By Mark Clements
Along with its traditional SEC West road trips, LSU will make two more unique stops in 2015, traveling to Syracuse, New York, to play the Syracuse University Orange, and Columbia, South Carolina, to face the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
Here’s a quick guide to get you prepared for your trips to both cities.
SEPT. 26
Located four hours north of New York City, Syracuse is the fifth-largest city in the state and home of the Orange. The university overlooks downtown Syracuse, highlighted by the school’s domed sports facility—called the Carrier Dome— which hosts football, basketball and lacrosse games. The Northern city feel provides a different gameday experience than Tiger fans have grown accustomed to back home, but there’s still plenty of attractions to keep you occupied on your trip to ’Cuse.
WHERE TO HAVE A DRINK:
Clark’s Ale House. This spot is renowned as the first real “beer bar” in Syracuse. Clark’s has 35 beers on tap, which are predominantly local craft brews or hard-to-find imports, as well as a roast beef sandwich that locals rave about. It makes for a great spot to grab a drink, but ticketless fans shouldn’t plan on making Clark’s their gameday stop. The bar has no music or TVs in the entire establishment, retaining its unique atmosphere that provides a comfortable place for good beer and even better conversation.
The Carrier Dome. Don’t forget to bring your wallet with you to the game. The Syracuse sports facility does indeed serve alcohol to the general public, boasting a beer selection that features 28 different beers ranging from $6.25 to $7.25, and wine by the glass for $7. There are also other local craft beers available at special sections around the stadium.
WHERE TO EAT:
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. New York isn’t necessarily known for its barbecue, but don’t let that stop you from trying Dinosaur, which is widely regarded as one of the best establishments in the region. The restaurant was named the country’s No. 1 barbecue on Good Morning America and has been featured on the Food Network, Travel Channel and in Men’s Health magazine. Dinosaur’s menu is firmly rooted in the traditions of Southern barbecue, and its atmosphere is one of the most eclectic in all of central New York.
WHAT TO SEE AROUND TOWN:
Destiny USA. This six-story shopping and entertainment complex is the sixth-largest shopping center in the nation. It features 20 retailers, 26 different food options and 13 entertainment anchors. Activities include the largest suspended ropes course in the world, laser tag, virtual golf, go-karts and a mirror maze, among others. There’s also a comedy club, the World of Beer and a Dave & Buster’s. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly experience or a night out with friends, Destiny USA has options.
WHERE TO STAY:
Sheraton at the University. The Sheraton at the University is the closest hotel to the stadium, less than a 10-minute walk to the stadium. Book your stay now—rooms often fill up quickly on big game days.
OCT. 10
LSU hasn’t traveled to Columbia since 2008, when the Tigers beat the Gamecocks, 24-17. South Carolina will provide a more familiar experience with a similar SEC-style atmosphere on gameday, and Tiger fans should take advantage of the rare trip to Columbia by checking out some off these local hot spots.
WHERE TO EAT:
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. This popular venue is just a couple miles away from the Gamecocks’ own Williams-Brice Stadium. It offers more than 200 beers, as well as a menu with quick bites, burgers, pizza and more. There is both indoor seating and an outdoor patio, which makes for a great spot to gather during the nice fall weather.
Blue Marlin. Louisianans may find themselves at home at this restaurant, which was named Best Seafood Restaurant by Columbia Free Times in 2014. Blue Marlin prides itself on its signature dishes that combine a blend of African, West Indian and Caribbean flavors, but it also features several entrees with the Cajun and Creole influences of Louisiana. Moderately priced and located in the heart of The Vista, Blue Marlin has a wide range of options on the menu to appease just about any craving.
WHAT TO SEE AROUND TOWN:
Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens. The zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Columbia and offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages. Along with the traditional zoo experience, Riverbanks has a rock wall, a four-story ropes course and a zip line over the river. Get there before 10 a.m. and you may also get the chance to feed a giraffe, mingle with kangaroos or ride some ponies around the farm.
Outdoor adventures. For the outdoorsy types, there are several trails near the Saluda River where you can spend a few hours lounging on the rocks or wading in the waters. The river is also known for its trout and striped bass fishing, as well as whitewater and flat-water paddling opportunities.
WHERE TO STAY:
Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC. This is the closest hotel to the university’s athletic venues and sits less than two miles from the stadium. The Courtyard features some of the largest guest rooms in the city and is the hotel partner of Gamecock Athletics. Other options to look into are the Inn at USC and the Columbia Marriott, both just slightly further from Williams-Brice.
Traveling can be a pain. There’s planning, sitting through a cramped flight and struggling to navigate a new city. But imagine if everyone on your flight were dressed in purple and gold. Imagine if someone else took care of all the planning and navigating for you. That’s exactly what the Traveling Tigers program offers.
The program, created in partnership between the LSU Alumni Association and the Tiger Athletic Foundation, provides a chartered flight, bus transportation, hotel accommodations, tailgate parties and of course, a game ticket, among other perks.
“When you see what you get and the way you’re treated by the staff at the Alumni Association and TAF, that’s the biggest thing,” Jason Ramezan, the vice president of alumni engagement, says. “We know you by name, and we treat you like family.”
Travelers will meet alumni of all ages—from 20s to 80s—and all walks of life. The camaraderie created on the trips can turn into lifelong friendships. “We’ve had several people who have met on our trips and then actually got married,” he says.
Packages start at $600. Custom or partial packages also available. lsualumni.org
