Tailgating etc for Away Team Fans

[Fighten Blue Hens]

I know this is a bit early but we are traveling down to your fair city to watch the final game of the 2015 regular season and was hoping that you might help me out a bit in my trip planning. 

Looks like most of the tailgating for away fans takes place in the McMichael Center lot.  How early would we need to arrive before the game to ensure getting spot in that lot?

Any chance of getting in any of the lots that might be closer to the stadium? Are they reserved lots and can a parking pass for those lots be purchased?

Is there a recommended place to buy barbeque the morning of the game that are nearby?  Beer and wine stores?

We are considering staying in Chapel Hill and driving over.  Is there a town you would recommend staying in that would trump Chapel Hill ?  We typically do some live music either Friday or Saturday night and head out for some fine dining on the other night.

All suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks 

[Deleted]

I'm not sure what time the McMichael lot opens on Saturday. I think you can get in 4-5 hours before gametime. There are closer lots in the Softball lot and the Ingold lot, however the only chance to get a pass there is to buy one from someone not attending the game. You can call the Athletics Department and see if there are any non purchased passes. The McMichael lot is reasonably close, not much more than about a quarter mile from Rhodes Stadium and a pleasant walk in good weather. Also there is a bus to take you to the stadium that runs regularly before, during and after the game.

With regard to barbeque, remember, NC barbeque is vinegar based. The best IMO, but very different than the tomato based variety available elsewhere across the states. Hursey's Barbeque is the most popular. Hursey's is about 3 miles or so from campus so order ahead and pick it up on the way. I have heard that Stokely's Barbeque is very good and is closer to campus.

If you're looking to party on Friday/Saturday night, Chapel Hill is a good choice. There are several establishments providing live music and it's easy to "bar hop" in good weather. My two favorite "fine dining" restaurants there are Top of the Hill and 411 West. The reason I put the "fine dining" in quotes is that the food is very good, but the atmosphere is more casual. That is to say you don't need a coat & tie. The Tar Heels will be playing at Virginia Tech that weekend so traffic shouldn't be too bad in Chapel Hill.

In Burlington, if you're looking for fine wines & beers, For All Occasions is your best bet. But if you're looking for moderate to decent wine and beer the Harris Teeter on South Church Street has a good selection. The Food Lion on South Church Street has plenty of Barefoot and Kendall Jackson along with Miller light and Heinekin. It is located next to Stokely's Barbeque as well. All of the above are located about a mile or so from campus.

We look forward to seeing you all. Bring a crowd!

[euphoenix99]

All good recommendations from fc. While Chapel Hill will provide plenty to do, another alternative is checking out American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham. Probably about the same distance from Elon and maybe 15 mins up the road from Chapel Hill. Plenty of restaurants in and around that area as well as several breweries/bars and live music options. If you are staying two nights you should be able to do Chapel Hill one night and Durham the other.

For beer and wine in Chapel Hill check out Southern Season.

Go Phoenix!

[FBH]

Fantastic, thanks so much for your help

[whoanellie]

Oct 7, 2015 14:10:56 GMT -5 FBH said:

Fantastic, thanks so much for your help

Are you driving or flying?

[FBH]

Probably driving

[Deleted]

If you choose to go the Durham, (NC), route as euphoenix99 suggested, check out the Parizod restaurant. You'll need to make reservations early, but this is one of the top 10 restaurants in NC. Definitely the best in the areas we've talked about here.