Visitor coming down for the Cajuns-Pokes game

The wife and I have made up our minds that we are going to make a road trip to see the game on October 8.

What is the game day experience like there? Is it tailgate heavy or is there a local bar or bars that we have to hit to really experience what the school has to offer?

A bit about us: We are OSU fans (duh) and somehow we've been fortunate enough to be able to travel to see the team play a lot over the last few years. Last year we only missed the Baylor game. The year before that we only missed going to Lubbock to watch Tech (thank God we didn't go to that one). So we were excited to see OSU playing there this season and then were upset when we found out that it was on a Friday night. But as is always the case, we'll find a way around it and come down and have as much fun as we can.

Anything that you guys want to know or if you have ideas for us on what we have to see or do while there, just let me know.

Also, you guys are more than welcome to come talk football at orangepower.com The largest Oklahoma State fan site on the web and it is independent.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh

Tailgate pre-game...bar (Legends on Bertrand) post game. The best thing you could do is post on this board. From now to game time you will most likely be invited to more tailgate tents than you can actually make. Prepare to be well fed and well boozed (if you are a drinker). I find visitors seem to have the most fun just walking around and talking to the locals...we are good people and will point you in the right direction. Just show up....maybe bring an ice chest with your favorite pop and enjoy your visit.

I concur with that. There is plenty of good food to be had while tail-gating, and if ya'll spend the weekend then good food to be had throughout the area during your visit.

Legends on Bertrand would be the spot to go to post game (1/4 mile from stadium). Win or Lose Cajuns will drink a few, I mean a few more after the game.

Not sure how they do it at ohter stadiums, but in THE SWAMP you can buy beer ($6/ea)

Hope ya'll do come and have a great time at the game and exploring our city and surrounding areas.

We had a great time a few years ago at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. There were a ton of fans of other teams (like LSU) that just came to tailgate and didn't have any intention of going to the game. We had a blast and are ready to come back to Louisiana and experience game day.

I like that this is probably your biggest home game of the season as far as anticipation. That should make the atmosphere as good as it can get. Over the last few years OSU has really become a good tailgating school. Prior to that it was rare to really see much of it.

Has anybody heard about ticket sales? I normally don't buy through OSU unless I have to. They generally charge a LOT more than I can buy tickets and move to the OSU section. I think the estimate for this game is $65/ticket. But I won't know for sure until my season tickets arrive and they send out the away game and bowl sign ups.

A bit about OSU: Lots of changes from last year. On offense we lost our three year starting QB, best WR (Dez Bryant), leading rusher (Keith Toston), starting 4 starting OL. On defense we lost both starting corners, all three starting LBs, and a couple DL.

We are putting in a new offensive scheme since we brought in the OC from Houston. I don't know that our talent fits the offense just yet, but Holgorsen does a great job of adapting to the talent and we do have a lot of talent, it is just unproven. The starting QB this year is an old man (by college standards) that played a few years of pro-baseball. He came in at the half against Colorado last year and brought the team back for win. Having back 2009 pre-season All-American RB Kendall Hunter will help a lot. Many expect him to average 20-25 touches a game but many will be from the passing game instead of hand-offs.

Defensively there is a lot less anxiety than on offense. Mainly because of DC Bill Young. We have a known commodity @ MLB and our SS is a potential All-American. We have a lot of guys that played a lot last year but few starts.

OSU hasn't fared really well playing on days other than Saturday during the season for a while so that is a concern. I'm not overly concerned about our offense coming into this game as this will be the 5th game of the season. If they haven't started clicking on offense by then, it will be a long season.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CAJUN_LXA685

_ I concur with that. There is plenty of good food to be had while tail-gating, and if ya'll spend the weekend then good food to be had throughout the area during your visit.

Legends on Bertrand would be the spot to go to post game (1/4 mile from stadium). Win or Lose Cajuns will drink a few, I mean a few more after the game.

Not sure how they do it at ohter stadiums, but in THE SWAMP you can buy beer ($6/ea)

Hope ya'll do come and have a great time at the game and exploring our city and surrounding areas. _

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Aside from the game day experience itself, there are many great restaurants in Lafayette and downtown Lafayette should be your after hours stop. The best way I can describe it is that it is sort of a mini 6th street in Austin, a neat area of bars, restaurants and shops. In my opinion, a must visit area if you want to get the college town experience of Lafayette.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pokes28

_ We had a great time a few years ago at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. There were a ton of fans of other teams (like LSU) that just came to tailgate and didn't have any intention of going to the game. We had a blast and are ready to come back to Louisiana and experience game day.

I like that this is probably your biggest home game of the season as far as anticipation. That should make the atmosphere as good as it can get. Over the last few years OSU has really become a good tailgating school. Prior to that it was rare to really see much of it.

Has anybody heard about ticket sales? I normally don't buy through OSU unless I have to. They generally charge a LOT more than I can buy tickets and move to the OSU section. I think the estimate for this game is $65/ticket. But I won't know for sure until my season tickets arrive and they send out the away game and bowl sign ups.

A bit about OSU: Lots of changes from last year. On offense we lost our three year starting QB, best WR (Dez Bryant), leading rusher (Keith Toston), starting 4 starting OL. On defense we lost both starting corners, all three starting LBs, and a couple DL.

We are putting in a new offensive scheme since we brought in the OC from Houston. I don't know that our talent fits the offense just yet, but Holgorsen does a great job of adapting to the talent and we do have a lot of talent, it is just unproven. The starting QB this year is an old man (by college standards) that played a few years of pro-baseball. He came in at the half against Colorado last year and brought the team back for win. Having back 2009 pre-season All-American RB Kendall Hunter will help a lot. Many expect him to average 20-25 touches a game but many will be from the passing game instead of hand-offs.

Defensively there is a lot less anxiety than on offense. Mainly because of DC Bill Young. We have a known commodity @ MLB and our SS is a potential All-American. We have a lot of guys that played a lot last year but few starts.

OSU hasn't fared really well playing on days other than Saturday during the season for a while so that is a concern. I'm not overly concerned about our offense coming into this game as this will be the 5th game of the season. If they haven't started clicking on offense by then, it will be a long season.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh _

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The thing that could make this game interesting is that our defense has looked very fast and very good during the spring and our offense has struggled a bit(a big reason is b/c our RBs were banged up). I think they will improve before the start of the season and hopefully be where they want to be by the time we play OSU. I'm not one of those people who think we are better than OSU but the fact that the game is on friday, it is one of our biggest home games of the year, and the fact that the potentially strongest point of our team is facing potentially weakest point of your team could make this game interesting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pokes28

_ We had a great time a few years ago at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. There were a ton of fans of other teams (like LSU) that just came to tailgate and didn't have any intention of going to the game. We had a blast and are ready to come back to Louisiana and experience game day.

I like that this is probably your biggest home game of the season as far as anticipation. That should make the atmosphere as good as it can get. Over the last few years OSU has really become a good tailgating school. Prior to that it was rare to really see much of it.

Has anybody heard about ticket sales? I normally don't buy through OSU unless I have to. They generally charge a LOT more than I can buy tickets and move to the OSU section. I think the estimate for this game is $65/ticket. But I won't know for sure until my season tickets arrive and they send out the away game and bowl sign ups.

A bit about OSU: Lots of changes from last year. On offense we lost our three year starting QB, best WR (Dez Bryant), leading rusher (Keith Toston), starting 4 starting OL. On defense we lost both starting corners, all three starting LBs, and a couple DL.

We are putting in a new offensive scheme since we brought in the OC from Houston. I don't know that our talent fits the offense just yet, but Holgorsen does a great job of adapting to the talent and we do have a lot of talent, it is just unproven. The starting QB this year is an old man (by college standards) that played a few years of pro-baseball. He came in at the half against Colorado last year and brought the team back for win. Having back 2009 pre-season All-American RB Kendall Hunter will help a lot. Many expect him to average 20-25 touches a game but many will be from the passing game instead of hand-offs.

Defensively there is a lot less anxiety than on offense. Mainly because of DC Bill Young. We have a known commodity @ MLB and our SS is a potential All-American. We have a lot of guys that played a lot last year but few starts.

OSU hasn't fared really well playing on days other than Saturday during the season for a while so that is a concern. I'm not overly concerned about our offense coming into this game as this will be the 5th game of the season. If they haven't started clicking on offense by then, it will be a long season.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh _

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David, you shouldn't have a problem getting tickets once you get here. Our stadium seats 31,000 but there are grassy knolls in each end zone. Our record crowd was last year vs. Southern when we had over 41,000. Being the game is on a Friday night, that may keep the crowd down some because of HS football.

My nephew is a jr. at OSU. He's coming in with a few friends. I told him he won't have as much fun at a road game as he will in Lafayette. I'll say the same to you as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HoustonCajun

_ Aside from the game day experience itself, there are many great restaurants in Lafayette and downtown Lafayette should be your after hours stop. The best way I can describe it is that it is sort of a mini 6th street in Austin, a neat area of bars, restaurants and shops. In my opinion, a must visit area if you want to get the college town experience of Lafayette. _

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Not to turn this into a bar debate but really? Downtown? For the best post game experience you should definately go to Legends on Bertrand. In other words....go with what ULtimateCajun posted.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CajunCanaille

_ Not to turn this into a bar debate but really? Downtown? For the best post game experience you should definately go to Legends on Bertrand. In other words....go with what ULtimateCajun posted. _

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If you are talking only about a single bar post-game experience, you may be correct. If we are talking about visiting an area with bars and restaurants that gives a visitor to Lafayette a true sense of a college town experience, then go downtown.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pokes28

_ The wife and I have made up our minds that we are going to make a road trip to see the game on October 8.

What is the game day experience like there? Is it tailgate heavy or is there a local bar or bars that we have to hit to really experience what the school has to offer?

A bit about us: We are OSU fans (duh) and somehow we've been fortunate enough to be able to travel to see the team play a lot over the last few years. Last year we only missed the Baylor game. The year before that we only missed going to Lubbock to watch Tech (thank God we didn't go to that one). So we were excited to see OSU playing there this season and then were upset when we found out that it was on a Friday night. But as is always the case, we'll find a way around it and come down and have as much fun as we can.

Anything that you guys want to know or if you have ideas for us on what we have to see or do while there, just let me know.

Also, you guys are more than welcome to come talk football at orangepower.com The largest Oklahoma State fan site on the web and it is independent.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh _

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Bienvenu A UL, Come on Down, The Krewe de Chew is the Tailgating group to visit. GEAUX TO FACE BOOK AND LOOK US UP.

This Sept/Oct issue of Acadiana Profile Magazine has us featured as one of hte 101 reasons to come to South Louisiana. A honor for our avid Cajun fans. Our tailgating is always open to Visitors and we know how to PASS A GOOD TIME.
ask for JIM
Geaux Cajuns

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pokes28

_ We had a great time a few years ago at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. There were a ton of fans of other teams (like LSU) that just came to tailgate and didn't have any intention of going to the game. We had a blast and are ready to come back to Louisiana and experience game day.

I like that this is probably your biggest home game of the season as far as anticipation. That should make the atmosphere as good as it can get. Over the last few years OSU has really become a good tailgating school. Prior to that it was rare to really see much of it.

Has anybody heard about ticket sales? I normally don't buy through OSU unless I have to. They generally charge a LOT more than I can buy tickets and move to the OSU section. I think the estimate for this game is $65/ticket. But I won't know for sure until my season tickets arrive and they send out the away game and bowl sign ups.

A bit about OSU: Lots of changes from last year. On offense we lost our three year starting QB, best WR (Dez Bryant), leading rusher (Keith Toston), starting 4 starting OL. On defense we lost both starting corners, all three starting LBs, and a couple DL.

We are putting in a new offensive scheme since we brought in the OC from Houston. I don't know that our talent fits the offense just yet, but Holgorsen does a great job of adapting to the talent and we do have a lot of talent, it is just unproven. The starting QB this year is an old man (by college standards) that played a few years of pro-baseball. He came in at the half against Colorado last year and brought the team back for win. Having back 2009 pre-season All-American RB Kendall Hunter will help a lot. Many expect him to average 20-25 touches a game but many will be from the passing game instead of hand-offs.

Defensively there is a lot less anxiety than on offense. Mainly because of DC Bill Young. We have a known commodity @ MLB and our SS is a potential All-American. We have a lot of guys that played a lot last year but few starts.

OSU hasn't fared really well playing on days other than Saturday during the season for a while so that is a concern. I'm not overly concerned about our offense coming into this game as this will be the 5th game of the season. If they haven't started clicking on offense by then, it will be a long season.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh _

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Getting tickets for yourself and whomever you bring along shouldn't be a problem. the price for GA seats are $16/ ticket and for Reserved, $24/ ticket (Visit the Cajundome Box Office or call (337) 265-2100 to purchase your individual game tickets).

Lafayette just isn't Lafayette without making it a weekend to soak up the culture. Here are some of my suggestions for places to stay, eat, and entertain yourselves

Accommodations:
Hilton Garden Inn Lafayette/cajundome, La‎
2350 West Congress Street
Lafayette, LA 70506
(337) 291-1977

Ramada‎
120 East Kaliste Saloom Road
Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 235-0858

Hilton Lafayette‎
1521 West Pinhook Road
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 235-6111

Restaurants and Entertainment:
Bisbano's Pizza Parlor
1540 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503-2028
(337) 233-0420‎ www.bisbanos.com

Hebert Specialty Meats‎
8212 Maurice Avenue
Maurice, LA 70555
(337) 893-5062

Johnson's Boucaniere
1111 Saint John Street
Lafayette, LA 70501-6713
(337) 269-8878

Legends‎
215 Bertrand Drive
Lafayette, LA‎
(337) 237-8765‎

Jefferson St. Green Room/ Pool Hall
229 Jefferson Street, lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 233-4255‎
www.greenroomdowntown.com

Restaurants and Entertainment:

Lagneaux's Restaurant <i>(Seafood Buffet)</i>
445 Ridge Road
Lafayette, LA
984-1415 www.Lagneauxs.com

Dwight's Restaurant <i>(Lunch)</i>
4800 Johnston Street
Lafayette, LA
337-981-1241 www.DwightsRestaurant.com

2 very good restaurants.... i can't believe i forgot them.

Festival Acadien is that same weekend too (Oct. 8-10). Big music festival held in Lafayette every year.

Heard opening ceremonies for the festival will be held at Cajun Field on that Friday night before the game. Should make for a big crowd

Am I supposed to heckle this guy or am I expected to be nice. I tell you what, I'll give you a beer or two if you sing Cowgirls don't cry for my tailgate.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by duggie85

_ Festival Acadien is that same weekend too (Oct. 8-10). Big music festival held in Lafayette every year.

Heard opening ceremonies for the festival will be held at Cajun Field on that Friday night before the game. Should make for a big crowd _

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Really? That would be great! It's usually Downtown Alive that does it. I'm glad a game won't interfere with the Festival this year!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by raginsaints

_ Am I supposed to heckle this guy or am I expected to be nice. I tell you what, I'll give you a beer or two if you sing Cowgirls don't cry for my tailgate. _

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Yikes, you don't want me singing at your tailgate. You can heckle me if you want. I never really understood that though. We are all fans and there isn't much I haven't heard going to places like Norman or College Station. Sure our cheering can help our team and cause problems for the other team, but beyond that, I've never understood trash talk among fans.

Our goal is to be a nice and gracious as we can and through that to make people respect our school and our fans. The team will earn or lose the respect it deserves on the field.

I'm pretty excited about this trip.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pokes28

_ Yikes, you don't want me singing at your tailgate. You can heckle me if you want. I never really understood that though. We are all fans and there isn't much I haven't heard going to places like Norman or College Station. Sure our cheering can help our team and cause problems for the other team, but beyond that, I've never understood trash talk among fans.

Our goal is to be a nice and gracious as we can and through that to make people respect our school and our fans. The team will earn or lose the respect it deserves on the field.

I'm pretty excited about this trip.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh _

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David, you and your wife, and any other OSU fans are definitely invited to come by the big oak tree next to the fence on the Bertrand/College side of the stadium parking lot. We will be there expecting you, with plenty of food and beverage along with civil fans to greet you to Cajun Field. Just look for the Delphi Eauque banner. My dad got his masters at OSU, and I have three uncles that went there as well. That was long ago, as Dad's diploma reads "Oklahoma A&M". lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pokes28

_ Yikes, you don't want me singing at your tailgate. You can heckle me if you want. I never really understood that though. We are all fans and there isn't much I haven't heard going to places like Norman or College Station. Sure our cheering can help our team and cause problems for the other team, but beyond that, I've never understood trash talk among fans.

Our goal is to be a nice and gracious as we can and through that to make people respect our school and our fans. The team will earn or lose the respect it deserves on the field.

I'm pretty excited about this trip.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh _

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It sounds like you would make a good CAJUN fan too!

Your group is welcome at our spot anytime you want. We are in the Pavilion by the baseball field and will be stating at noon that Friday (out there)!

Don't bring anything other than your group - you are our guests!

So how is the crap in the gulf impacting the seafood places there? Prices going up? Quality or selection going down? I love good cajun food. I'm not much of a food guy (only eat because I have to) but I love cajun food.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh

As a MTSU fan I can attest to the hospitality shown to visitors by the Cajun folks.

I will be making the trip on Oct.25th for the UL-MT game and really looking forward to seeing RaginCajun, BigEd, and the rest of the gang.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pokes28

_ So how is the crap in the gulf impacting the seafood places there? Prices going up? Quality or selection going down? I love good cajun food. I'm not much of a food guy (only eat because I have to) but I love cajun food.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh _

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I haven't heard much about seafood as it pertains to Lafayette. If you go further south I think it would be more noticeable. There is still fishing going on in the Gulf, it's just the fisherman have to fish around the "no fishing areas". But that's just what I have heard.

the downtown scene is a lot of fun but might be a bit young. I go down there to party with my niece and her friends but they are all 21. The scene is really great down there these days as are the restaurants. I have been to Legends after a UL game with my brother. Definitely more our age group.

I would hand out more at Legend's, but their beer selection is HORRENDOUS. :eek:

I will admit it, I'm a bit of a beer snob. I used to not be this way, but then I went to Europe and my beer tastes changed almost overnight. There are several good domestics, they just aren't made by Miller, Bud, or Coors.

David Harrell - Pokes
dwh