The view from our hotel room at the Marriott at Vanderbilt University.
Perhaps the most notable Vanderbilt Commodore football alum, Jay Cutler?
Heading up the tunnel to our section.
Our view of the field during pregame warmups.
The two marching bands had a joint performance before the game.
The lights were turned down for the team’s pregame run out.
Captains gather at midfield for the coin flip.
This guy was, apparently, impervious to the mid-50s kickoff temperature.
We had great sightlines throughout the game.
The Illinois State fans were clustered (primarily) below the press box.
This fella was a lot of fun to watch throughout the game.
A better view of the press box.
In addition to the marching bands, halftime featured a drone show.
There was actual strumming of the guitar at one point.
This quarterback actually threw a pass.
The ball in the air.
To this receiver.
The captains gathered again for the coin flip.
All fans were permitted to go on the field following the game.
Montana State players begin to celebrate on the field.
The obligatory winners’ congratulations.
A fireworks display ensued while fans made their way to the field level.
I got an up close view of the ISU Big Red Machine Marching Band.
I got a shot in front of the logo on the field level.
It was a happy night for this fan.
I loathe the Media Timeout sign at football games. How ironic I found it in my clutches afterward?
My view of the trophy presentation.
In addition to the Championship Game, players from FCS schools that had draft potential were invited to the Marriott for a showcase that featured interviews with NFL scouts.
The view of FirstBank Stadium from our Marriott room postgame.
Gabby’s Burgers & Fries provided all the sustenance I needed to get through the game.
A quirky, cool place to grab a burger.
Or maybe leave a thought … or take one?
My burger and sweet potato fries.
This explanation tells guests why the awards and accolades are displayed in the restroom.
The concourses were a crush of Montana State fans as we made our way to our section.
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Video
MSU runs out pregame.
ISU runs out pregame.
My initial seat view at FirstBank Stadium.
The bands’ pregame joint performance.
The pregame coin flip.
ISU scores in the second quarter.
The Big Red Machine at halftime.
A portion of the halftime drone show.
MSU blocks an ISU field goal attempt.
The Bobcats tie it in overtime.
MSU fans celebrate the win.
Milling about on the field.
Fun Facts
Traveling Party – Me, my friend Wayne, and his friend Todd.
Last Time Visited – I’d visited Nashville with my wife previously, but never attended a sporting event in the city. Wayne had been to Nashville several times as had Todd. None of us had been to FirstBank Stadium before.
No Budget Buster Here – I cannot recommend attending the FCS Championship Game strongly enough. The tickets were reasonably priced and readily available. I bought ours for $133 (including fees) from the NCAA a few months before the game, and I’m certain the secondary market had some available for less closer to game day. Not only was the price right, but the volume of fans was not nearly what I’d imagine one would encounter at the FBS game, so there’s easier access to facilities provided for your comfort and convenience (if you get my drift). And, quite frankly, the games have traditionally been competitive, which is all we can ask for as fans.
Running List of States Traveled To/Through (28 total) – Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, & Wyoming
Running List of Countries Traveled To/Through (8 total) – Argentina, Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, & Quebec), England, Japan, Korea, Scotland, United States, & Wales
Distance Traveled – Chattanooga, TN, to Vanderbilt University in Nashville 134 miles, and Vanderbilt to my home 570 miles for a total of 704 miles.
Cumulative Distance Traveled After 38 Events – 73,341 miles
Up Next – UConn women’s basketball vs. Notre Dame at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, CT.
