Planning for the 3rd

[solrac]

I was thinking about the 3rd. I realized that a lot of people are going to the game that have not gone in a long time, have never gone, or don't remember going. I think maybe we could use this thread as a way to let these people know what to expect, how to dress, how much money to take, what they can't bring in the stadium, how to get there, when to get there, where to go before the game to hang out with other fans...

Being that I only go to a few games a year, I am in no way an expert and shall then leave these questions to our die hard fans and those in the know. If you have any questions please ask. See you all at the game. solrac

[GUTuna]

1. Get there early

2. Tailgate

3. Sing and Cheer

4. Watch United win

5. Rest well knowing you've had a full day.

(Repeat on home weekends)

[K]

Good idea! Here's a list of items you cannot bring in (scroll down) http://www.dcunited.com/index.cfm?section=facility&cont_id=94142

It doesn't say you can bring baby bags but you can. Expect purses and other small bags to be search and you might be wanded (unfortunately security is not always consistent).

I always bring a small trash bag with me to put any purchases, my purse and anything else I don't want to get wet from spills, rain or tossed beer.

Be prepared for long lines at concessions, the folks there aren't exactly speedy. Beers are what $5.50-$6? so bring what cash you need (although there are some atms inside, I think one right near Gate B).

The above link also tells you how to get to RFK.

Check the weather on how to dress, team colors are encouraged!

K

[Red&Black]

STAND!!!

[TheChristinaaaa]

So what time should I plan to arrive on Saturday? I'm guessing parking is going to be a pain the later it gets, so I want to avoid that. ^_^ When people say "Get there early" How early are we talking?
Also, can you have camera's inside RFK?

:) I can't wait!

[TCompton]

Check the weather on how to dress, team colors are encouraged!



As of today, (Tuesday) the weather (http://www.weather.com/weather/detail/USDC0001?dayNum=4) for Saturday is:

High of 59 degrees, with morning clouds and afternoon sun.
30% chance of rain.

[seahawkdad]

If you take Metro, put enough on your fare card to cover the round trip. There aren't enought ticket machines at the Stadium/Armory station to handle all those who don't...so avoid the lines by buying ahead.

And remember that coming in you'll be on a Saturday schedule, so there's a lot of time spent standing around waiting for a train. Build that into your travel time. I usually add 20 minutes just for that. And those who use West Falls Church...parking lot construction has cut the parking availability by about half, so if enough take Metro from that station parking may also be a problem.

Hopefully someone has let Metro figure out that they need to have additional trains available after the game.

And has anyone ever had any problems getting a camera into the stadium? I don't want to Metro down and have no place to leave a very expensive camera if they won't let it in. I know it's not on the list of proscribed stuff, but I'm still worried about this.

[TCompton]

By the way, what time do the gates for Lot 8 open? Or better yet... what time is Chico getting there with this "utility key?" :D

[CHICO13]

what time is Chico getting there with this "utility key?" :D
Uh, that's for busting out not breaking in. ;)

[LowEnd]

If you're tailgating, I'd say get to RFK by 1:30 or so, in case this means firing up grills, etc. If you're just coming for the game, and don't want to walk around the parking lot/stadium beforehand, I'd say aim to arrive at 3:15 so you can get in, find your seats/bathrooms/food before the 4:00 kick off.

Bring layers, you might be in the sun and hot, or under cover and cold.
Maybe eat in advance, it's pretty pricey inside.

[Winoman]

Since this is a 4:00 game, we're planning on knoshing & drinking before hand and firing up the grills afterwards. The last time I had anything that was called food, inside the stadium, it was terrible.

[tmas]

Maybe eat in advance, it's pretty pricey inside.

Or you could smuggle stuff in. Although, that doesn't always work.

[Dave Brother]

Important note to those parking at Huntington Metro station!!!!!!!

Fairfax County seems to have seriously stepped up patrolling the Huntington area (especially both levels of the metro station). They not only have speed traps every day (and all hours) for the last two weeks, but patrol in regular cop cars, motorcycles and unmarked cars. They ain't playin' around. If you even THINK you've had too much to drink, don't tempt fate driving home from this metro station. Catch a cab, bus, or call me and you can crash for the night at my place. You can forget about a ride home till the morning 'cause I'll be just as ripped up as you. :p

This has been a Dave Brother PSA.

[dj_stouty]

Hey guys...

Three quick questions...

1. When do the parking lots open? (Is getting there at noon too early?)
2. When does Will Call open at the Box office?
3. Which parking lot do I want to tailgate in if I want to be close to the Anacosta River? (I know...I know...it's probably not the cleanest of tailgate spots)

Thanks in advance...

[Dave Brother]

3. Which parking lot do I want to tailgate in if I want to be close to the Anacosta River? (I know...I know...it's probably not the cleanest of tailgate spots

If you enter thru the 395 enterance, it leads directly to Lot 8, HQ of la Barra Brava. It's the best dang tailgate this side of the Anacostia River!

If you want a tamer tailgate, my friends in the Screaming Eagles (inc.) throw a fine one. Just hang a left at the Barra function and follow it twords the pedestrian tunnel to RFK. La Norte is in that neck of the woods and are a good bunch to hang with for the pre match festivities.

Or just try all three and make an afternoon of it!

[sch2383]

Hey guys...

Three quick questions...

1. When do the parking lots open? (Is getting there at noon too early?)
2. When does Will Call open at the Box office?
3. Which parking lot do I want to tailgate in if I want to be close to the Anacosta River? (I know...I know...it's probably not the cleanest of tailgate spots)

Thanks in advance...
Remember to have cash on hand for parking...its something like $10

[solrac]

bump...

[dj_stouty]

Thanks for the input!

Any idea of when the parking lots and Will Call officially open? I plan on brining a large group to tailgate early and I don't want us denied access to the lots! :)

[fatbastard]

I'd say aim to arrive at 3:15 so you can get in, find your seats/bathrooms/food before the 4:00 kick off.
I hope you plan on getting there before 3:15, because you'll likely get in at half time if you use this logic! RFK are NOTORIOUS for not properly handling big crowds. The entrances to the lots will be backed up as 3 guys collect your $10 or $15 dollars, the gates will be jammed as they pretend to care about security while really only enjoying hassling you and making sure you have to buy things inside by stealing your food and drink.......

It's best just to get there early and join the Screaming Eagles (or Barra Brava) to tailgate before the game. No fuss, no muss - we do it all for you.

The gates officially open at 12:30, I hope (and expect) someone opens them sooner - but you can come into Lot8A (the employee lot, Independence Ave) way earlier, and the gate to Lot 8 is almost always open. From the 395 entrance to Lot 8, you only have to break one little law for about 1/4 mile to get there :)
Will Call normally opens 2 hours before the game. For this one, it may open earlier, but don't count on it. You can probably count on a long line.

[Sachin]

I plan on getting there around 11:30 or so.

Sachin