Anyone going to NAU?

[Da Boyz Mom]

I know it's still a long way off, but the hubby and I are making plans to drive over to Flagstaff for the NAU game. My question is in regard to tickets and seating: Will Griz fans be spread out around the arena or will they mostly sit in the visitors' section? I would prefer to sit with friendly fans but the view can't be that great from the visitors' section.

I would also appreciate info/advice on game day parking.

 

[Grizfan-24]

Each team is allotted a number of tickets (depending upon venue size) that are then sold through their ticket office for road games. You can call the UM ticket office, but road game tickets might be found on the griz-tix website. Some don't release those tickets for public purchase until a week or two before the game, but I suspect that tickets won't be hard to come by for the NAU game regardless.

If you know where the opposing team sits, in this case SE corner of the Walkup Skydome (section 224) and they are about 30 bucks a piece, you can purchase them through the NAU ticket office as well.

I have yet to pull the trigger on making the trip from San Diego to see the game.

 

[Da Boyz Mom]

I should have said that I am looking on griztix which links to the NAU ticketing website. The tickets on offer for the visitors are in section 224, which yes, is down in the corner. There are better tickets available directly through NAU but then of course you are stuck in the midst of the home fans. That's my dilemma.

 

[AZGrizFan]

If you are going to get their a bit early to tailgate, parking won't be much of an issue....although Montana IS the biggest draw NAU has...we went every other year for 20 years when we lived in Phoenix, but I always had a tailgating spot that I'd paid extra for so I realize that's not much help.

 

[Grizfan-24]

I should have said that I am looking on griztix which links to the NAU ticketing website. The tickets on offer for the visitors are in section 224, which yes, is down in the corner. There are better tickets available directly through NAU but then of course you are stuck in the midst of the home fans. That's my dilemma.

It is. I went to games at Holt in Pocatello while I was in Idaho, and knowing how terrible low endzone seats were from being inside the place a ton, I always purchased tickets outside of the allotted area so that I could see the game.

I do think the visuals are a bit better at the Walk--Up and being up higher you'd be fine. Been told it is a vastly better visual experience than Holt. I just can't myself pull the trigger because I'm not sure I'll get the Friday off before the game. 6 hours from San Diego is a bit of a haul to do on the morning of the game.

 

[AZGrizFan]

I should have said that I am looking on griztix which links to the NAU ticketing website. The tickets on offer for the visitors are in section 224, which yes, is down in the corner. There are better tickets available directly through NAU but then of course you are stuck in the midst of the home fans. That's my dilemma.

It is. I went to games at Holt in Pocatello while I was in Idaho, and knowing how terrible low endzone seats were from being inside the place a ton, I always purchased tickets outside of the allotted area so that I could see the game.

I do think the visuals are a bit better at the Walk--Up and being up higher you'd be fine. Been told it is a vastly better visual experience than Holt. I just can't myself pull the trigger because I'm not sure I'll get the Friday off before the game. 6 hours from San Diego is a bit of a haul to do on the morning of the game.

Also underwent a complete overhaul several years ago where they ELIMINATED about 4,000 seats, reducing capacity but widening the seats and (I believe) giving every seat a seat back now.....haven't been back there since the remodel (we moved out of state in 2012) but I've heard good things about it.

 

[ChesterGriz]

I will be at both UNC and NAU. I would appreciate any info on tailgating as well. Does the alumni association have an event at either or both?

 

[MT Jack]

NAU draws decent crowds for three games per year. Season opener, homecoming and when they play UM or MSU. That's about it.

Whether NAU is 1-8 or 7-2 by the time of the UM game, the crowds will have dwindled. Happens every year whether the Jacks are competitive or not. Tickets likely won't be that hard to find for Griz fans.

 

[MT Jack]

Also underwent a complete overhaul several years ago where they ELIMINATED about 4,000 seats, reducing capacity but widening the seats and (I believe) giving every seat a seat back now.....haven't been back there since the remodel (we moved out of state in 2012) but I've heard good things about it.

Skydome aesthetics have improved. It's still a dome, which isn't exactly optimal, but the lighting and seating are much improved. The open air concourse on the middle of each side of the stadium is kind of nice to stand and watch if you need to get up and move around.

Tailgating outside isn't monumental or anything like at SEC or Big 10/12 games but it has improved a bit over the past few years. A bit more vibrant and alive pre-game outside.

The city and school just aren't football destinations. Never have been and likely won't be unless the school consistently starts winning. Even then.....I have my doubts. Students go to USC or Alabama or Notre Dame because they are college football fans. Students go to NAU because they like to hike/bike/run/raft the Grand Canyon/smoke doobies.