Cuse '25 Road Trips

[TexanMark]

My off the cuff snippets on our 6 away games. None are very drivable from CNY but all feature quality opponents in some great areas or gameday environments.

1. Tennessee, Sat, Aug 30th
While technically a neutral game...it is a road game as I expect only 10-15% of the stadium will be Cuse.

Pros: It will be one of the bigger games that day. SEC opponent in huge Mercedes Benz Stadium in downtown ATL. Concession pricing will be reasonable. Nonstop flights. Tailgating in downtown parking lots...is this a pro or con? MARTA gives you a train option on gameday.

Cons: leave CNY for ATL on the last weekend of summer? Expensive tickets, flights and motels. Two big college games being played that weekend in ATL so motels and rental cars will be in short supply. Oh and I forgot bout the traffic...it sucks.

2. Clemson Sat, Sept 20th
One of the great football environments in college football.

Pros:
Great tailgating and gameday atmosphere. Clemson is a great small college town. Could be a huge game if Cuse is undefeated. Clemson fans are generally chill to Cuse fans.

Cons: Motels are pricey even if available in town. Likely you'll be staying 30-40 mins away. It could be hot and humid. Gameday traffic can be horrible (highly recommend arriving 4+ hrs before kickoff). Parking requires advanced planning. Closest airport in Greenville- Spartanburg.

3. SMU Sat, Oct 4th
First game in Texas since 2013 Texas Bowl. Tough opponent in the Metroplex.

Pros:
Unique opponent (played once in 1932). DFW is a fun area. In-N-Out burger located next to the campus. On campus stadium, The Boulevard tailgate scene is similar to Ole Miss. Smallish stadium with great sightlines. Motels within 15mins of stadium plentiful and not super expensive. Texas BBQ. American offers 1 daily nonstop to DFW.

Tickets and tailgate info for Cuse fans

Cons:
Could be pretty hot for a daytime game. Traffic is heavy. Long flight for NYers. The game will get little traction in DFW.

4. GaTech Sat, Oct 25th
Atlanta part 2...but at historic Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Pros: if you book rooms now you might save some money before the NFL schedule is released. Great Food city. Check out their Varsity Restaurant. Tickets will be cheaper than the UT Vols game. Tailgating can be done on campus. Nonstop flights from CNY. Weather could be awesome. Buckhead is a fun area. Lots to do in ATL.

Tickets and tailgate info for Cuse fans

Cons: Smaller, urban lots and garages are similar to Syracuse. Stadium amenities are lacking. Motels around Buckhead and the Campus are pricey. Traffic is always a concern.

5. Miami Sat, Nov 8th First game there since 2017. Veterans Day Weekend.

Pros: lots of nonstop flights into various Florida airports. Great excuse to plan a few extra vacation days around the game. Great food options, beaches closeby. Depending on Cuse's record this game might be pretty big that day in college football. Cuse fans will be represented well. Tailgating is pretty easy in the NFL stadium lots. Weather could be very nice.

Tickets and tailgate info for Cuse fans

Cons: Certain Miami fans. Stadium is located in a non descript location by heavily traveled freeways. Although late in the season, hurricanes are always a concern. Motels by the beach are expensive. Expect a 20-60 min drive to the stadium.

6. Notre Dame Sat Nov 22nd
Iconic stadium and opponent

Pros: Buying your ticket through SU allows you to avoid the scalpers. Bucket List game for most fans. Chicago is 90 mins way.

Cons: Arrogant Notre Dame fans. Don't even think about smuggling in liquor. Weather could be horrific. Think Archbold Stadium in late November. Tailgating and parking can be a PITA. Motels are problematic. South Bend is kinda crappy. Air travel is tough. Either Chicago or Ft Wayne.

 

[FRANKIEFAN]

Every game likely either being noon or 8pm makes it tough a few months out. Hoping to do Clemson and 1 more.

 

[TexanMark]

Every game likely either being noon or 8pm makes it tough a few months out. Hoping to do Clemson and 1 more.

SMU could even be 11am (TX time)

 

[upperdeck]

For those that haven't been to ND, who knows how many more chances to see SU play there
avg temp that time of year is 50. It could be nice or snowing for sure. Being the week before t-day is tough

We could get smoked in all these away games as well but who knows

 

[TexanMark]

Average temp for South Bend is high 45 low 37 for Nov 22nd

 

[sutomcat]

I think for SMU, a trip to Goldee's Barbecue ·might be needed.

Is that the place BBQ fans need to check out on an SMU roadie? What say you, Texan homies?

 

[ArchDuke]

I think for SMU, a trip to Goldee's Barbecue ·might be needed.

Is that the place BBQ fans need to check out on an SMU roadie? What say you, Texan homies?

Yep, Goldee’s for sure. Some close, big names, are Terry Blacks, Pecan Lodge, and Cattleack bbq. Can’t go wrong with any of them. As with most things, people’s tastes vary so I’d say look at the reviews and pictures and see which has the flavor profiles for the cuts you like the most. I haven’t been here long enough to try a lot of the smaller and newer places, but I’m sure there’s plenty of folks on here that can give a good idea on many more places worth checking out. I’m north of Dallas so I hit up more places closer to me, like Hutchins bbq.

 

[Qbobby]

" In-N-Out burger located next to the campus."

This may be the most important Pro of all.

 

[sutomcat]

" In-N-Out burger located next to the campus."

This may be the most important Pro of all.

There was one just down the road from Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.

I was duly impressed with the burger. It was legit.

 

[Eric15]

My off the cuff snippets on our 6 away games. None are very drivable from CNY but all feature quality opponents in some great areas or gameday environments.

1. Tennessee, Sat, Aug 30th
While technically a neutral game...it is a road game as I expect only 10-15% of the stadium will be Cuse.

Pros: It will be one of the bigger games that day. SEC opponent in huge Mercedes Benz Stadium in downtown ATL. Concession pricing will be reasonable. Nonstop flights. Tailgating in downtown parking lots...is this a pro or con? MARTA gives you a train option on gameday.

Cons: leave CNY for ATL on the last weekend of summer? Expensive tickets, flights and motels. Two big college games being played that weekend in ATL so motels and rental cars will be in short supply. Oh and I forgot bout the traffic...it sucks.

2. Clemson Sat, Sept 20th
One of the great football environments in college football.

Pros:
Great tailgating and gameday atmosphere. Clemson is a great small college town. Could be a huge game if Cuse is undefeated. Clemson fans are generally chill to Cuse fans.

Cons: Motels are pricey even if available in town. Likely you'll be staying 30-40 mins away. It could be hot and humid. Gameday traffic can be horrible (highly recommend arriving 4+ hrs before kickoff). Parking requires advanced planning. Closest airport in Greenville- Spartanburg.

3. SMU Sat, Oct 4th
First game in Texas since 2013 Texas Bowl. Tough opponent in the Metroplex.

Pros:
Unique opponent (played once in 1932). DFW is a fun area. In-N-Out burger located next to the campus. On campus stadium, The Boulevard tailgate scene is similar to Ole Miss. Smallish stadium with great sightlines. Motels within 15mins of stadium plentiful and not super expensive. Texas BBQ. American offers 1 daily nonstop to DFW.

Tickets and tailgate info for Cuse fans

Cons:
Could be pretty hot for a daytime game. Traffic is heavy. Long flight for NYers. The game will get little traction in DFW.

4. GaTech Sat, Oct 25th
Atlanta part 2...but at historic Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Pros: if you book rooms now you might save some money before the NFL schedule is released. Great Food city. Check out their Varsity Restaurant. Tickets will be cheaper than the UT Vols game. Tailgating can be done on campus. Nonstop flights from CNY. Weather could be awesome. Buckhead is a fun area. Lots to do in ATL.

Tickets and tailgate info for Cuse fans

Cons: Smaller, urban lots and garages are similar to Syracuse. Stadium amenities are lacking. Motels around Buckhead and the Campus are pricey. Traffic is always a concern.

5. Miami Sat, Nov 8th First game there since 2017. Veterans Day Weekend.

Pros: lots of nonstop flights into various Florida airports. Great excuse to plan a few extra vacation days around the game. Great food options, beaches closeby. Depending on Cuse's record this game might be pretty big that day in college football. Cuse fans will be represented well. Tailgating is pretty easy in the NFL stadium lots. Weather could be very nice.

Tickets and tailgate info for Cuse fans

Cons: Certain Miami fans. Stadium is located in a non descript location by heavily traveled freeways. Although late in the season, hurricanes are always a concern. Motels by the beach are expensive. Expect a 20-60 min drive to the stadium.

6. Notre Dame Sat Nov 22nd
Iconic stadium and opponent

Pros: Buying your ticket through SU allows you to avoid the scalpers. Bucket List game for most fans. Chicago is 90 mins way.

Cons: Arrogant Notre Dame fans. Don't even think about smuggling in liquor. Weather could be horrific. Think Archbold Stadium in late November. Tailgating and parking can be a PITA. Motels are problematic. South Bend is kinda crappy. Air travel is tough. Either Chicago or Ft Wayne.

Great post, Mark. Agree with 99% of it. Only minor disagreement is that when we went to ND in 2005, I actually found everyone there to be very nice. The ticket taker at the gate thanked me for coming. I feel like the ND fans that go to the home games are different than the national bandwagon ones.

 

[MSOrange]

Great post, Mark. Agree with 99% of it. Only minor disagreement is that when we went to ND in 2005, I actually found everyone there to be very nice. The ticket taker at the gate thanked me for coming. I feel like the ND fans that go to the home games are different than the national bandwagon ones.

Probably because you're just such a lovable guy Eric!

 

[sutomcat]

Great post, Mark. Agree with 99% of it. Only minor disagreement is that when we went to ND in 2005, I actually found everyone there to be very nice. The ticket taker at the gate thanked me for coming. I feel like the ND fans that go to the home games are different than the national bandwagon ones.

Agree with this. The one SU game I attended at ND, it appeared they had a bunch of people on their quad whose sole duty was to find and greet fans from the opposing team.

It was nice in a Stepford kind of disquieting way.

I liked the old school nature of the stadium, where they did a minimal amount of blaring annoucements and advertisements. There were almost no ads or signage and even the scoreboard was pretty small and old school. Almost no piped in music. Big focus on the band.

We could learn a lot from the ND game day experience. It would be huge if the SUAD staff went to a well run school and got some training on how to do things properly.

 

[Chip]

6. Notre Dame Sat Nov 22nd
Iconic stadium and opponent

Pros: Buying your ticket through SU allows you to avoid the scalpers. Bucket List game for most fans. Chicago is 90 mins way.

Cons: Arrogant Notre Dame fans. Don't even think about smuggling in liquor. Weather could be horrific. Think Archbold Stadium in late November. Tailgating and parking can be a PITA. Motels are problematic. South Bend is kinda crappy. Air travel is tough. Either Chicago or Ft Wayne.

I went to ND in 2005 and 2008. I can't stress enough the comment that South Bend is kinda crappy. $***hole is more the term I would use. The ND campus is nice and the stadium, while old, is really cool to experience. But the rest of that town is awful. I recommend staying in Chicago and trying to work with SU to get a bus to and from the game. That's what we did both years.

Agree with Eric as well. The ND fans in South Bend were polite, the stadium was welcoming to away fans (our fight song was playing on the speakers at the entrance in the away end zone).

The ushers are overzealous, and if it's a snowstorm with ND losing to a GRob coached SU team, best to just get out of there. Because then you see angry ND fans.

 

[Orangello]

Yep, Goldee’s for sure. Some close, big names, are Terry Blacks, Pecan Lodge, and Cattleack bbq. Can’t go wrong with any of them. As with most things, people’s tastes vary so I’d say look at the reviews and pictures and see which has the flavor profiles for the cuts you like the most. I haven’t been here long enough to try a lot of the smaller and newer places, but I’m sure there’s plenty of folks on here that can give a good idea on many more places worth checking out. I’m north of Dallas so I hit up more places closer to me, like Hutchins bbq.

Oak'd in Old Town Village is very close to SMU and worth the visit. If you're staying downtown, Sammy's behind the Federal Reserve is excellent.

 

[Qbobby]

There was one just down the road from Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.

I was duly impressed with the burger. It was legit.

It's one of the few places that lives up to the reputation. EVERYTHING tastes great there.

 

[Eric15]

I liked the old school nature of the stadium, where they did a minimal amount of blaring annoucements and advertisements. There were almost no ads or signage and even the scoreboard was pretty small and old school. Almost no piped in music. Big focus on the band.

I wish they would bring back natural grass in their stadium. Same with places like Michigan, Ohio State, etc.

These historic venues look strange with field turf.

 

[ArchDuke]

Don't know what it's like on game day but Shug's bagels are a block east of the stadium and they're also worth checking out for those of us who can't get a NY bagel anytime we want.

 

[TexanMark]

Does 2017 or 2025 have the best road trips?

2017
LSU
NCSt
Miami
FSU
Louisville

2025
Atlanta twice
Clemson
SMU
Miami
Notre Dame

 

[orangetom]

Great post, Mark. Agree with 99% of it. Only minor disagreement is that when we went to ND in 2005, I actually found everyone there to be very nice. The ticket taker at the gate thanked me for coming. I feel like the ND fans that go to the home games are different than the national bandwagon ones.

I was there in 2005 too. I agree that everyone was too nice. They made it hard to hate Notre Dame. However, I was resilient and still hate them.

 

[SanDiegoCuse]

I went to ND in 2005 and 2008. I can't stress enough the comment that South Bend is kinda crappy. $***hole is more the term I would use. The ND campus is nice and the stadium, while old, is really cool to experience. But the rest of that town is awful. I recommend staying in Chicago and trying to work with SU to get a bus to and from the game. That's what we did both years.

Agree with Eric as well. The ND fans in South Bend were polite, the stadium was welcoming to away fans (our fight song was playing on the speakers at the entrance in the away end zone).

The ushers are overzealous, and if it's a snowstorm with ND losing to a GRob coached SU team, best to just get out of there. Because then you see angry ND fans.

Agreed. The only time I have ever had a fan try and fight me was during the 4th quarter of that 2008 game. The fans were mostly nice though. The local bars were enjoyable enough but yes the overall town is awful. The drunken pub crawl I went on postgame with many Syracuse fans I'd never met was pretty epic though. I believe I played the piano and hung from a street sign.

 

[SanDiegoCuse]

It's one of the few places that lives up to the reputation. EVERYTHING tastes great there.

I now live just a mile from an In N Out and now I can't stop thinking about it. Haha.

 

[SUFaninNJ]

The last time that I saw game at Notre Dame stadium I stayed in Chicago and took a train to and from South Bend. It was pretty easy to do.

 

[Eric15]

I was there in 2005 too. I agree that everyone was too nice.

I'm sure part of the niceness was the fact that there were maybe 200 SU fans in the entire building, and we had basically no chance of winning. I'm guessing they aren't as warm and fuzzy when 25k Ohio State fans show up.

 

[SUFaninNJ]

I'm sure part of the niceness was the fact that there were maybe 200 SU fans in the entire building, and we had basically no chance of winning. I'm guessing they aren't as warm and fuzzy when 25k Ohio State fans show up.

I'd never had an usher shovel off my seat before. That was new.

 

[TexanMark]

There was one just down the road from Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.

I was duly impressed with the burger. It was legit.

Burgers are all excellent there. The Fries are average.

First timers...Google: In-N-Out Secret Menu