ACC Championship game, here we come

[TidePony]

Do any of you have any suggestions for hotels in Charlotte?

[Arkpony]

Where is the team staying? Where are SMU seats in the stadium?

[soccermom]

We got rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Southpark. They didn’t have many rooms left. I understood that our side is the side that says 1st to Clinch. I have no idea where the team is staying. We just booked to have rooms.

[ponyte]

Plan to be at Cal. Got my tickets to the ACC championship

Just decided to go to the Cal game. Look forward to swing you again.

That should read “seeing” you again. I have no intent to swing you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good to know. Kinda concerned for a minute. It will be good to see you again. Been too long

[Peruna Power]

I noticed that the rooms started flying off the shelf once we scored the 2nd time yesterday

I think there were a lot of us that still have P-T-S-D and weren’t sure but once you could tell we were rolling a lot of rooms started selling and pricing has gone up. I hope/think we are going to have a decent SMU attendance. Stadium/city will be more packed with a Clemson matchup I’d imagine.

[Charleston Pony]

I noticed that the rooms started flying off the shelf once we scored the 2nd time yesterday

I think there were a lot of us that still have P-T-S-D and weren’t sure but once you could tell we were rolling a lot of rooms started selling and pricing has gone up. I hope/think we are going to have a decent SMU attendance. Stadium/city will be more packed with a Clemson matchup I’d imagine.

Clemson fans probably bought a lot of tickets in advance so there will be plenty of seats available if they don't make it to this game. Would be nice to sit in a block with SMU fans but with SMU vs Miami (too smaller private schools) attendance won't be nearly what it would have been with Clemson playing. They would typically bring 30-40,000 of their own decked all out in orange and spending two dollar bills with orange tiger paws stamped on them all around town (their calling card for years). You just don't see two dollar bills any more unless Clemson comes to town. I'm only aware of this tradition because I sent both my kids to Clemson

[ponyfan_84]

Charlotte resident here! I am VERY excited this game is coming to town.

Hopping we play Miami. More favorable matchup I think and as others have said if it's Clemson they'll dominate seating.

I booked tickets through a link SMU posted on their socials yesterday. Not sure where I am sitting just went by price point and selected two tickets. They said they'll be delivered to me digitally about a week prior so hopefully we're in the actual SMU section.


I can try to answer any questions you have on visiting the area, hotels, food, breweries, stadium experience, etc...

The airport is an American hub and it's been under construction for years. Outside the terminals though it's quite nice and only 15ish minutes to Uptown (what we call downtown...don't ask). Rentals are onsite across from the terminal and should be easy to get a cab/shared ride.

Uptown has a bunch of hotels and I am sure some Clemson fans have rooms on hold so don't panic if you cannot find anything available. If Clemson doesn't make it I suspect tickets and hotels will become available.

I live in the South Park area so there's a nice mall here and some decent bars/restaurants in the area. It's close to Myers Park (Think our version of Highland Park) and plenty of nice houses to look at.

South End, NoDa and Plaza Midwood have good restaurant options and some bars too. 'South End is similar vibe to Uptown Dallas.


Public transportation is not ideal as there's a light rail that runs north to south.

Stadium itself is pretty generic but has had some work done in recent years and has nice suites and an area called The Vault which is fun if you get tickets down there. It's a simple bowl stadium right in Uptown so lots of bars/restaurants nearby to pre-game. I assume there will be an organized school tailgate somewhere. I am partial to an area called Latta Arcade to pregame but can't go wrong with most spots. It's pretty easy to get in and out of the stadium but traffic can be a pain since it's so city focused. I'd recommend taking the light rail in to Brooklyn Village stop and it's about a 5 minute walk west of that station or parking east of Tryon (main road through Uptown) to make it easier to get out.

Weather is similar to Dallas (very hot summers, pleasant fall and spring, mild winters with some cold snaps). It's very unpredictable in general so could be 40 and windy or in the 60s and pleasant like it is now.

Happy to answer any other questions! Been here 8+ years and it's a fun little city. Not as fun as a Chicago, New York, LA, etc... but plenty to do if you're looking for something. There's hiking nearby, Asheville is 2ish hours west if you're here a couple of days to explore, a fun place called White Water Center which has some hiking trails and is close to the airport. They have some museums and shopping too plus lots of different restaurants.

Looking forward to it!

[Pony ^]

Charlotte resident here! I am VERY excited this game is coming to town.

Hopping we play Miami. More favorable matchup I think and as others have said if it's Clemson they'll dominate seating.

I booked tickets through a link SMU posted on their socials yesterday. Not sure where I am sitting just went by price point and selected two tickets. They said they'll be delivered to me digitally about a week prior so hopefully we're in the actual SMU section.


I can try to answer any questions you have on visiting the area, hotels, food, breweries, stadium experience, etc...

The airport is an American hub and it's been under construction for years. Outside the terminals though it's quite nice and only 15ish minutes to Uptown (what we call downtown...don't ask). Rentals are onsite across from the terminal and should be easy to get a cab/shared ride.

Uptown has a bunch of hotels and I am sure some Clemson fans have rooms on hold so don't panic if you cannot find anything available. If Clemson doesn't make it I suspect tickets and hotels will become available.

I live in the South Park area so there's a nice mall here and some decent bars/restaurants in the area. It's close to Myers Park (Think our version of Highland Park) and plenty of nice houses to look at.

South End, NoDa and Plaza Midwood have good restaurant options and some bars too. 'South End is similar vibe to Uptown Dallas.


Public transportation is not ideal as there's a light rail that runs north to south.

Stadium itself is pretty generic but has had some work done in recent years and has nice suites and an area called The Vault which is fun if you get tickets down there. It's a simple bowl stadium right in Uptown so lots of bars/restaurants nearby to pre-game. I assume there will be an organized school tailgate somewhere. I am partial to an area called Latta Arcade to pregame but can't go wrong with most spots. It's pretty easy to get in and out of the stadium but traffic can be a pain since it's so city focused. I'd recommend taking the light rail in to Brooklyn Village stop and it's about a 5 minute walk west of that station or parking east of Tryon (main road through Uptown) to make it easier to get out.

Weather is similar to Dallas (very hot summers, pleasant fall and spring, mild winters with some cold snaps). It's very unpredictable in general so could be 40 and windy or in the 60s and pleasant like it is now.

Happy to answer any other questions! Been here 8+ years and it's a fun little city. Not as fun as a Chicago, New York, LA, etc... but plenty to do if you're looking for something. There's hiking nearby, Asheville is 2ish hours west if you're here a couple of days to explore, a fun place called White Water Center which has some hiking trails and is close to the airport. They have some museums and shopping too plus lots of different restaurants.

Looking forward to it!

Thank you. Where are some good spots to grab a burger/lunch /beer downtown?

[digman52]

I heard from a buddy that snagged 2 seats in the Gridiron Club section, so booked my flights, and staying at the Aloft, that looks to be walking distance to the stadium. Seats are outside, but covered, so should be a good game experience.

Go Ponies.

[BillgoCU]

From a Clemson fan, just wanted to pop in a say congratulations for making it to the championship game. Well-earned on the field of play. Perhaps we will see you in Charlotte, or in the playoffs, but if not, what a fantastic season and I know you must all be excited and proud, as you should be!

[BUS]

Thank you for the kind words. I have really enjoyed everyone we met in this new conference. The travel to Louisville and the people were super sweet. The BC travelers were fun and polite - OK, on the field - that's different.

We are blessed to be in this league and the fans seem to be nice people.

Thank you BMD's
G

[ponyfan_84]

I heard from a buddy that snagged 2 seats in the Gridiron Club section, so booked my flights, and staying at the Aloft, that looks to be walking distance to the stadium. Seats are outside, but covered, so should be a good game experience.

Go Ponies.

Aloft is solid. Right next to spectrum center where the Hornets play. It's a bit of a walk but certainly easy.

I've sat in Gridiron for a Panthers game last year. They're great. The club area behind will be good to warm up in between quarters and the food was decent.

[ponyfan_84]

Charlotte resident here! I am VERY excited this game is coming to town.

Hopping we play Miami. More favorable matchup I think and as others have said if it's Clemson they'll dominate seating.

I booked tickets through a link SMU posted on their socials yesterday. Not sure where I am sitting just went by price point and selected two tickets. They said they'll be delivered to me digitally about a week prior so hopefully we're in the actual SMU section.


I can try to answer any questions you have on visiting the area, hotels, food, breweries, stadium experience, etc...

The airport is an American hub and it's been under construction for years. Outside the terminals though it's quite nice and only 15ish minutes to Uptown (what we call downtown...don't ask). Rentals are onsite across from the terminal and should be easy to get a cab/shared ride.

Uptown has a bunch of hotels and I am sure some Clemson fans have rooms on hold so don't panic if you cannot find anything available. If Clemson doesn't make it I suspect tickets and hotels will become available.

I live in the South Park area so there's a nice mall here and some decent bars/restaurants in the area. It's close to Myers Park (Think our version of Highland Park) and plenty of nice houses to look at.

South End, NoDa and Plaza Midwood have good restaurant options and some bars too. 'South End is similar vibe to Uptown Dallas.


Public transportation is not ideal as there's a light rail that runs north to south.

Stadium itself is pretty generic but has had some work done in recent years and has nice suites and an area called The Vault which is fun if you get tickets down there. It's a simple bowl stadium right in Uptown so lots of bars/restaurants nearby to pre-game. I assume there will be an organized school tailgate somewhere. I am partial to an area called Latta Arcade to pregame but can't go wrong with most spots. It's pretty easy to get in and out of the stadium but traffic can be a pain since it's so city focused. I'd recommend taking the light rail in to Brooklyn Village stop and it's about a 5 minute walk west of that station or parking east of Tryon (main road through Uptown) to make it easier to get out.

Weather is similar to Dallas (very hot summers, pleasant fall and spring, mild winters with some cold snaps). It's very unpredictable in general so could be 40 and windy or in the 60s and pleasant like it is now.

Happy to answer any other questions! Been here 8+ years and it's a fun little city. Not as fun as a Chicago, New York, LA, etc... but plenty to do if you're looking for something. There's hiking nearby, Asheville is 2ish hours west if you're here a couple of days to explore, a fun place called White Water Center which has some hiking trails and is close to the airport. They have some museums and shopping too plus lots of different restaurants.

Looking forward to it!

Thank you. Where are some good spots to grab a burger/lunch /beer downtown?

Burgers in uptown aren't the best but QCBC does a solid one plus good beers on tap.

If you want to venture to one of the surrounding neighborhoods can't go wrong with Ace #3, Harriets, Bang bang Burgers, or Brooks (cash only).

Lot of good breweries around town too. I'd start with OMB (Old Mecklenburg). It's German style with a huge beer garden. This time of year there will be a Christmas market there and a couple of other bars/breweries next door to walk around. Otherwise can't go wrong with NoDa, Birdsong, Triple C, Wooden Robot, Divine Barrel or even legion.

[PonyME]

Will the real Peruna, full dance and cheer squad, and full band be attending?

[ponyfan_84]

I got an email that there's a $45 pre-game package at Clutch from 4-7 on the day of the game. It's for SMU fans only but I'm pretty sure that's the Clemson bar so may be awkward if we play them haha

The bar is a short walk west of the stadium. Includes food, 2 drinks and some SMU swag. Nice option if people are looking for a spot to "tailgate". We don't have a huge tailgate scene for this stadium. It's relegated to small pockets wherever you can find a spot in a nearby surface lot.