The atmosphere should be stellar, as the game was announced a sellout on Wednesday, setting the stage for another memorable night under the lights in Lane Stadium.
Get ready for gameday with five things to know for Tech’s clash with the Monarchs.
1. Your Phone Being Prepared is Crucial
Be sure to download your mobile ticket to your wallet before you arrive at the stadium. This eliminates the variable of not having strong WiFi around the stadium and not being able to download it. For more information on downloading mobile tickets.
Fans can download their tickets through the new, improved HokieSports app. They must update the app on their phone if they are an iOS user, or if they are an Android user, they must redownload the HokieSports app on its own, instead of updating, to be able to download their tickets via Virginia Tech Athletics. Fans can download the HokieSports app here.
Lane Stadium will continue to be a mobile-first and cashless venue when it comes to ticketing and concessions. Once inside, only a credit or debit card will be accepted at the concession stands for those wanting to purchase food and drink. There will be a limited number of pre-paid cards available for purchase with cash at the Hokie Shop trailer in Lot 4 outside of Lane Stadium.
2. Enjoy the Pregame Festivities
There is a lot happening in Blacksburg on Saturday and we want you to be equipped to partake in it all.
ACC Network
The ACC Network has its show The Huddle go to games throughout the fall and Virginia Tech will be hosting the show this weekend to kick off Week 1 of the regular season. Featuring its talented group of studio hosts and analysts, the show will take place in the semi-circle in front of Cassell Coliseum on Beamer Way. There will be live show appearances, free giveaways, games and more. The ACC PM crew will be on the air on Friday from 4-7 p.m., while The Huddle’s tailgate portion will take place on Saturday from noon-8 p.m.
Hokie Village
Located on the turf soccer/lacrosse practice field off of Beamer Way, the complimentary event begins at 4:30 p.m. and concludes at 7:15 p.m. Jimmy Mowery will play live music, Final Four participant and ACC champion Virginia Tech women’s basketball will be signing autographs, food trucks and drinks will be available for purchase and interactive activities include inflatables, cornhole and giant Jenga.
Radio Show
Virginia Tech Sports Network has extended its Kickoff Show to two hours, which will start at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Zach Mackey and Mike Burnop will break down the matchup and the keys to the game. Then Bill Roth will take over as Mackey heads to the sideline with 30 minutes before kick. Fans can tune in to listen on the HokieSports app or on over 30 radio stations.
Hokie Walk
Hokie Nation will be able to welcome the Hokies as they arrive at Lane Stadium once again this year. The buses will arrive on Beamer Way outside of Lane Stadium at approximately 5:20 p.m.
March to Victory
The Marching Virginians lead the March to Victory from the Marching Virginians Center to Lane Stadium at approximately 6:30 p.m. Joined by members of the HighTechs, Corps of Cadets and Skipper, the march leaves the Marching Virginians Center at the top of Chicken Hill, winds through Lot 5 on to Sterrett Drive between Lots 2 and 3 and along the sidewalk outside of South End Zone into Lane.
3. Metal Detectors
As part of Virginia Tech’s commitment to ensuring the safety of and providing a secure environment for all attendees, walk-through metal detectors will be implemented at all entrances at Lane Stadium starting this Saturday. This is a common practice at many major sports and event venues across the country, and the selected Virginia Tech partner works with major sporting events throughout the year. Fans are asked to follow the guidance provided from security screening personnel.
Touchless walk-through metal detectors will be used at all Lane Stadium gates. Fans will proceed through metal detectors prior to having their tickets scanned for venue entry. Entrants will not need to remove items such as belts, cell phones, coins, jackets, jewelry, watches, wallets, shoes or other small objects. Please proceed through the detectors at a normal pace.
If additional screening is necessary, security staff will ask the individual to proceed to a secondary screening area, where they will be asked to divest themselves of certain items and pass through again until clear. Those who have prohibited items will have to dispose of them or return those items to their cars before entering the facility. Visit here for a list of what is and not permitted into the stadium.
4. Stadium Info
There are a few things folks should be aware of regarding Lane Stadium this season.
Interactive Map
The interactive map in the app will enhance your experience getting to, from and around the stadium and everything else you need on gameday.
Construction
Construction of Lane Stadium on the West side by the tower entrances is ongoing, with a fence marking off the construction area, but Gate 4, Gate 5 and the Northwest Tower entrances will all still be open.
Gates
Gates to Lane Stadium open at 6 p.m. Gates 1-7 are open while Gate 8 is closed.
5. Come See the Champs
Both women’s basketball, which won the 2023 ACC Tournament championship, and wrestling, which earned the 2023 ACC Co-Dual title, will be recognized on the field during the game. Women’s basketball will also be signing autographs at Hokie Village before the game and fans can check out the team’s ACC title trophy.
