Advice needed for a Dutch College Football Fan

[DutchCFBFan]

Good morning,

Let me first introduce myself, my name is Byron and I'm probably the biggest College Football fan in The Netherlands.

Since 2005 i'm folowing College Football religiously. The first game I ever saw was Vanderbilt@Florida on a internet stream.
After that game I started searching more and more information about College teams, stadiums, fans and traditions. The more i looked into it, the more i fell in love with this game!
Here in The Netherlands soccer is # 1 #2 #3 #4 till # 501, the only thing we see here is the Superbowl which i follow since my first visit to the US in 2000.

After watching more College Football games on the internet, I ordered my first College Football game dvd from a company in Europe who sold games.
This was the famous USC@Notre Dame game 2005 (The Bush push). Since that dvd, my collection has grown to more then 150 game dvd's from 1984(Miami vs Boston College) till 2010( then the company stopped selling the games, I still hate them for that, cause my collection can't expand anymore). Of course I also own the biggest upset in College Football history when Appalachian State murdered the hopes of a Michigan team. So that's how I got to know and appreciate Appalachian State.
Beside all the games dvd's I own, I even have a small College Football(mostly, but also some NFL, NHL, MLB stuff) man cave. It contends 8 danbury mint college football stadiums, good football books, 2 autographed footballs, an autographed seat from old Notre Dame stadium(yes I know, you guys hate me for that), the I Will Give My All For Tennessee sign and some other collectibles/memorabilia.

After owning a season ticket for the Amsterdam Admirals(NFL Europe), I wanted to see College Football games in person. In 2011 I went with my girlfriend to Florida and after paying 150 dollar per ticket I went to the Florida State @ Florida game. We also went to wembley to see the Steelers vs Vikings and the Jaguars vs 49ers. We also made a trip to see Penn State play UCF in Dublin, Ireland.

In 2015 I married with the love of my life and we went on three weeks honeymoon to Southern California. While we were there having the time of our lives we also went to the USC vs Stanford and UCLA vs Arizona State games.

Next year we are planning on a trip to the Smokey Mountains and I'm thinking about renting a cabin in Boone, NC for two weeks. Of course the plan is to see the beautifull Kidd Brewer stadium and surroundings during gameday. So I thought Why not join the App State Nation overhere.

I hope you can give me some advice about the things we should do in and around Boone and if there are some things to avoid.
We will probably also go to an Tennessee or Clemson game while we are there and we love BBQ! But mostly we want to relax in the mountains!

I'm sorry for my English, but I hope everyone understood it! If anyone has questions please ask me and I will gladly answer them!

Kind regards,

Dutch College Football fan(Byron)

[NO.2]

My dad grew up in Amstelveen and a cousin played for Ajax, I will gladly share some beers with you if you make it over for an App game!

[DutchCFBFan]

My dad grew up in Amstelveen and a cousin played for Ajax, I will gladly share some beers with you if you make it over for an App game!

What is you cousins name? I'm not a fan of Ajax, I support the best team in The Netherlands Feyenoord.
What is the tailgating like in Boone, I saw some pretty big campuses and stadiums but would like a more small town/ family atmosphere the next time when we visit for a College Football game. We would love to take part with tailgating and maybe hook up with some nice people.

[NO.2]

My dad grew up in Amstelveen and a cousin played for Ajax, I will gladly share some beers with you if you make it over for an App game!

What is you cousins name? I'm not a fan of Ajax, I support the best team in The Netherlands Feyenoord.
What is the tailgating like in Boone, I saw some pretty big campuses and stadiums but would like a more small town/ family atmosphere the next time when we visit for a College Football game. We would love to take part with tailgating and maybe hook up with some nice people.

Boone might be a small town, but the tailgating is huge. The stadium is right on campus and a short walk from downtown so tailgating happens every where, from the spots barely big enough to fit a car and a tent all the way up to our biggest parking lots that hold hundreds of cars, trucks, trailers, smokers, grills and thousands of fans. You'll see converted school buses, black and gold RV's and smokers that are big enough to need their own Hemi to get them down the highway.


This video is mostly highlights from 2014, but it does have a couple of drone shots that show both tailgating and the atmosphere inside the stadium. The most dedicated fans will head out to the lots early in the morning to set up their gear, get the smoke rolling on some pork and start drinking.

[diehardapp18]

This is actually sick that you're planning a trip to the mountains to see an App State game. I'd love to help answer some of your questions. A trip to kidd Brewer Stadium is absolutely a worthy investment. In regards to tailgating and pregame atmosphere, I wouldn't expect something like you experienced for a UF/FSU game. The area/community just isn't near as big as the other places that you have seen games at so far. But that doesn't mean there won't be an exciting atmosphere. App fans are loyal, dedicated and offer some great southern hospitality. As others have said, on gamedays there are tailgates everywhere in Boone. Every parking lot and sidewalk will be filled with people tailgating and getting ready for the game. And if you come in the fall it is absolutely gorgeous. You will get natural scenery you don't get in places like Florida or California.

Just an idea, if you're coming for two weeks have you thought about going to see another local game the other week? You could hit up Kidd Brewer one week, then feasibly make it to Clemson, South Carolina, North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest or Duke the other week pending on how schedules work. Something to consider if you want to get the most out of your time here.

E: lol I got carried away and started replying before i noticed you are gonna try to go to a Clemson or Tennessee game while over here. Good looks.

[ASU3432Mi]

If you're deciding between a Clemson or UT home game, pick Clemson. Much better atmosphere, facility, and you can re-enter the stadium after halftime.

[canes_mj]

Do you have the dates for your trip? You could look ahead and plan out some of your trip based on games and stadiums you want to see. Fortunately you are coming to visit the South, which is the best region in America for college football. Almost any of the big stadiums of the SEC, as well as Clemson and FSU in the ACC would be great to visit. If you come to Boone, you're more than welcome at our tailgate. I used to be a member of InTapp (International Appalachian) while at App, and we had big tailgates for all the international students and brought them to the games.

BTW...my wife and I had great time in the Netherlands. Very friendly people, beautiful country.

[DutchCFBFan]

This is actually sick that you're planning a trip to the mountains to see an App State game. I'd love to help answer some of your questions. A trip to kidd Brewer Stadium is absolutely a worthy investment. In regards to tailgating and pregame atmosphere, I wouldn't expect something like you experienced for a UF/FSU game. The area/community just isn't near as big as the other places that you have seen games at so far. But that doesn't mean there won't be an exciting atmosphere. App fans are loyal, dedicated and offer some great southern hospitality. As others have said, on gamedays there are tailgates everywhere in Boone. Every parking lot and sidewalk will be filled with people tailgating and getting ready for the game. And if you come in the fall it is absolutely gorgeous. You will get natural scenery you don't get in places like Florida or California.

Just an idea, if you're coming for two weeks have you thought about going to see another local game the other week? You could hit up Kidd Brewer one week, then feasibly make it to Clemson, South Carolina, North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest or Duke the other week pending on how schedules work. Something to consider if you want to get the most out of your time here.

E: lol I got carried away and started replying before i noticed you are gonna try to go to a Clemson or Tennessee game while over here. Good looks.

Thanks for your reply!
Appalachian State grow on me since there historic win over Michigan and the stadium and surroundings are so beautifull that i want to visit them since years.
The experience at Florida vs Florida State wasn't that good, I liked the experience at USC far more. Maybe it was because Florida wasn't that good in 2011, but USC was far better for tailgating and atmosphere on campus the days I went there.
As I like photography that's one of the reasons I want to visit the Smokey mountains in September and October, I want to photgraph the beautifull fall at the Smokey mountains.

[DutchCFBFan]

If you're deciding between a Clemson or UT home game, pick Clemson. Much better atmosphere, facility, and you can re-enter the stadium after halftime.

Clemson is one of my favorite teams in College Football. But Tennessee has something special, I don't know what it is, but it's hard to choose between Clemson and Tennessee. Neyland Stadium, Vol Navy, Rocky Top and running down the T vs Welcome to Death Valley, touching the Rock and running down the hill and a real College town.

[DutchCFBFan]

Do you have the dates for your trip? You could look ahead and plan out some of your trip based on games and stadiums you want to see. Fortunately you are coming to visit the South, which is the best region in America for college football. Almost any of the big stadiums of the SEC, as well as Clemson and FSU in the ACC would be great to visit. If you come to Boone, you're more than welcome at our tailgate. I used to be a member of InTapp (International Appalachian) while at App, and we had big tailgates for all the international students and brought them to the games.

BTW...my wife and I had great time in the Netherlands. Very friendly people, beautiful country.

Where did you go in The Netherlands? only Amsterdam?

We probably will go in September or October 2018. The Smokey Mountains are our favorites, but Texas and the Pacific Northwest are still in the conversation(Texas A&M, Washington Huskies and Seattle Seahawks). Since going to the Florida Gators the Seminoles are not an option for both of us. The fans we came across were very rude and even agressive in the stadium.

Do you go to every game? When we went to USC in 2015 I also had some contacts on the USC forum and they said we were welcome at their tailgates, but when the game came near I never heard from them again which was a disappointment for us. We would like to join a tailgate and meet some nice people who love College Football. We even bring some real Dutch treats with us!!

[appst89]

Do you have the dates for your trip? You could look ahead and plan out some of your trip based on games and stadiums you want to see. Fortunately you are coming to visit the South, which is the best region in America for college football. Almost any of the big stadiums of the SEC, as well as Clemson and FSU in the ACC would be great to visit. If you come to Boone, you're more than welcome at our tailgate. I used to be a member of InTapp (International Appalachian) while at App, and we had big tailgates for all the international students and brought them to the games.

BTW...my wife and I had great time in the Netherlands. Very friendly people, beautiful country.

Where did you go in The Netherlands? only Amsterdam?

We probably will go in September or October 2018. The Smokey Mountains are our favorites, but Texas and the Pacific Northwest are still in the conversation(Texas A&M, Washington Huskies and Seattle Seahawks). Since going to the Florida Gators the Seminoles are not an option for both of us. The fans we came across were very rude and even agressive in the stadium.

Do you go to every game? When we went to USC in 2015 I also had some contacts on the USC forum and they said we were welcome at their tailgates, but when the game came near I never heard from them again which was a disappointment for us. We would like to join a tailgate and meet some nice people who love College Football. We even bring some real Dutch treats with us!!

There is one thing I can guarantee you about App fans, if they extend an invitation to their tailgate, they absolutely mean it. If you post when you are arriving in Boone and how you can be recognized, you will have more offers of food and drink than you can possibly entertain.

[Rekdiver]

If you're deciding between a Clemson or UT home game, pick Clemson. Much better atmosphere, facility, and you can re-enter the stadium after halftime.

Of course your shade of orange will blend in Much better in Tennessee than Clemson although the Clemson folks will be much nicer.

[AppAlum1]

There is one thing I can guarantee you about App fans, if they extend an invitation to their tailgate, they absolutely mean it. If you post when you are arriving in Boone and how you can be recognized, you will have more offers of food and drink than you can possibly entertain.

True that.

Dutch fan, there are larger fan bases & larger stadiums. BUT, App State fans are good folks & represent our school well (usually, unless Georgia Southern is visiting). It's one of the best atmospheres anywhere for college football.

You will find tailgates from the outrageous to the bare; from complete dinners with salmon, steak, salad, & fixings; to hotdogs & hamburgers; to fast food take out. AppSt89 is absolutely correct though, if you get invited to a tailgate, accept it. The offer is real and the hospitality genuine.

Come on by mine in the Duncan lot. Not sure of the parking spot number yet. Let us know how to recognize you.

I did not understand which game you wanted to attend. The closer you get to December, the more likely the weather could play a factor.

[JTApps1]

If you're deciding between a Clemson or UT home game, pick Clemson. Much better atmosphere, facility, and you can re-enter the stadium after halftime.

Clemson is one of my favorite teams in College Football. But Tennessee has something special, I don't know what it is, but it's hard to choose between Clemson and Tennessee. Neyland Stadium, Vol Navy, Rocky Top and running down the T vs Welcome to Death Valley, touching the Rock and running down the hill and a real College town.

Having been to both several times including the past two years for App games I would pick Clemson all the way. The tailgating is a better experience and the atmosphere in the stadium is better despite being smaller. That doesn't mean Tenn is bad at all, but Clemson is a notch above.

[PhillyApp1]

Byron,

I am an App State fan from Philadelphia since 1995. It is a special place to see football.

Btw, in 1986 I dated a beautiful girl from Amsterdam. Tell Hester Miestburgen hello

[ashugh]

If you go to Texas for a game, regardless of how well they are playing at the time, to miss Austin would be a huge mistake. I've been to A&M, the football atmosphere is really good, but with UT (Texas) you're talking about AUSTIN! Just go. It will be obvious.

As for Clemson and UT, you have chosen correctly with Knoxville. I am not a fan of either, and I grew up hating rocky top because I had to listen to that big orange crap all the time on radio stations and TV, but the game day experience downtown and on the river is far superior to a, frankly, bland campus at Clemson. Inside the stadium it's basically a coin flip, but Neyland is worth seeing in person one time just from the shear size of the place.

[canes_mj]

Do you have the dates for your trip? You could look ahead and plan out some of your trip based on games and stadiums you want to see. Fortunately you are coming to visit the South, which is the best region in America for college football. Almost any of the big stadiums of the SEC, as well as Clemson and FSU in the ACC would be great to visit. If you come to Boone, you're more than welcome at our tailgate. I used to be a member of InTapp (International Appalachian) while at App, and we had big tailgates for all the international students and brought them to the games.

BTW...my wife and I had great time in the Netherlands. Very friendly people, beautiful country.

Where did you go in The Netherlands? only Amsterdam?

We probably will go in September or October 2018. The Smokey Mountains are our favorites, but Texas and the Pacific Northwest are still in the conversation(Texas A&M, Washington Huskies and Seattle Seahawks). Since going to the Florida Gators the Seminoles are not an option for both of us. The fans we came across were very rude and even agressive in the stadium.

Do you go to every game? When we went to USC in 2015 I also had some contacts on the USC forum and they said we were welcome at their tailgates, but when the game came near I never heard from them again which was a disappointment for us. We would like to join a tailgate and meet some nice people who love College Football. We even bring some real Dutch treats with us!!

Yes we only went to Amsterdam. It was an unexpected occurrence that we were able to go. It happened because our original lfight got canceled so we ended up in Europe for a few extra days. We had been supposed to fly home from Brussels, Belgium a few days before...but our flight got canceled. So the airline searched for alternate flights for us. We told them we were flexible and could fly out of nearby airports (they had flights from London, Amsterdam, France, etc).....they found us a flight out of Amsterdam 3 days later. They paid for our transportation up there and for our hotel there. The morning we were supposed to leave Brussels to travel to Amsterdam for our alternate flight home, we got a call from the airline, saying "Good news, we have been able to get an additional flight out of Brussels, so you'll be able to get home on time"......to which we told them NO THANKS!!! haha. We didn't have to be home urgently, so we enjoyed our 3 free days there.

We have season tickets to App, so yes we usually go to most of the games. I'm back in grad school, and we just had our first child, so it's a little more difficult right now. But I've arranged to be off for 4 home games and the opener at Georgia.

Definitely post on the boards here when you arrive and are planning to go to a game. Like was said in the other post, when App people invite you to their tailgate, they sincerely mean it. Also people can help with other logistics like getting tickets, where to park, hotels, etc.

[DutchCFBFan]

Do you have the dates for your trip? You could look ahead and plan out some of your trip based on games and stadiums you want to see. Fortunately you are coming to visit the South, which is the best region in America for college football. Almost any of the big stadiums of the SEC, as well as Clemson and FSU in the ACC would be great to visit. If you come to Boone, you're more than welcome at our tailgate. I used to be a member of InTapp (International Appalachian) while at App, and we had big tailgates for all the international students and brought them to the games.

BTW...my wife and I had great time in the Netherlands. Very friendly people, beautiful country.

Where did you go in The Netherlands? only Amsterdam?

We probably will go in September or October 2018. The Smokey Mountains are our favorites, but Texas and the Pacific Northwest are still in the conversation(Texas A&M, Washington Huskies and Seattle Seahawks). Since going to the Florida Gators the Seminoles are not an option for both of us. The fans we came across were very rude and even agressive in the stadium.

Do you go to every game? When we went to USC in 2015 I also had some contacts on the USC forum and they said we were welcome at their tailgates, but when the game came near I never heard from them again which was a disappointment for us. We would like to join a tailgate and meet some nice people who love College Football. We even bring some real Dutch treats with us!!

There is one thing I can guarantee you about App fans, if they extend an invitation to their tailgate, they absolutely mean it. If you post when you are arriving in Boone and how you can be recognized, you will have more offers of food and drink than you can possibly entertain.

I will stay on this forum so I will let everyone know when we will be in Boone! It will be September or October, I thought the fall colors are better in October is it?

[DutchCFBFan]

There is one thing I can guarantee you about App fans, if they extend an invitation to their tailgate, they absolutely mean it. If you post when you are arriving in Boone and how you can be recognized, you will have more offers of food and drink than you can possibly entertain.

True that.

Dutch fan, there are larger fan bases & larger stadiums. BUT, App State fans are good folks & represent our school well (usually, unless Georgia Southern is visiting). It's one of the best atmospheres anywhere for college football.

You will find tailgates from the outrageous to the bare; from complete dinners with salmon, steak, salad, & fixings; to hotdogs & hamburgers; to fast food take out. AppSt89 is absolutely correct though, if you get invited to a tailgate, accept it. The offer is real and the hospitality genuine.

Come on by mine in the Duncan lot. Not sure of the parking spot number yet. Let us know how to recognize you.

I did not understand which game you wanted to attend. The closer you get to December, the more likely the weather could play a factor.

I already searched for the Duncan lot on the App State campus map and that looks like a very good spot to tailgate! If someone or more people invite us we will try to visit everyone's tailgate!! I saw App State plays Southern Miss in september, is that a good game to go to?

[DutchCFBFan]

If you're deciding between a Clemson or UT home game, pick Clemson. Much better atmosphere, facility, and you can re-enter the stadium after halftime.

Clemson is one of my favorite teams in College Football. But Tennessee has something special, I don't know what it is, but it's hard to choose between Clemson and Tennessee. Neyland Stadium, Vol Navy, Rocky Top and running down the T vs Welcome to Death Valley, touching the Rock and running down the hill and a real College town.

Having been to both several times including the past two years for App games I would pick Clemson all the way. The tailgating is a better experience and the atmosphere in the stadium is better despite being smaller. That doesn't mean Tenn is bad at all, but Clemson is a notch above.

Thank you for your input but i guess the experience and atmosphere are of both schools depend on the level of their own play but also which opponent they have. Like I said i like both of them, so it may come down to who they play. Clemson right now as champion have to be a great atmosphere, but Tennessee in the early 2000 was also a very special place for a game I guess.