This weeks Thursday night game takes us to Lane Stadium where the Virginia Tech Hokies host the North Carolina Tar Heels. While the Hokies lost their National Title hopes (and maybe ACC as well), with a loss to Georgia Tech two weeks ago, they are still alive in the ACC, though they MUST win out in order to be eligible for the conference title. On the other side, North Carolina is still eyeing its first conference win of the season. The Tar Heels haven't beaten a ranked opponent on the road since 2001.
The Virginia Tech football team has enjoyed well over a decade of success, going to 16 straight bowl games. A big part of that success is the home-field advantage the Hokies enjoy at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field. Billed as the toughest place in college football for opponents to play by Rivals.com, the Hokies play on not only one of the best playing surfaces in the nation, but with the south end zone and west side additions, the Hokies also compete in one of the best stadiums in the nation.
Now entering its 45th season as an arena of collegiate football competition, Lane Stadium/Worsham Field has gone through numerous changes, renovations and additions. But through it all, it has always been regarded as one of the finest places to watch - and toughest places for opponents to play - a college football game.
About the Stadium
Original construction of Lane Stadium began in April of 1964 and was completed four years later. The Hokies did not wait for completion, playing their first game in the stadium on Oct. 2, 1965. Tech defeated William and Mary 9-7 that day, with only the west stands and the center section of the east bleachers completed. Official dedication ceremonies took place Oct. 23 before a 22-14 win over Virginia.
Through the years, the stadium has seen several changes and renovations. In 1982, the lighting system was added to the facility. The system was first used in Tech's nationally televised 21-14 Thanksgiving Day victory over Virginia that season. The game was broadcast on WTBS and was the first nationally televised game from Lane Stadium.
Prior to the 1989 season, Lane Stadium underwent further improvements. Tech received a donation of 16 flags with the "VT" logo for the stadium. Lane Stadium also received a new paint job that included the addition of maroon and orange stripes around the inner walls of the facility.
In 1991, a new scoreboard bearing BIG EAST Conference logos replaced the old scoreboard at the south end of the stadium, while a new auxiliary scoreboard was placed at the north end. In the spring of 1994, renovations were completed on seven lower sections of the east stands. Renovations included replacing concrete risers and the addition of wheelchair seating.
Before the 1994 season, plaques bearing retired jerseys of Tech heroes Bruce Smith, Carroll Dale, the late Frank Loria and Jim Pyne were added to the wall in the north end zone. With the addition of the north end zone seats, the four retired numbers now fly on flagpoles above those stands.
In 2002, three more flags - those bearing the names and numbers of Frank Beamer, Michael Vick and Cornell Brown - were added, retiring their jerseys, but not their numbers. Two years ago, a banner for center Jake Grove was added to that collection.
Last season, banners were placed on both the east and west sides on beams honoring conference player of the year and national award honorees, including Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lombardi Award winner Corey Moore and Outland Trophy honoree Bruce Smith.
Prior to the 1998 season, the oldest bleachers were replaced with new locust wood and the stands were waterproofed and top coated. On the east side, the roof on the former visitors' locker room was replaced along with the wooden bleachers in the three sections above the dressing room. Also, additional handicapped seating was added.
In addition to the seats in the north end zone constructed before the 1999 season, the interior block walls and concourse tunnels were seal-coated to match the exterior of Cassell Coliseum and the Merryman Center.
Prior to the 1999 season, 2,100 permanent seats were added in the north end zone. Before the 2000 season, another 3,000 permanent bleacher seats were added in the north end zone and a new scoreboard complete with "Hokievision," was installed behind the bleachers.
In 2003, permacaps were installed over all the wooden seats in the stadium to enhance fan comfort.
The south end zone construction project eliminated the old wooden bleachers in that area. But the north end zone bleachers were expanded down to the field, adding close to 600 new, permanent seats to make the north end zone look similar to the new south end zone. This is where The Marching Virginians - one of Tech's two marching bands - sit.
The past five years, fans saw new conference logos around the stadium, as the Hokies made the move to the ACC prior to the 2004 season. In that time, the Hokies have won three conference titles.
Through the years, the stadium has seen several changes and renovations. In 1982, the lighting system was added to the facility. The system was first used in Tech's nationally televised 21-14 Thanksgiving Day victory over Virginia that season. The game was broadcast on WTBS and was the first nationally televised game from Lane Stadium.
Prior to the 1989 season, Lane Stadium underwent further improvements. Tech received a donation of 16 flags with the "VT" logo for the stadium. Lane Stadium also received a new paint job that included the addition of maroon and orange stripes around the inner walls of the facility.
In 1991, a new scoreboard bearing BIG EAST Conference logos replaced the old scoreboard at the south end of the stadium, while a new auxiliary scoreboard was placed at the north end. In the spring of 1994, renovations were completed on seven lower sections of the east stands. Renovations included replacing concrete risers and the addition of wheelchair seating.
Before the 1994 season, plaques bearing retired jerseys of Tech heroes Bruce Smith, Carroll Dale, the late Frank Loria and Jim Pyne were added to the wall in the north end zone. With the addition of the north end zone seats, the four retired numbers now fly on flagpoles above those stands.
In 2002, three more flags - those bearing the names and numbers of Frank Beamer, Michael Vick and Cornell Brown - were added, retiring their jerseys, but not their numbers. Two years ago, a banner for center Jake Grove was added to that collection.
Last season, banners were placed on both the east and west sides on beams honoring conference player of the year and national award honorees, including Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lombardi Award winner Corey Moore and Outland Trophy honoree Bruce Smith.
Prior to the 1998 season, the oldest bleachers were replaced with new locust wood and the stands were waterproofed and top coated. On the east side, the roof on the former visitors' locker room was replaced along with the wooden bleachers in the three sections above the dressing room. Also, additional handicapped seating was added.
In addition to the seats in the north end zone constructed before the 1999 season, the interior block walls and concourse tunnels were seal-coated to match the exterior of Cassell Coliseum and the Merryman Center.
Prior to the 1999 season, 2,100 permanent seats were added in the north end zone. Before the 2000 season, another 3,000 permanent bleacher seats were added in the north end zone and a new scoreboard complete with "Hokievision," was installed behind the bleachers.
In 2003, permacaps were installed over all the wooden seats in the stadium to enhance fan comfort.
The south end zone construction project eliminated the old wooden bleachers in that area. But the north end zone bleachers were expanded down to the field, adding close to 600 new, permanent seats to make the north end zone look similar to the new south end zone. This is where The Marching Virginians - one of Tech's two marching bands - sit.
The past five years, fans saw new conference logos around the stadium, as the Hokies made the move to the ACC prior to the 2004 season. In that time, the Hokies have won three conference titles.
Before the game, I would recommend hitting up the tailgates that probably started 3 1/2 hours ago. VT tailgates are supposed to be some of the best and friendliest in the country. If that doesn't fit your fancy, head to Arthur's Aweful, famous for their daily-Steaks,Pastas, Salads and Seafood. Stop by for their Thursday night Shrimp night and grab a few brews before you head out. Bar,Thurs Shrimp Night. If you are more in the mood, stop by Cinco de Mayo Tavern and Grill. Still, I'd suggest going to tailgate... maybe like now!
| Saturday Games | Arrival | Departure | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RV's (contributor) | after 3pm Friday | 5pm Sunday | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RV's (public at airport) | Noon Friday | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cars (contributor and public) | 6am Saturday | 6am Sunday | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weekday Games | Arrival | Departure | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RV's (contributor and public) | Noon game day | 6am following day | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RV's (public at airport) | Noon game day | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cars (contributor and public) | 5pm game day | 6am following day | e |
| Forecasted Weather | ||
| Forecast for Thursday, October 29, 2009 | ||
| Lane Stadium BLACKSBURG, VA Updated: 10/29/09 11:45 AM ET | Lo: 51°F Hi: 67°F Precip: 10% |  |
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