That damned cannon...

[coachcap]

Went to West Point for last year's game. Loved the pageantry as the Corps of Cadets entered the stadium, the paratroopers landed on the dot at midfield to deliver the game ball, & the patriotism displayed on site. The Cadets who acted as concessionaires were kind & courteous. Everything about the game day experience was heartwarming EXCEPT the artillery barrage after every Army score. (Early & often) My hope is that, on THIS Saturday, that gun is silenced by our improved defense. It's a tough chore, but it CAN be accomplished.

 

[TGW93]

Do you have any tips for a first-time visitor to West Point for a football game?
How tightly packed is the parking lot for tailgating?

 

[gwhuskyfan]

Be prepared for hills and lots of them. If you have the time stop by Fort Putnam - not too far from the stadium. Really cool spot.

 

[Waquoit]

Do you have any tips for a first-time visitor to West Point for a football game?
How tightly packed is the parking lot for tailgating?

My main tip is leave plenty of time for getting home. You won't be getting out of there very quickly unless you leave at halftime. We tailgated but it was on the modest side. Sandwiches instead of grilling.

 

[DoctorWho85]

Do you have any tips for a first-time visitor to West Point for a football game?
How tightly packed is the parking lot for tailgating?

I've been there a few times when my high school marching band went during band day. Get there early and explore a bit. It's so beautiful to walk around and see. I'm not sure about parking, but I'm pretty sure it isn't too bad.

 

[coachcap]

Our parking pass (a MUST to get on base) had us going in at an auxiliary gate. As was stated. you drive down hills in zig-zag fashion until you get to the designated parking area (GREAT view of the Hudson). Limited space for tailgating, but we set up folding chairs and made sandwiches also. Can't remember the details, but we didn't bring a portable grill due to the ban of incendiary devices on base. (We DID sneak in a Colman stove to cook eggs & bacon). After tailgating, we took a shuttle bus to the Stadium, Remember the bus designation for the ride back. As we were staying overnight, we went to the hotel just inside the main gate to have drinks & apps on the outside patio bar. Spoke with a lot of West Point grads on a game rehash. Except for the final outcome, a thoroughly enjoyable day.

 

[CL82]

My main tip is leave plenty of time for getting home. You won't be getting out of there very quickly unless you leave at halftime. We tailgated but it was on the modest side. Sandwiches instead of grilling.

After the game, go walk around the monuments, enjoy the campus and the beautiful views of the Hudson. It wouldn’t surprise me if you get invited to an Army tailgate, it happens pretty frequently. When you’re done with all that drive out easily, effortlessly, and without delay. It always amuses me to see the lemmings rushing to get out of a stadium, so they can beat the traffic, but instead are putting themselves right in the worst of the traffic.

JMHO

Get there early for their Cadet parade which is fun. As I said above, the campus is absolutely beautiful. Try stopping by the Cadet Chapel, which is very nice and some thing that many people miss.

 

[superjohn]

I went to the Army West Point lacrosse camp back in the day. It's a gorgeous campus with a lot of hills and views. I got to play in Michie Stadium which was a treat. We stayed in the barracks and were treated like cadets. Pretty cool experience.

 

[TGW93]

Thanks all. In the spirit of sharing = caring, here's a pretty good write-up of the gameday experience at West Point: As For Football’s Guide to Michie Stadium (2021 Edition) - As For Football

BTW - after being in the stands when a 1-10 Uconn team lost to a 1-10 SMU team (who was called a false start penalty when in the victory formation) and a lousy, rainy UMASS/Uconn game where you could hear the conversations between band members over the crowd, Saturday was fun - and as loud as the Rent has been in the last decade plus. Hopefully, it's fun, we're loud and we go home with a win on Saturday.