Appalachian State Football Game Days Are Pure Magic—Here’s How to Make One Unforgettable for Your Family

Watching the Appalachian State Mountaineers play football at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, NC isn’t just about the game. It’s the electric mountain atmosphere. The sea of black and gold. The student energy that’s genuinely infectious. The fall foliage framing the stadium. The tradition of tailgating in the High Country. And yes—it’s also watching college football at its best.

For families in the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point), an App State football game day is one of the most memorable outings you can plan. It’s only 2–2.5 hours from the Piedmont to the mountains, and a Boone game day combines sports, family fun, and authentic mountain charm into one perfect Saturday.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan an App State football game day for your family—from parking strategies to tailgating tips to post-game dining in downtown Boone.

Quick Facts: App State Football in Boone

Stadium: Kidd Brewer Stadium (capacity: 24,000+)
Location: Appalachian State University campus, Boone, NC (elevation: 3,600 ft)
Season: September–November (home games vary by year)
Distance from Triad:

Greensboro: ~110 miles (2 hrs 15 min)
Winston-Salem: ~130 miles (2 hrs 30 min)
Burlington: ~95 miles (2 hrs)

Best Games to Attend:

Early season (Sept): Smaller crowds, beautiful weather, ideal for first-time visitors
Mid-season rivalry games (Oct): Georgia Southern, Marshall, Coastal Carolina—these sell out, bring the biggest energy
Homecoming (Oct): Family-focused, special traditions, huge crowd
Late season (Nov): Fall foliage at peak, crisp mountain air (dress warm!)

Tickets: $30–$100+ depending on opponent; rivalry games and homecoming sell out weeks in advance

Booking: www.appstatesports.com (book early—popular games don’t last long)

Getting There & Parking: The Foundation of Your Game Day

The drive to Boone from the Triad is scenic but requires planning. Here’s how to arrive relaxed, not rushed:

Route & Driving Time

From Greensboro: Take I-40 West toward Morganton, then NC-184 North through the mountains to Boone. ~2 hrs 15 min.

From Winston-Salem: Same route via I-40 West. ~2 hrs 30 min.

From Burlington: I-85 North to I-40 West, then to Boone. ~2 hrs.

Pro tip: Leave early (8–9 a.m. for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff) to beat traffic and have buffer time.

Parking: Get Your Pass BEFORE Game Day

This is non-negotiable. Kidd Brewer Stadium parking fills quickly on game days, especially for rivalry games.

What to do:

Purchase parking passes ahead of time. The official App State athletics website lists parking options: Yosef Club lots (passholders), general parking decks, and remote lots with shuttle service.
Parking costs: Typically $10–$15 depending on location and lot type
Reserved vs. General: Reserved lots closer to stadium fill first. General lots and remote lots often have availability longer.
Arrive early (1:30–2:00 p.m. for 3:30 p.m. kickoff): Parking lots close once they reach capacity, especially for big games.

Parking strategy:

If you prefer close parking: Book reserved in advance, arrive 2 hours early
If you’re flexible: General lot + shuttle is fine, arrive 90 minutes early
If you want least stress: Remote lot + shuttle + tailgate closer to stadium entrance

Pro tip: Check the App State athletics website Thursday before game to see which lots are still available—this tells you how busy it’ll be.

Tailgating (Yes, You Can Make It Kid-Friendly!)

Tailgating: Make It Kid-Friendly & Fun

Tailgating is the pre-game party—and with families, it’s an opportunity to set a fun, relaxed tone before entering the stadium.

What to Bring

Food & Drinks:

Sandwiches, wraps, easy finger foods (nothing messy)
Fresh fruit (grapes, watermelon, apples)
Chips, pretzels, crackers
Drinks: water, lemonade, juice boxes for kids
Trash bags (leave no trace!)

Tailgate Setup:

Pop-up tent or umbrella (weather protection + shade)
Folding chairs (for parents while kids play)
Ground cover/blanket
Small cooler with ice
Sunscreen & bug spray
Wet wipes & hand sanitizer

Games & Activities:

Cornhole set (kids LOVE tossing bean bags—burns energy before the game)
Football or frisbee (toss around the lot)
Lawn games (giant Jenga, ladder toss)
Sidewalk chalk for parking lot art
Small outdoor speaker (for game day playlists, keep it family-friendly)

Apparel:

Mountaineers gear: black & gold shirts, hats, scarves
Blankets or ponchos (mountain weather = unexpected temperature drops)
Sunglasses

Tailgate Tips for Families

Arrive 2+ hours early so you have unhurried tailgate time without rushing to the game
Pick a spot near an exit: Easier to walk back to your car at halftime if needed (with young kids, this matters)
Keep it simple: You don’t need a three-course meal. Sandwiches + snacks work great
Involve kids in setup: Let them arrange chairs, put out snacks, set up their game. Ownership = investment
Manage expectations: Not every kid will care about the game itself. Tailgating, cornhole, and the crowd energy might be the real fun
Time your setup: Eat & play early (1:00–2:15 p.m.), then pack up and head to stadium 30 min before kickoff

Stadium Entry: Getting Settled Before Kickoff

About 30 minutes before kickoff, head toward Kidd Brewer Stadium. Here’s how to make entry smooth:

What to Do First

Visit the stadium store (if your kids want gear). This is a great time—you’re not rushed, lines are shorter than at halftime. Let each kid pick one small item: foam finger, t-shirt, hat, or sticker.

Visit restrooms: This sounds simple, but it’s crucial. Do a bathroom run before you sit down. Show your kids where the restrooms are located.

Scout concessions: Walk past the snack areas so kids know what’s available (though prices are high—budget $10–$15 per family for stadium snacks).

Find your seats: Get to your section 15–20 minutes early so you’re settled, not scrambling.

What to Bring Into the Stadium

Tickets (print or digital)
IDs for adults (some venues check)
Binoculars (if your seats are far from the field, kids love binoculars)
Blankets or jackets (mountain weather = cold by the 4th quarter)
Sunglasses & hats (afternoon games)
Small notepad & pencil (kids can keep score or draw)
Earplugs or noise-dampening headphones (if your child is sensitive to loud noise—stadium gets LOUD)

Note: Most stadiums restrict outside food/drinks. The concessions are pricey, so budget accordingly or eat a good lunch before.

Seating Options: Bleachers vs. Covered Seats

Your seating choice impacts comfort and enjoyment. Here’s what to know:

Bleacher Seating (General Admission)

Pros:

More affordable ($30–$50 tickets typically)
Good views of the field
Community atmosphere—you’re with general fans

Cons:

Exposed to weather (sun, wind, rain, cold)
Hard seating (not comfortable for young kids for 3 hours)
Restroom access requires walking
Limited shelter

Best for: Older kids/teens, families comfortable with outdoor exposure, those on a budget

If you choose bleachers:

Bring padded seat cushions (game-changer for comfort)
Layer clothing (mountain weather unpredictable)
Bring a blanket for laps (toddlers/preschoolers)
Plan a “comfort break” at halftime

Covered/Premium Seating (if available)

Pros:

Some protection from elements
Easier access to climate control
Closer to concessions/restrooms
More comfortable seating

Cons:

More expensive ($60–$100+)
May be less of an “open field” feel

Best for: Families with young kids, those wanting maximum comfort, cold weather games

Game Day with Young Kids: Tips & Tricks

Having preschoolers or toddlers at a football game means adapting the outing for their stamina, comfort, and enjoyment. Here are some additional kid-friendly tips:

Petite fans: Bring something small they can do quietly (e.g., coloring page on Mountaineers theme, small toy, or a “scavenger” game: look for the mascot, find the cheerleaders, count how many times the scoreboard flashes).
Ear protection: The stadium environment can be loud (cheers, music, announcements). If your child is sensitive, bring ear-protectors or earbuds.
Dress in layers: Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Kids might get cold mid-game. Layers + blanket help.
Comfort break plan: Identify restrooms ahead of time. Many stadiums including Kidd Brewer have permanent restrooms plus additional portable toilets under bleachers/concourse.
Stroller/hiking carrier: For young children you might bring a sturdy stroller or hiking-style carrier (especially if you plan to walk around tailgate lots). Make sure your path from lot to stadium is stroller-friendly (check lot/parking deck).
Exit plan: For younger kids, the full game might be too long. A smart move: plan to leave at half time or early fourth quarter—so you avoid major exit traffic and can head somewhere comfortable for the rest of the day. (More on this below.)
Celebration moment: If the Mountaineers score a touchdown, celebrate with your kid: wave, cheer, point out the scoreboard. Make the “game” fun rather than just “sit and watch”.

What to Expect During the Game: Tips for Young Kids

If this is your family’s first college football game, here’s what to prepare kids for:

The Atmosphere

Noise level: Stadium gets LOUD. Cheers, music, announcements, fight songs. Kids might cover their ears. This is normal.
Crowd energy: Thousands of people cheering together = electric energy. Some kids love it; some find it overwhelming. Prepare them.
Movement: People walking past you to get snacks, restroom, or leave early. Your space isn’t static.
Time: A college football game is 3+ hours. Plan for this.

Keeping Kids Engaged

First quarter (fresh energy): Kids are excited, pointing out the field, mascot, band.

Second quarter (focus attention): Energy might dip. Now’s a good time to:

Play “spot the mascot” game
Count how many times the crowd cheers
Predict the next play (make it fun, not serious)
Let them snack or get a drink

Halftime (relief break): The actual best time for families with young kids:

Visit restrooms without a line
Get snacks/drinks (bring cash)
Stand and stretch
Watch the halftime show (often entertaining, sometimes funny for kids)
Decide together: “Do we want to stay for the second half or head out?” (Staying for the 3rd quarter then leaving is totally valid)

Third & fourth quarters: Second-half energy. If your kid is done, it’s okay to leave. You’ve experienced the game, the crowd, the energy. That’s the memory.

During Timeouts & Breaks

Point out the Mountaineers cheerleaders
Watch the band perform
Look for the mascot
If there’s a kiss cam, laugh together
Use downtime to reset: snack, stretch, bathroom

Managing Sensory Overload

If your child is sensitive to loud noise or crowds:

Bring ear protection (noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs)
Sit in a less crowded section (upper deck, corner areas)
Choose an early game when crowds are smaller
Consider a practice run: attend a less popular game first, build up to rivalry games
Have an exit plan: if it’s too much, leave without guilt

Post-Game Strategy: Leave Smart or Stay & Celebrate

If You Leave at Halftime or Early 3rd Quarter

Pros:

Beat massive traffic (no sitting in 45-minute parking lot gridlock)
Kids aren’t exhausted
Smoother drive home
You’ve still experienced the game

Cons:

Miss the ending (might disappoint older kids)

What to do after: Head to downtown Boone for an early dinner at a family-friendly spot.

If You Stay Until the End

Pros:

See the full game (big payoff if Mountaineers win!)
Cheer the final touchdown
Experience the full game-day tradition

Cons:

Massive traffic (30–45 min to exit parking lot)
Kids might be tired/cranky
Longer evening

Pro tip: If you stay, let kids nap on the ride home. Pack car snacks and have a tablet/audiobook ready for the drive back to the Triad.

Dining in Boone: Post-Game & Evening Options

After the game, extend your High Country experience with dinner in downtown Boone or nearby.

Family-Friendly Options

Mellow Mushroom (downtown Boone)

Gourmet pizza (lots of options for kids)
Casual vibe
Moderate prices
Great for post-game energy

Makoto Ramen (downtown Boone)

Asian fusion, excellent ramen bowls
Quick service (good after game)
Popular with App State students (fun atmosphere)

Bocca Bistro (downtown Boone)

Italian classics
Cozier, quieter vibe
Good for families wanting a sit-down meal

Boone Bagelry (downtown Boone)

Quick breakfast/lunch option
Fresh bagels, pastries
Great if you’re grabbing quick bites

Stick Boy Bread Co. (downtown Boone)

Amazing pastries, bread, coffee
Opens early (good for pre-game breakfast next day)

Pro tip: Make reservations ahead if going somewhere nice. Post-game, popular restaurants fill up fast.

Lodging if You’re Staying Overnight

If you want to make it a full weekend:

Boone & Blowing Rock Hub has complete lodging options (luxury resorts, cabin rentals, budget hotels)
Combine the game with Grandfather Mountain, hiking at Hebron Rock Colony, or exploring downtown Boone
Make it a full High Country weekend

Unique Tips & Bonus Ideas

Buy tickets early. Rivalry games sell out 2–4 weeks in advance.
Book parking ahead. Don’t show up and hope for a spot.
Arrive 2+ hours early. Parking, tailgate setup, and bathroom time require buffer.
Dress in layers. Mountain weather is unpredictable. Afternoon can be 70°F; by 4th quarter it might be 50°F.
Bring sunscreen. Even in fall, sun reflects off the field and bleachers.
Have cash. Stadium concessions, parking, tailgate beers—cash is often easier than cards.
Set expectations with kids. Talk about the noise level, crowd, and time commitment. Manage expectations = happier family.
Plan your exit strategy. Decide ahead: Are you staying for the whole game or leaving at halftime? Know your parking lot exit route.
Make it part of a bigger trip. Combine with Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, or fall foliage hiking. Make it a full High Country weekend.
Take photos. Kidd Brewer Stadium with fall colors in the background is Instagram gold.

Game Day Timeline (Sample Schedule)

Here’s a realistic timeline for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff:

12:30 p.m. – Depart Triad (Greensboro/Winston-Salem)
2:00 p.m. – Arrive Boone; find parking; set up tailgate
2:00–3:00 p.m. – Tailgate: eat, play cornhole, toss football
3:00 p.m. – Pack up tailgate; walk to stadium
3:15 p.m. – Visit stadium store (souvenir shopping)
3:25 p.m. – Find seats; get settled
3:30 p.m. – KICKOFF
~4:15 p.m. – HALFTIME (bathroom, snacks, decision: stay or leave?)
4:30 p.m. – Second half resumes (or depart if leaving at halftime)
6:00–6:30 p.m. – Game ends (if you stay full game) OR you’re already in downtown Boone for dinner
6:30 p.m. – Dinner in Boone (if leaving at halftime) OR exit stadium/parking lot
7:30–8:00 p.m. – Depart Boone toward Triad
9:30–10:00 p.m. – Arrive home

Money-Saving Tips

Budget Estimate (Family of 4):

Gas: $50–$80
Parking: $10–$15
Tickets: $30–$100 per person ($120–$400 total)
Tailgate food: $30–$50
Stadium snacks: $15–$20
Post-game dinner: $40–$70
Total: $265–$635 (depending on seating & dining choices)

Ways to Save:

Buy tickets early (less markup, better selection)
Skip stadium snacks; eat a good tailgate meal beforehand
Pack tailgate food from home (way cheaper than restaurant prices)
Choose general admission seating (bleachers) over premium
Go to early-season games (cheaper tickets, less crowded than rivalry games)
Check for family package deals on the App State athletics website

Why App State Football Game Days Are Worth the Drive

It’s not just about the game. Honestly? Many families remember the tailgate cornhole tournament more than the actual score. They remember:

The fall foliage framing Kidd Brewer Stadium
The electric student section singing the fight song
Tossing a football with their kid in a mountain parking lot
Walking downtown Boone after the game, grabbing pizza, exploring shops
The crisp mountain air that’s so different from the Triad
The tradition and pride of the Mountaineer community

An App State football game day is a memory maker. It’s accessible (only 2–2.5 hours away), it’s genuinely fun, and it combines sports with beautiful mountains and authentic small-town charm.

Ready for Game Day?

An Appalachian State football game at Kidd Brewer Stadium is more than sports—it’s a mountain tradition, a family memory, and a reminder that the best adventures are often just 2 hours away.

Here’s your action plan:

Pick a game on the App State athletics schedule
Buy tickets early (popular games sell out)
Book parking in advance
Plan your tailgate menu
Mark your calendar
Gather your gear (blanket, snacks, team colors)
Drive to Boone with expectations set and hearts open

Bonus: Make it a full High Country weekend. Explore the Boone & Blowing Rock area, hike Grandfather Mountain, check out downtown Boone shops, or chase fall foliage.

Enjoy the game, soak in the mountain atmosphere, and make a memory your family will talk about for years.

Go Mountaineers! 🖤💛

FAQs

Q: What age is best to start attending App State games?
A: Preschoolers (4+) can handle it with prep and a plan to leave early. Elementary-age kids (6+) usually enjoy the full experience. Teens love the energy and atmosphere.

Q: Are there family-friendly sections?
A: Yes. Family sections exist to keep the most family-focused atmosphere. Ask when buying tickets.

Q: Can I bring a stroller?
A: Check the App State athletics website, but generally strollers are allowed in certain areas. Plan accordingly for stadium stairs/narrow passages.

Q: What if my kid gets overwhelmed by noise?
A: Ear protection is your friend. Also, arriving early and practicing with a smaller game helps. You can also leave whenever you need to—no shame in that.

Q: Best games for first-timers?
A: Early season (September) has smaller crowds and good weather. Homecoming is fun but busier. Rivalry games (vs. Georgia Southern, Marshall, Coastal Carolina) are electric but sell out fast.

Q: Can I tailgate with kids?
A: Absolutely! Tailor it to your family: cornhole, football toss, simple picnic foods. It’s not about alcohol; it’s about the pre-game community.

Q: Is parking really that hard?
A: For big games, yes. For early-season games, it’s easier. Book in advance and arrive early—problem solved.

Q: How far is downtown Boone from the stadium?
A: About 5–10 min drive. Perfect for post-game dinner or a quick stop before/after the game.