Seeing a game at Cameron for the first time: Help!

[Kim*]

Finally, after 15 years, I'm going down to Cameron for a game. I live in Philly and this is a big deal for me, so I'm really stoked for this. I'll be at the VTech game on the 4th. I was hoping you guys would be able to give me some pointers and whatnot. And yes, I did a forum search before starting a new topic, but I wasn't able to find anything too helpful regarding what I need. Okay, so basically...

Game:
- I got tickets in Section 19. The game is at 7:45. What time do you recommend I get there to line up, since it's general admission?
- Any other game-related tips I should know or be aware of?

Misc:
- I'll be spending a few days in the Durham/Raleigh area, so any suggestions on activities, or specific sights, or restaurants, or any other places that are "must-see" while I'm down there.. I'm all ears.

Thanks! :)

[TillyGalore]

Take a look at this thread.

http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7114

[Kim*]

Ahh, I swear I searched! Sorry, I suck. Haha, thanks though.


Edit: Okay well that thread helped somewhat. But I'm still very curious what you guys think about the timing for the general admission aspect. And also non-Duke related activities for my additional days in the area. So any help on those aspects would be fab. ;)

[TillyGalore]

Ahh, I swear I searched! Sorry, I suck. Haha, thanks though.

I'm sure you did. The problem with searches is you have to put in the right words to get what you're looking for. I knew that thread existed, and when I scrolled to the bottom of the page with this thread open, I found it. :D

Hope you have fun here in Durham and at Cameron. I've yet to see a MBB ACC game in Cameron so am a little jealous you will. :)

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Ahh, I swear I searched! Sorry, I suck. Haha, thanks though.


Edit: Okay well that thread helped somewhat. But I'm still very curious what you guys think about the timing for the general admission aspect. And also non-Duke related activities for my additional days in the area. So any help on those aspects would be fab. ;)

The doors open 90 minutes before tip off. How early you want to get there depends on where you want to sit in section 19 - the earlier the better. Those are the student seats and some of them will be there. I'm sure K'ville will be inhabited by Jan 4th.

[bjornolf]

Make sure you go to the Angus Barn. That was always my favorite for a special occasion, and your first game certainly qualifies. It's down I-70 OR I-40 (there's a connector road that runs right across the airport) about halfway to Raleigh, right by the airport. Get a reservation to be safe. Have a great time!

http://www.angusbarn.com/welcome.html

[VTDEVIL]

Hey! My buddy is the head trainer for VT and he got me tickets to the game. I am a Hokie, but love the Devils so this is a great expierence for me. My wife and I are going to make a weekend of it. Anybody have any suggestions on where we should stay, go(she loves primitive antiques.....i love beer), any bars or pubs, or just any suggestions on things we should do in town. I appreciate any suggestions made. Thank you!

[bjornolf]

I know I'm harping on Angus Barn, but it does have a great bar to wait for your table at. It's very rustic, but it's an AWESOME steakhouse. Thanks to its atmosphere, I like it better than Morton's or Ruth's Chris. The food is so close to as good it's really a toss up, but you get way more for your money.

I don't know if they even exist or are as good any more, but I used to love Satisfaction's (for the drinks and the pizza) and Bullocks (barbecue) when I was at Duke.

As for where to stay, depends on how fancy you like to be. Are you just looking for a place to stay, or are you looking to go all out?

If you want to go all out:
1. My parents and I LOVED the Fearington Inn, which is a little ways away over on the other side of Chapel Hill. They have beautiful rooms that are each unique and the belted gallaway (oreo cookie) cows, which are really cool.
2. The Washington Duke Inn is pretty cool too.
3. The Il Siena in Chapel Hill is all right, but I wasn't impressed for the money.

A little less:
1. I've stayed at the Courtyard by Mariott in Durham, which was fine.
2. I've also stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Chapel Hill, which was fine (it's run by the business school at UNC, but they do a good job and don't hold your Dukie-ness against you).

[DukeUsul]

I've found the Homewood Suites in Durham (http://homewoodsuites1.hilton.com/en_US/hw/hotel/RDUHWHW-Homewood-Suites-by-Hilton-Durham-Chapel-Hill-I--North-Carolina/index.do) off 15/501 to be a great, reasonably priced place to stay. It's fairly convenient to campus.

I love the Angus Barn for their bar (the wild turkey lounge) but the food is very good, just not great. It's located at the intersection of Lumley Rd. and US 70. You actually have to get on the on-ramp from Lumley onto US 70 East to get to the Angus Barn's driveway.

You may want to trek over to the new American Tobacco complex. It's in downtown Durham near the ballpark. Tyler's taproom is a nice "American grill" type of restaurant with a great beer selection. The Brightleaf Square area has some good restaurants/bars. Go to Satisfaction's for the "Duke bar" flair. Then pub crawl over to James Joyce, Federal, Down Under......

[bjornolf]

You're killin' the Angus, man? Ouch. Dude, I could make a meal with the flatbread crackers and cheese spread alone. Heck, I have. You can buy it and take it home. Even the salads are good, and I'm not a salad guy. I love that place. Maybe it's gone downhill in the last year since I was last there? That would really depress me.

The best part is that it's one of the few good places that ISN'T a darn chain. It's probably my single favorite restaurant, period. I certainly haven't found one I like better. The atmosphere, the friendliness of the staff, the decor, the food, the bar, the reasonable prices for what you get... I just think it all comes together so well. IMHO, of course... ;)

[sue71]

You're killin' the Angus, man? Ouch. Dude, I could make a meal with the flatbread crackers and cheese spread alone. Heck, I have. You can buy it and take it home. Even the salads are good, and I'm not a salad guy. I love that place. Maybe it's gone downhill in the last year since I was last there? That would really depress me.

The best part is that it's one of the few good places that ISN'T a darn chain. It's probably my single favorite restaurant, period. I certainly haven't found one I like better. The atmosphere, the friendliness of the staff, the decor, the food, the bar, the reasonable prices for what you get... I just think it all comes together so well. IMHO, of course... ;)

Amen.

Amen.

Amen, hallelujah.

Mmmmmmm (drooling...)

[bjornolf]

Of course, AB's only been my favorite since they closed the Rathskeller in Chapel Hell. ;)

[DukeUsul]

You're killin' the Angus, man? Ouch. Dude, I could make a meal with the flatbread crackers and cheese spread alone. Heck, I have. You can buy it and take it home. Even the salads are good, and I'm not a salad guy. I love that place. Maybe it's gone downhill in the last year since I was last there? That would really depress me.

The best part is that it's one of the few good places that ISN'T a darn chain. It's probably my single favorite restaurant, period. I certainly haven't found one I like better. The atmosphere, the friendliness of the staff, the decor, the food, the bar, the reasonable prices for what you get... I just think it all comes together so well. IMHO, of course... ;)

Don't even get me started on the crackers/cheese/olives/peppers bar. I've made a meal of that spread plus healthy servings of wine or whisky in the WTL more times than I can count. :D I've spent way too many hours at the AB. If I want a really good steak, however, I'll either go to Ruth's Chris (overpriced but better) or Prime Only (cheaper and better).

I hear ya on the chain part. Best part of moving from Cary to Durham was the increase on my non-chain options over here.

[sue71]

Don't even get me started on the crackers/cheese/olives/peppers bar. I've made a meal of that spread plus healthy servings of wine or whisky in the WTL more times than I can count. :D I've spent way too many hours at the AB.

Can I get an Amen?


If I want a really good steak, however, I'll either go to Ruth's Chris (overpriced but better) or Prime Only (cheaper and better).


I disagree. The best prime rib I've EVER had was at AB.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

You're killin' the Angus, man? Ouch. Dude, I could make a meal with the flatbread crackers and cheese spread alone. Heck, I have. You can buy it and take it home. Even the salads are good, and I'm not a salad guy. I love that place. Maybe it's gone downhill in the last year since I was last there? That would really depress me.

The best part is that it's one of the few good places that ISN'T a darn chain. It's probably my single favorite restaurant, period. I certainly haven't found one I like better. The atmosphere, the friendliness of the staff, the decor, the food, the bar, the reasonable prices for what you get... I just think it all comes together so well. IMHO, of course... ;)

I agree, the Barn is great, and I ate there last month and it is as good as ever. But if you don't have reservations, you can eat in the bar area without waiting for a couple of hours for a table. So either make a reservation (call today!) or eat in the bar.

The crackers and celery with the crocks of cheddar cheese (both yellow and white cheddar) are fabulous. The steaks are out of this world good. And ordering a salad (it used to be included but its not anymore) is well worth it. For the price of the steak only at Ruth's Chris, you get your entire meal at the Barn. Thad Eure knew how to run a restaurant, and now his daughter does a bang-up job.

[2535Miles]

Can I get an Amen?

I disagree. The best prime rib I've EVER had was at AB.
Typically, prime Rib is not a steak, it's a roast. And yes, there is a major difference. DukeUsul said "a really good steak", not "a really good roast". :p

[sue71]

Typically, prime Rib is not a steak, it's a roast. And yes, there is a major difference. DukeUsul said "a really good steak", not "a really good roast". :p

NEVER question the AB.

[bjornolf]

Yeah, the prime rib there is phenomenal (Jim Rome impersonation necessary) at the Barn. Try to go on their anniversary (sometime in early June). We did it last year by accident, and they were giving out free stuff, including cocktails. It was the 47th anniversary. I'm hoping to be there for the 50th in a couple years. Wonder what they'll do then? ;)

[dukestheheat]

Hey Kim*,

The best thing is to get there at least 1.5 hours before the tip-off. Reason: the opposing team takes the court for warm-ups, and the Crazies (a former Crazie myself) get cranked up against them. That's a great, fun time.

Have fun, yell a lot!

dukestheheat

[Kim*]

Hey Kim*,

The best thing is to get there at least 1.5 hours before the tip-off. Reason: the opposing team takes the court for warm-ups, and the Crazies (a former Crazie myself) get cranked up against them. That's a great, fun time.

Have fun, yell a lot!

dukestheheat
Well according to others, 1.5 hours before tip-off is when the doors open. So shouldn't I get there well before then to line up if I want to get a decent spot?

[Kimist]

The Angus Barn is well worth a visit (reservations HIGHLY recommended) and it gets a special nod during the holiday season as the place is decorated to the hilt (got camera??). Be sure to take some time to roam around, look at the pictures on the walls, and more. Don't forget to get an apple on the way out!

Their web site is here: http://www.angusbarn.com/welcome.html As others have noted, getting there is a bit tricky since you actually have to enter from an eastbound ramp on US 70, near RDU airport. Directions are given on the web page above.

Sadly I had bought two floor seats for a rabid Duke fan for the Va Tech game, and then the Iron Dukes refunded my money due to too many students being there. Fortunately I had not yet told the friend of her Christmas gift.

While in Cameron, try to visit the exhibits both downstairs and along the upper concourse. Sometimes special events or the press will lay claim to the room containing the trophy exhibits, sadly.

k

[bjornolf]

However, if your accommedations are closer to I-40, you can take 40 to the access road across the front of the airport, which I think they've built up and widened. If you take that 'til it reaches I-70, the AB will be on the right as you go up the ramp to I-70 to Raleigh.

[Kimist]

However, if your accommedations are closer to I-40, you can take 40 to the access road across the front of the airport, which I think they've built up and widened. If you take that 'til it reaches I-70, the AB will be on the right as you go up the ramp to I-70 to Raleigh.

I'm not sure if that road goes through (it may) but that just puts you fighting all the RDU airport traffic and congestion.

There is no such thing as "I-70" and US 70 is the old four-lane road that runs from Durham to Raleigh. US 70 is quite easily accessed from I-540, which crosses I-40 in the Research Triangle Park.

Following is from the above referenced Angus Barn web site:

Directions From Chapel Hill / Durham ( I-40 ):

Take I-40 East towards Raleigh to exit #283, (I-540 East). Once on I-540 North, take exit 4 A (Hwy 70 to Raleigh). At the bottom of the exit ramp is a traffic light - go straight through the light about one block. The Angus Barn is on the right.

The somewhat confusing part is that you have to exit, cross the road, then go right back up the ramp (approaching the same road you just left!) where you then turn off into the Angus Barn. Even coming from Raleigh you first have to exit US-70, then make what amounts to a U-turn and go up the other side heading back toward Raleigh.

k

[summerwind03]

I don't know for sure, but I don't imagine there will be too much of a line before the doors open. It can't hurt to get there 15 minutes before then or so, just in case.

[captmojo]

I'm not sure if that road goes through (it may) but that just puts you fighting all the RDU airport traffic and congestion.

There is no such thing as "I-70" and US 70 is the old four-lane road that runs from Durham to Raleigh. US 70 is quite easily accessed from I-540, which crosses I-40 in the Research Triangle Park.

Following is from the above referenced Angus Barn web site:

Directions From Chapel Hill / Durham ( I-40 ):

Take I-40 East towards Raleigh to exit #283, (I-540 East). Once on I-540 North, take exit 4 A (Hwy 70 to Raleigh). At the bottom of the exit ramp is a traffic light - go straight through the light about one block. The Angus Barn is on the right.

The somewhat confusing part is that you have to exit, cross the road, then go right back up the ramp (approaching the same road you just left!) where you then turn off into the Angus Barn. Even coming from Raleigh you first have to exit US-70, then make what amounts to a U-turn and go up the other side heading back toward Raleigh.

k

All this seems freaky and strange but if you get there during daylight hours, while there is plenty of visibility, it will appear simple.

[bjornolf]

I believe that I-540 is what the access road in front of the airport BECAME. Like I said, they widened and built it up between the time I used it several years ago and the time I last used it earlier this year. Now that you say I-540, it rings a bell. I think they're the same road. If you look off to your right as you're taking the road I'm talking about, you can see the planes taking off and landing from the airport, but it's still a distance away from the airport. I wasn't talking about Aviation Pkwy, that goes THROUGH the airport. I was talking about the road BEFORE the airport.

[TillyGalore]

I believe that I-540 is what the access road in front of the airport BECAME. Like I said, they widened and built it up between the time I used it several years ago and the time I last used it earlier this year. Now that you say I-540, it rings a bell. I think they're the same road. If you look off to your right as you're taking the road I'm talking about, you can see the planes taking off and landing from the airport, but it's still a distance away from the airport. I wasn't talking about Aviation Pkwy, that goes THROUGH the airport. I was talking about the road BEFORE the airport.

The access road I believe you are referring to is not 540. The road is still there but it is gated off. This access road I also believe was linked up to Airport Blvd not Aviation Pkwy, which is closer to Raleigh.

[bjornolf]

Ah, well, it had been so long since I'd been there that when I came back and saw that road (I-540), I just assumed they were the same and took it. Got me to the AB just fine though. They are close though, right, or am I losing it? ;) Thanks Tilly.

[TillyGalore]

Ah, well, it had been so long since I'd been there that when I came back and saw that road (I-540), I just assumed they were the same and took it. Got me to the AB just fine though. They are close though, right, or am I losing it? ;) Thanks Tilly.

They are pretty close. You can get to AB and AP from the airport without getting on 540. Next time you come down this way let me know where you need to go and I'll put some directions together for you, if I do know where you're going. Used have to put directions together all the time in a previous job.

[bjornolf]

Thanks for the offer, but I still remember my way around pretty good, as long as it's not a new place since I was last there. I think I could pretty much find my way to AB and CIS from anywhere though, and that's all you really need, right? ;)

[TillyGalore]

Thanks for the offer, but I still remember my way around pretty good, as long as it's not a new place since I was last there. I think I could pretty much find my way to AB and CIS from anywhere though, and that's all you really need, right? ;)

Absolutely!!!!

[DukeUsul]

Ah, well, it had been so long since I'd been there that when I came back and saw that road (I-540), I just assumed they were the same and took it. Got me to the AB just fine though. They are close though, right, or am I losing it? ;) Thanks Tilly.

You are probably thinking of the old Aviation pkwy which ran along the airport but is now fenced off (check out Google Maps). It used to hit Lumley Rd, but now there's a gate there and you can't get on it. Lumley Rd. is what hits US-70. If you get off of I-540 and head onto US-70 East, it's the traffic light at Lumley Rd. that you hit at the bottom of the exit ramp. Then you cross the light and go up the entrance ramp onto US-70 and you'll see AB on the right.

Conversely, I usually just get off of I-540 on Lumley and take that up to US-70. Then just take a right onto the entrance ramp to US-70 East and right into the AB parking lot.

Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=durham,+nc&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=38.22949,61.611328&ie=UTF8&ll=35.898437,-78.768153&spn=0.01912,0.030084&z=15)

Turn on Satellite view and you can see how old Aviation Pkwy is cut off at the south end and fenced off at the north end.

[TillyGalore]

You are probably thinking of the old Aviation pkwy which ran along the airport but is now fenced off (check out Google Maps). It used to hit Lumley Rd, but now there's a gate there and you can't get on it. Lumley Rd. is what hits US-70. If you get off of I-540 and head onto US-70 East, it's the traffic light at Lumley Rd. that you hit at the bottom of the exit ramp. Then you cross the light and go up the entrance ramp onto US-70 and you'll see AB on the right.

Conversely, I usually just get off of I-540 on Lumley and take that up to US-70. Then just take a right onto the entrance ramp to US-70 East and right into the AB parking lot.

Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=durham,+nc&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=38.22949,61.611328&ie=UTF8&ll=35.898437,-78.768153&spn=0.01912,0.030084&z=15)

Turn on Satellite view and you can see how old Aviation Pkwy is cut off at the south end and fenced off at the north end.

That is how I get to 70 from 540 as it is much easier to figure out which lane you're supposed to be in than when come down the ramp from 540 to 70.

[DukeUsul]

That is how I get to 70 from 540 as it is much easier to figure out which lane you're supposed to be in than when come down the ramp from 540 to 70.

Speaking of not knowing which lane to be in.... I was going this way the other day following a car up the ramp onto US70 East ... The driver appeared to change her mind about going onto US70 East, turned into the AB parking lot, turned around and tried to make a left to come down the on-ramp into oncoming traffic..... woops.

[dukestheheat]

Kim*,

Just try to be in your seat in Section 19 at least 1.5 hours before game tip-off. Since you're general admission, you might want to try to get out in front of Cameron then about 2 hours before tip, say around 530pm or so. That way, when they open the doors you can get in to catch some stuff flying around Cameron against the other team. Have fun and yell a lot!

Also, if you want to, wait around after the game, and the guys will come out onto the floor so you can always chat with a few of them if you'd like.

dth.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Typically, prime Rib is not a steak, it's a roast. And yes, there is a major difference. DukeUsul said "a really good steak", not "a really good roast". :p

Both the steaks AND the prime rib at the Angus Barn are outstanding. I had the prime rib last month and it was delicious. I usually get either the rib eye or the NY Strip. My mouth is watering now, and I just finished my Carnegie pastrami 4 hours ago...

[Exiled_Devil]

Firstly, the Angus Barn is a better steak restaurant than anything in the Triangle, and possibly the best steak restaurant I have ever been to. Especially if you like wine - the wine steward is great help and they have a great selection.

If you want to eat somewhere else, here are some good options:

Breakfast
Waffle House is always a good choice
Fosters on 15-501 business - some love it, some think its pretentious
Elmo's diner - true diner, breakfast always served

Lunch & Dinner-
Alevia's is a new place, high-end entrees and nice drinks menu
Satisfactions is always good.
The Federal has good food.
These three are at Brightleaf, which has a bunch of other options.

Tyler's Tap room in ATC
Mellow Mushroom is good pizza


There are more, but these should get you started.

[Kimist]

Firstly, the Angus Barn is a better steak restaurant than anything in the Triangle, and possibly the best steak restaurant I have ever been to. Especially if you like wine - the wine steward is great help and they have a great selection.



Actually, the Angus Barn has one of the most extensive wine collections in the Southeast. Last time I was there I was given a tour of the wine cellar - be careful!!.....some of those bottles cost extremely big bucks!!

Even the kitchen tour was eye-opening. The place also offers guests a dining experience in a corner of the kitchen area (reservations an absolute must!) where you can observe the controlled chaos of the kitchen, discuss things with the chefs, make some special menu requests, and much more. Those who have taken that option say it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

And, to even things up, if the original poster has some extra time in the RDU area, it never is a mistake to consider some good ole eastern NC BBQ!! For the uninitiated, that means PORK and the sauce shall not have been anywhere near the catsup container.

k

[bjornolf]

Is the Mexican place still at Brightleaf? I used to love that place.

Also, there used to be a pretty good, VERY seedy seafood place across from Brightleaf. Is it still there? I can't remember the name, but I loved that place.

Also, for breakfast, what happened to Honey's? Is it still there? Is it still good? Nothing beat Honey's early in the morning after an all-nighter. Order up the hungry man, sit back, and enjoy. Good times, brother.

[DukeUsul]

Is the Mexican place still at Brightleaf? I used to love that place.

Also, there used to be a pretty good, VERY seedy seafood place across from Brightleaf. Is it still there? I can't remember the name, but I loved that place.

Also, for breakfast, what happened to Honey's? Is it still there? Is it still good? Nothing beat Honey's early in the morning after an all-nighter. Order up the hungry man, sit back, and enjoy. Good times, brother.

Yup, El Rodeo is still in Brightleaf. And Fishmonger's is still there across the street.

Honey's still exists, but has been clearly superseded by Elmo's Diner as THE place to go for breakfast.

[Kim*]

Kim*,

Just try to be in your seat in Section 19 at least 1.5 hours before game tip-off. Since you're general admission, you might want to try to get out in front of Cameron then about 2 hours before tip, say around 530pm or so. That way, when they open the doors you can get in to catch some stuff flying around Cameron against the other team. Have fun and yell a lot!

Also, if you want to, wait around after the game, and the guys will come out onto the floor so you can always chat with a few of them if you'd like.

dth.
Thanks for that, dth!

I thought of a few additional questions if anyone can give me some input. They probably sound really lame, but I just want to make sure I don't screw anything up because this has been a long time coming!---
1. Where exactly do I line up at? Are there different entrances, or just one way? With my luck I'll somehow wait in the wrong spot haha
2. When they open the doors where does that put you in relation to the sections? Like where do we enter the court at?
3. When the doors open, is there a crazy stampede to get to the seats? haha
4. Are the Hall of Fame and/or Hall of Honors open to the public on gamedays? Basically, would I be able to check those out earlier that day?
5. Is the court/building itself open to the public to just walk around and check out on non-gamedays (or on gamedays, for that matter)?

Any help is greatly appreciated. :)

[Jarhead]

Of course, AB's only been my favorite since they closed the Rathskeller in Chapel Hell. ;)
Beats the heck out of me why y'all are ignoring the finest restaurant in whole region, the Magnolia Grill (http://www.magnoliagrill.net/), on the corner of Ninth St. and West Knox. It's only about three blocks from Duke's East Campus. Take a look at their press clippings. Gourmet Magazine ranks them at #11 nationally. As much as I like the Angus Barn, it's not in the same class. Do a Google search (http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B2GGFB_enUS288US288&q=Magnolia+Grill%2C+Durham+NC) for a lot more praise.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Thanks for that, dth!

I thought of a few additional questions if anyone can give me some input. They probably sound really lame, but I just want to make sure I don't screw anything up because this has been a long time coming!---
1. Where exactly do I line up at? Are there different entrances, or just one way? With my luck I'll somehow wait in the wrong spot haha
2. When they open the doors where does that put you in relation to the sections? Like where do we enter the court at?
3. When the doors open, is there a crazy stampede to get to the seats? haha
4. Are the Hall of Fame and/or Hall of Honors open to the public on gamedays? Basically, would I be able to check those out earlier that day?
5. Is the court/building itself open to the public to just walk around and check out on non-gamedays (or on gamedays, for that matter)?

Any help is greatly appreciated. :)

1. The students line up at the K'ville/Card Gym parking lot end of the building. Grown ups (:)) enter at the other end or through numerous side entrances. You can probably enter at any of these since you are not a student.
2. Depending on which (end) door you enter, run 45 degrees right or left to the doors besides the snack bar or ticket office and you'll find yourself entering the court side seats.
3. Depends on the game.
4. Yes, unless there is a pregame function in the HOF room, but now that they have additional facilities for these in the K Center, it shouldn't be a problem for you.
5. Generally, yes on non game days unless something is going on or being set up.