The environment for a Texas A&M University football game in Kyle Field is like no other. However, if you’re heading to an away game this season, we’ve put together a quick guide of things to do and places to stay for each stop on the schedule. In need of a little piece of Aggieland while you’re traveling? The Association of Former Students has you covered. Every year the Association partners with local Texas A&M clubs in away game cities to host All-Aggie tailgates. The events are always free and include food, drinks, and an abundance of Aggie spirit. The Association of Former Students hosts All-Aggie tailgates at each away game. They also host Midnight Yells the night before the game. For more information on the tailgates and Midnight Yell, visit www.aggienetwork.com/gameday/awaygames. The website will be updated periodically as times and locations are confirmed.
The University of Alabama: Photo Courtesy of UA Division of Strategic Communications
Sept. 22: University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Bryant Denny Stadium (Capacity: 101,821) Tickets www.rolltide.com Visitor Info www.visittuscaloosa.com Aggie Headquarters & Midnight Yell Location Chuy’s, 216 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama All-Aggie Tailgate Recreational Tennis Courts off 4th St. and Peter Bryce Boulevard.
Things to Do Tuscaloosa River Market Farmer’s Market open every Saturday from 7am – 12pm. Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Bryant-Denny Stadium The tour includes a special look at several areas including the home team locker room, recruiting room, a walk by the field, and more. Alabama Athletics hosts one tour each day of the week at 11am Monday through Friday. Tuscaloosa Museum of Art This museum displays approximately 1,000 works of fine and decorative art. Considered by many to be one of the greatest private collections of American art, it is truly a treasure within the community. University of Alabama Arboretum The arboretum features walking trails through a native woodland section, a wildflower garden, a collection of ornamental plants, an experimental garden, and a children’s garden. The Riverwalk A two-mile path along the Black Warrior River winds past shops and eateries and features a playground.
Hotels Close to the Stadium Hotel Capstone (4.5/5) Bama Bed and Breakfast (5/5) Embassy Suites by Hilton (4.5/5)
Dine Cheap Eats Archibald & Woodrow’s Barbeque (American, Barbeque) Moderately Priced The Avenue Pub (American, Gastropub) Fine Dining Chucks Fish (Steakhouse, Seafood)
Photo Courtesy of Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sept. 29: University of Arkansas – Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium (Capacity: 80,000) Tickets www.arkansasrazorbacks.com Visitor Info www.arlington.org Aggie Headquarters TBD Midnight Yell Location East Exchange Steps in the Fort Worth Stockyards All-Aggie Tailgate TBD
Things to Do Six Flags Over Texas & Fright Fest Six Flags is a thrill park packed with roller coasters that range from thrill rides to family and kids rides. Fright Fest is a spooky time of the year when zombies and ghouls take over the park and offers a wide variety of places to get your scare on including several haunted houses and scare zones located throughout the park. Lake Arlington At the lake visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, jet skis, and pontoon boats. The lake has a paddling trail that is open from dawn to dusk and totals 10.9 miles. Top O’Hill Terrace Tour this historic Texas landmark that transformed from a casino and brothel to a seminary. Tours are by appointment and are $10. No group is too small. To schedule a tour contact Vickie Bryant at (817) 987-1716 or topohillterrace@yahoo.com.
Hotels Close to the Stadium The Sanford House Inn (4.5/5) The Thornton Inn (4.5/5) Sheraton Arlington Hotel (4/5)
Dining Cheap Eats J Gilligans Bar and Grill (American, Pub) Moderately Priced Istanbul Grill (Mediterranean) Fine Dining Restaurant506 (American)
Williams-Brice Stadium at the University of South Carolina
Oct. 13: University of South Carolina – Columbia, South Carolina
Williams-Brice Stadium (Capacity: 80,250) Tickets www.gamecocksonline.com Visitor Info www.experiencecolumbiasc.com Aggie Headquarters TBD Midnight Yell Location South Carolina State House Steps All-Aggie Tailgate TBD
Things to Do Riverbanks Zoo and Garden The zoo is home to more than 2,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring botanical gardens. The lush 170-acre site features dynamic natural habitat exhibits, scenic river views, spectacular valley overlooks, and significant historic landmarks. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park Featuring plenty of river views, the park is a nice place to unwind and get away. Only a short distance away from the center of Columbia, the park is packed with scenic views and a main trail that is great for biking. Columbia Museum of Art Founded in 1950, the museum houses an international art collection that spans centuries. The collection includes masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as contemporary and modern art.
Hotels Close to the Stadium Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC (4/5) Hilton Columbia Center (4.5/5) Hampton Inn Columbia – Downtown Historic (4.5/5)
Dining Cheap Eats Southern Belly (American, Barbeque) Moderately Priced Alodia’s (Italian) Fine Dining Solstice Kitchen (American, Contemporary)
Photo by Beth Wynn/ © Mississippi State University
Oct. 27: Mississippi State University – Starkville, Mississippi
Davis-Wade Stadium (Capacity: 61,337) Tickets www.hailstate.com/tickets Visitor Info www.starkville.org Aggie Headquarters & Midnight Yell Location TBD All-Aggie Tailgate Intramural fields on the southeast corner of Stone and Bully boulevards
Things to Do Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and Museum The museum provides an engaging visitor experience with artifacts and interactive presentations, which explore Grant’s military, political, and personal lives. The library and research center contain more than 200,000 copies of correspondence representing every known letter to have been written by Grant, many original letters written by Grant, his associates, and his family, and more than 10,000 books on Grant and the Civil War. Starkville Community Market This farmer’s market features wares from local growers, food producers, and artisans. The market also has cooking and gardening demonstrations, how-to sessions, kids’ activities, live music, and more. It is open on Saturdays from 7:30 to 10:30am.
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Located 13 miles south of Starkville, this 48,000-acre wildlife haven is home to bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and more than 250 species of birds, including the red-cockaded woodpecker. The refuge features several trails, two lakes, overlooks, and boardwalks that provide opportunities for bird watching, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Hotels Close to the Stadium Historic Hotel Chester (4.5/5) Courtyard Starkville MSU at The Mill Conference (4/5) Hampton Inn Starkville (4/5)
Dining Cheap Eats Stromboli’s (Italian, Pizza) Moderately Priced The Little Dooey (Cajun & Creole, American) Fine Dining Harvey’s (American, Grill)
Photo Courtesy of Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau
Nov. 3: Auburn University – Auburn, Alabama
Jordan-Hare Stadium (Capacity: 87,451) Tickets www.auburntigers.com/aubtix Visitor Info www.aotourism.com Aggie Headquarters & Midnight Yell Location SandBar, 355 Coosa St. Montgomery, Alabama All-Aggie Tailgate Ag Heritage Park
Things to Do Chewacla Park This park’s 696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation, and recreation. The park includes a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, modern campground, cabins, hiking, and mountain biking trails. Toomer’s Corner Located in the heart of downtown Auburn, this drug store eatery is considered an Auburn tradition. Both an eating place and an attraction, Toomer’s is a tradition that many say is a “must do.” Enjoy the famous lemonade and soak in the war eagle atmosphere. Southeastern Raptor Center’s “Football, Fans, and Feathers” One of Auburn’s most popular fall programs, this event offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show and flight demonstration up close. The hour-long program is held the Friday before Auburn games at 4pm. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased upon entry or in advance at vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor/football-fans-and-feathers. Locker Room Tours Experience the pre-game locker room setup for the Auburn football team at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Fridays prior to each home game from 4 to 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Guests enter at Gate 10 through the Jane and Mike McCartney Brick Plaza.
Hotels Close to the Game The Hotel at Auburn University (4.5/5) Crenshaw Guest House (5/5) The Collegiate Hotel (New)
Dining Cheap Eats Niffer's Plaace (American) Moderately Priced Ariccia Trattoria (Italian) Fine Dining Acre (American)
