.

You're upriver.

[CAA Flagship]

Last time I was over Bridge/Tunnel I think they were charging $11 and that was about seven/eight years ago - what are the hitting you up now?

$12 w/ $5 for a return crossing within 24 hours. Ass rape for sure, but not nearly as bad per distance as the $8 I paid for the f'ing GW bridge in NY several weeks back. Plus, I'd pay $25 to avoid DC during rush hour, or whenever the traffic decides to stop over in that cesspool.

Speaking of tolls, explain this one to me:
Round trip Baltimore tunnels = $4
Round trip I-95 bridge over Susquehanna River = $5
Round trip Delaware Memorial Bridge = $3
Round trip Ben Franklin Bridge = $3
Round trip I-95 through Delaware = $8

What's wrong with THAT picture?

[Rob Iola]

$12 w/ $5 for a return crossing within 24 hours. Ass rape for sure, but not nearly as bad per distance as the $8 I paid for the f'ing GW bridge in NY several weeks back. Plus, I'd pay $25 to avoid DC during rush hour, or whenever the traffic decides to stop over in that cesspool.

Speaking of tolls, explain this one to me:
Round trip Baltimore tunnels = $4
Round trip I-95 bridge over Susquehanna River = $5
Round trip Delaware Memorial Bridge = $3
Round trip Ben Franklin Bridge = $3
Round trip I-95 through Delaware = $8

What's wrong with THAT picture?

Or Round trip I-95 Baltimore to Florida = FREE