FAN FOR A DAY: APP STATE
While some stadiums aren’t necessarily in areas you want to visit for the scenery, the home of the Appalachian State Mountaineers is nestled high in the mountains. The stadium first opened in 1962 with 10,000 seats and was originally named after William Conrad, a trusty of Appalachian State University. In 1988 the stadium was renamed to honor Kidd Brewer, who coached at ASU between 1935 and 1938. Now 30,000 seats strong, attending a football game here does not disappoint – not only because the Mountaineers have a winning percentage of over .750 at home – but also because watching football during leaf peeping season surrounded by colorful trees and commanding mountains is truly a sight to behold!
App State does have a fun tailgating scene on the campus, with many black and gold overall-clad fans, and parking is definitely manageable. Even so, it is always good to arrive early to get the lay of the land and find your seat. Whether you are tailgating or sitting and watching the game for hours on end, take note of what the temperature is and bundle up!! If you are going to a night game in October or November, you may find yourself braving 30 or 40-degree temperatures. A true mountaineer comes prepared with gloves, hats, and blankets that you can huddle under. While you may need to stuff all of these items in a bag, keep in mind the stadium’s clear bag policy: you may bring a clear plastic bag that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” and small clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.
The marching band playing as fans enter the stadium!
As you brave the cold, you will see many fans partake in Hungry Howie’s pizza or fried apple pies. However, my suggestion is to eat before the game. For great coffee, head to Stick Boy Bread Company. If you’d prefer to enjoy a sit down meal, dine at Proper for great home-style southern favorites. In my humble opinion, the best game day meal can be found in the next town over, just 15 minutes away in Blowing Rock. Foggy Rock is a casual eatery with delicious food. Get the great little smokies, a foggy rock philly, and chicken dingers.
With a full belly, sit back (as seat backs are on the bleachers) and enjoy the game. Fans are extremely warm and friendly, just kind of quiet (this coming from a Florida gators fan). Even when we were at The Rock and the stadium was full, the fans just were not super rowdy. Still, enjoy that mountain air and give your all to App State!
Know before you go:
· Main rival games where the attendance will be the busiest and the crowds will be the loudest are as follows: Georgia Southern and Marshall.
· Be aware of opposing teams’ colors! App State fans wear black and gold.
· The mascot of the Mountaineers is named Yosef, the Mountain Man!
