It sounds as though ticket sales by Virginia Tech fans for the FedEx Orange Bowl and not so hot. Jim Weaver said as much on the Hokie Hotline show. It can't be much of a surprise. There are probably many reasons, some he mentioned: the economy, yet another Florida destination, and a not so intriguing opponent. I was at the Orange Bowl last year, and I'm not sure I'd go back in consective years.
There is plenty other Hokie Football chatter while we are on the post-season lull. Kevin Newsome, the Hokies only hope for a decent QB recruit this year is headed to Penn State. Frank Beamer has put out signals that they'll be no changes in the coaching staff. And yes all these topics are inter-related.
The biggest problem the Orange Bowl had against it last year was the weather. It was windy and cold for most of the the days leading up to game time. If I'm going to south Florida for a bowl game, I don't expect to be drinking hot chocolate at the tailgate. Plus the Hokie effort on the field was just so deflating that you'd really have to be motivated to make the trip again.
Those who are looking for tickets probably have many sources besides the VT ticket office. Word is they are plentiful on eBay and on many ticket brokers. Cincinatti fans are buying their full demand, but its not a huge alumni base. Virginia Tech Orange Bowl tickets are not hard to find.
If you haven't heard, Kevin Newsome is one of the top dual-threat QBs in the country, and he plays at Oscar Smith in Cheseapeake (Tidewater area). The Hokies have recruited him hard for years. Its been a long process (he actually committed to Michigan, then de-committed), but up until this week VT though they would get him. It was considered rather important given the Hokies really need a QB this year and didn't have one yet. Unfortunately, Newsome has decided on Penn State. Many are pointing to his opportunity to play in his second year at PSU, vs waiting 2 years to play behind Tyrod, as the main reason.
The Hokies are striking out on QBs, plain and simple. There have been plenty in the state of Virginia, and they are not coming to Virginia Tech. Now, if you watched our offense regularly, would you?
That brings us to the topic of coaching changes on the football staff. Given another dismal year of offense, many have wondered if coach Beamer would consider changing any offensive coaches. Simply answer: no. Beamer is all about steady consistency, and as long as VT is 'winning', I doubt much will change. Coach Beamer reaffirmed this on the Hokie Hotline.
I personnally thing the change will have to come to VT. The last time the coaching staff had lots of changes, it was because coaches were leaving on their own. Kevin Rogers (QB coach) went back to the NFL, Tony Ball (WR coach) left for UGa, and Beamer decided at that point to shake things up. That's probably what it will take again.
Anyway, enjoy bowl season.
Go Hokies!
2009 Orange Bowl Tickets (Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech) January 1 2009
Price: $5.0
Buy 2009 Orange Bowl Tickets (Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech) at Dolphin Stadium in Miami FL on January 1 2009
Nike Virginia Tech Hokies Ash 2009 Orange Bowl Long Sleeve T-shirt
Price: $24.95
Get ready to cheer on your Hokies at the 2009 Orange Bowl with this long sleeve tee by Nike!
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I got my ticket on StubHub in the Hokie section. Club level seat with club/VIP access. $34. I’m proud of myself. Of course, it will all come back to me. I’m staying for the BCS title game and I have a feeling I’m going to have to pay more than $34 for that one.