Here at The Crystal Ball Run we’ve got you covered on the field, but as the season approaches we’ve decided to take some of the discussion off the field. Here is where you’ll find The Great Tailgate Debate, folks. It’s a chance to not only hear some of your favorite writers give their take on the best off-the-field practices in college football, but also chime in yourself with your take on the situation. Up first on the docket? Where to set up shop to watch the game, folks!
Where is the best place to watch a game? With the increasing costs of going to the stadium – tickets, parking, concessions and more – the debate of “to go or not go to the game” has become all the more hotly discussed.
Now personally, being the tailgater that I am, I love going up to Kenan, sitting in the stands and taking it all in. The sights, the smells, the friends and getting a shot to see the action live. Seems like almost a no-brainer to return to the place that I spent four years of my life and truly feel like is my home away from home.
But, the truth is, even with my love for the Hill, I have got to go “new school” and take my television at my house for my favorite way to enjoy the game. I’ve got a flat screen, I’ve got DVR, I’ve got my food and, most importantly, plenty of beer ready for enjoyment at my leisure.
No lines, no 18 year old who drank too much sitting behind me spilling; only the people I invite show up, and I’ve got all the room that I need.
The biggest kicker, though? Replay – and I’m not locked into one game. I can run back plays that wowed me. I can see the super slow-mo with zoom that every network is providing, and I’ve got the chance to flip to another game and another and another all Saturday. Heels blowing out James Madison? No problem, someone else is playing a closer contest.
Halftime, no rush to the lounge. I can watch all the day’s action in replay form while refreshing my beverage or playing a game of indoor cornhole. (Yes, that happens).
I’m taking my couch and my television, even over the atmosphere that I love the most, and I didn’t even have to get into the weather issues that can make for wet feet, cold hands or super heat exhaustion and dehydration that comes with September noon kick-offs in the South.
That’s my take check out what the rest of The Crystal Ball Run says:
Allen: The bathroom issue alone is enough to make me vote in favor of home.
Maybe I’ve just gotten old, but I’ve reached the point where I’d just soon as soon kick it on the couch than make a special effort to go to a game. At the stadium, you’re pretty much at the mercy of the jumbotron operator in the event of a spectacular or controversial play. Inevitably, I get stuck sitting next to Gerry DiNardo, Jr. and have to listen to him second guess the coaches all game long. On the annoying scale, he’s only slightly worse than the guy who can spot holding on the center while sitting in the back row of the end zone. And wanna have a beer? Hope you strapped it to your leg.
At home, I can flip around between plays and commercials. I can wheel a second TV in to watch Notre Dame losing to a service academy on the auxiliary screen. I can hit ESPN3 on my laptop for the chance to watch a potential backdoor cover by East Carolina against Tulane.
If it’s a social thing, going to a game and tailgating and the like is fun. All in all, though, my living room is where it’s at on Saturdays.
Matt: My favorite place to watch the game isn’t at home or in the stands with the fans… it’s in the broadcast booth. The last three years I’ve had the great joy to do play by play for my alma mater, Ohio Wesleyan University. Yes, it’s D-III football. And sure, wins haven’t exactly been plentiful. But, the experience is awesome.
The stadium is incredibly old (built in the 1920s) and relatively large (about 9k capacity), so the view from our perch above the press box at midfield is almost a perfect height and distance from the field. With my computer, all the live stats from the game happening in front of me are at my disposal. Having researched the game, I’m familiar with the key stories coming into the game more fully than the random Big XII game I may flick on Fox Sports Net at noon.
The small college atmosphere is so refreshing as well – watching talented kids play football that aren’t surrounded by agents, controversy, pro prospects, or frankly all the scrutiny and pressure that plagues top D-I programs. It’s almost become a real life college football oasis. And, at least I get to do something productive when running my mouth during a game.
I just have to make sure no video of my broadcasts ever show up on Awful Announcing. They would tear me to shreds…
Tom: I think I’m older than all of you guys on here and I’m the only one who wants to be the at the game?
I still love going to games at Mountaineer Field, but I love going on the road even more. Why? It’s all about tailgating at a new place with different fans. It’s funny to see how much they bitch about their coaches and players, but if you try to join in they team up and are ready to fight you.
I also enjoy seeing the different stadiums and the pageantry. OK, it’s starting to sound like I’m a bad Lifetime movie, but live with it.
Matt: I’m actually with Tom. Even though home is much more comfortable and I can keep up with all the conversation on Twitter (just kick back, relax, and search Les Miles on any given Saturday), there’s something special about the stadium experience, especially in college.
Although I’m not a big tailgater, the college football stadium experience is so much better than the NFL it isn’t even close. The bands, the passion, the old school stadiums, and the more interesting diversity of play on the field make the gameday experience outstanding. And like Tom said, it’s even better when you travel on the road. There’s something invigorating about going into a hostile environment and witnessing your team get a huge road win. That smaller section of rabid fans that made the trip with you are a little more into the game, a little more vocal, and a little more fun to be around than your average home game. If I have a choice between watching one of my teams on the tube or in the stands, put me at the stadium every time.
Now that you’ve seen our answers here are some of your takes on the Stadium vs Television debate:
@KEGreene1: you couldn’t get me to sell my tickets last yr. Best sports experience to see your team win the BCS
@Pariahjf: I choose TV. No waiting to park, get in, get refreshments, OR the toilet!! 🙂
@HutchNGo: I’d say pay the cost to hit the stadium. Nothing beats the full atmosphere including tailgating
@geek_nd: There’s noting like a campus on gameday…you can’t capture that on TV
@ToddFuhrman: I’m impartial…sportsbook
@BeerControl: sheesh … best place to watch the game is in the club level seat at the stadium. #offersboth #bigpimpin
@ParrishWalton: so I have to say one and one only? If so I go with watching it on TV. I have the full use of the kitchen and unlimited beer.
@mminthecity: TV for replays & diff angles ; stadium for the whole experience
@vtbeach: I don’t think its a clear cut answer. Atmosphere at game is big factor. I’d rather see ncaa in person, nfl on tv
@jdlongNCSU: depends on the quality of the seats. I’d rather go and sit close to the action/atmosphere. Cheap seats, no go.
@LakeRosenberg: Usually, it’s go to the stadium. Unless you have a fantastic set-up at home and with a bunch of people.
@6pintsofkramer: I’m a fan of watching at a bar close to the venue. Did that for BCSNCG this year. Mostly due to $2000 ticket price.
And obviously my favorite answer:
@cmalarz: Kenan Stadium
Got your own thoughts? Drop them in the comments and let it keep going folks!
