FanPost

Where to Watch a Road Game at Home?

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All of us love watching football, especially when we get to see our Hokies play. But what do we do when our beloved Virginia Tech goes on the road and we cannot follow? Well that's where local watering holes come in.

While most of us would rather go and see the game in person, when that it's possible, your local bar and restaurant can be a solid alternative, giving you atmosphere, food, and drinks so that you can fully enjoy the game day experience.

Luckily there are many places for the local to enjoy watching Hokie games that are away from home, but for today, we are just going to focus on one that I would particularly enjoy for the game against Purdue.

If you know anything about downtown Blacksburg, you know Sharkey's. Now Sharkey's isn't a place that has the best of very much. There isn't a crazily large beer selection, the seats and décor aren't the greatest, and the food isn't going to win any major awards anytime soon. But, and here is the rub, what makes it so great is that all of those things that I just mentioned are quite good.

What do you want when you watch a football game from a college bar? Good food? You've got it, with some of the best wings and tatter tots in town. Good beer? Absolutely, they have a decent number of beers on tap, especially at the front bar, and the service is usually quite quick. Ambiance? In spades, this place can get quite loud when the game is on and Tech is playing well.

  • The reason this is such a fun place to watch while the weather is still nice though is that they have opened up a massive amount of outdoor seating recently. Not only can you sit in the back of the bar outside, but close to the front, they have a lovely area to eat outside and enjoy the sunshine, or just to get away if there is a blowout or you need a break. Or maybe you just want to people watch for a few minutes, there is nothing wrong with a little of that.

    So if your goal is to enjoy a nice meal, hang out with some friends in a fun environment, and have cold beverages that can help you enjoy the game and atmosphere of Hokie football that much more, then my suggestion for this week is Sharkey's.

    Here is how you get the most out of your Sharkey's game day experience. Since this is a 3:30pm kickoff, get there early. Go outside to one of the new tables and watch the world go by with a beer or two. Then head on inside about half an hour before the game. If you are with a group, find a table in front of the giant screen they have showing the game, but don't sit too close or you'll miss some of the view. If it is just a few of you, then try to sit at the bar. They have other games going on as well that you can watch and I know you aren't going to want to miss all the action going on around the country. Then, just sit back, get some grub, and watch with some new friends.

    I know most of us would rather go to the games, home or away, but for this week, enjoy something a little closer to home and save a little money in the process. It might not be Lane Stadium, but you can make it your own little rooting section at Sharkey's.

    Please feel free to let me know where you like to watch the games and maybe next time, I'll give it a shot myself!

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