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110%er [9889]
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Different Perspective RE: Santa Clara
Jan 10, 2019, 6:06 AM
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I saw prior to and after the game some "negative" reviews of Santa Clara and the game being so far away and in a city that does not care for college football. We live in a jaded world, so I felt compelled to at least post my 2 cents....fwiw....
What We Did:
Arrived in SF on Friday PM and did not do much other than dinner.
Saturday: Drove to Santa Cruz and spent most of the day on Pacific Coast. Dinner in San Jose
Sunday: Downtown San Francisco (stopped in Oakland at stadium and got some photos of that old place!) and Golden Gate Bridge
Monday: Beat the Hell out of Alabama
Sunday: Napa Valley and red-eye flight home
Fist, none of my crew had been to San Fran before...so part of our allure in spending so much $$$ to go there was the experience of seeing a new city.
Weather was not good Saturday or Sunday...but we still did all of the things we wanted to do (visit the Pacific coast and then all of the "tourist" things in SF). Only God controls the weather! But, with a rain jacket and some determinination, we hit everything we wanted to in San Fran (Pier 39, Ghiardalli Square, Lombard Street (drove it twice!), Chinatown, trolley, etc.)
While there were some homeless people in San Fran and especially Oakland, never once were we bothered or even engaged by those folks. Never felt unsafe or in any uncomfortable situation. And never saw feces anywhere in public streets, etc. Never saw needles. Caught a hint of marijuana in the air from time to time, but it was not like people everywhere were smoking or doing drugs. Police and security were abundant everywhere...in both San Fran and in the Santa Clara area. Even saw the CHiPS on motorcycle!
The stadium in Santa Clara was a letdown, but part of that was because we were in Jerry's World the week before! They could upgrade concessions, etc. in Levi Stadium IMO.
The people of SF were very engaging. We had flags on our cars and wore Clemson gear everywhere. We were often asked questions about the game by locals and they all seemed interested in our $2 bill tradition. While they were not totally engaged in the football itself, they did seem to be very curious and intrigued by our strong following. Even when they did not stop to talk to us, they would point and smile, etc. seeing our gear and flags.
After the game, on Tuesday in Napa and airport, multiple locals came up and said great game, It was obvious that Clemson made an impression on them...both off the field and on the field.
As a side note, Bama fans were very good before the game with good natured pregame talk and very complimentary after the game.
We live in a negative, jaded world sometimes. I don't care to have the playoffs in Santa Clara again and I need to eat PB&J for the next 6 months to come out of debt, ha, ha.
But I got to watch my Clemson Tigers win another National Championship in a part of our great country that I have never been to. There were great things about San Fran that I hope to go back and do more of. And, of course, there were letdowns just like any visit you make.
But, overall, other than the flight prices, the trip was great. The Bay Area is great.
And sometimes you just have to have an open mind when travelling that everything ain't exactly like it is where you live. If you take that attitude, great adventures are out there.
And I feel like I just took a great adventure. And saw our Tigers all in the same trip!
sr
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Walk-On [146]
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Re: Different Perspective RE: Santa Clara
Jan 10, 2019, 6:59 AM
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Thanks for posting that info, Scott!! My son and I went to the game as well. Weather, as you stated, was bad Saturday and Sunday. Did visit the Golden Gate Bridge on Saturday and had lunch in a neat place in Sausalito. Went to Fanfest on Sunday and had a great time.
I was really impressed with their Light Rail System. We stayed in Fremont and took the LRS to Fanfest on Sunday and to the game on Monday. Was clean and had attendants available to make sure you were getting on the right train.
I kinda liked the stadium but also agree they needed better/more concessions available. Long lines just to get a water!!
All of the Bama fans we talked with before and after the game were cordial and friendly. Also, sat with some locals at the game and really enjoyed explaining to them our cheers and traditions. I believe we will have some additional fans of Clemson football after Monday night!!
Very expensive trip, but would not trade the experience with my son for any amount of money. He lives in Anaheim now and doesn't get to see many Clemson games so this was great for us!!!
On a side note, I am 3 for 3 in National Championship games. I was at the Orange Bowl in "81 and then Tampa in '17 and then Santa Clara Monday night!! Already making plans for new Orleans next year!! Go Tigers!!!
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110%er [9889]
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You need to make sure you go next year when
Jan 10, 2019, 8:27 PM
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we are back in the Natty to keep your streak alive 
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Walk-On [146]
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Re: You need to make sure you go next year when
Jan 11, 2019, 8:24 AM
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As long as I am physically able, I will not miss one!!!!
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Orange Blooded [4403]
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I lived in San Jose for 3 yrs. and taught HS JROTC there
Jan 10, 2019, 9:06 AM
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After my retirement from the Marine Corps. You are spot on....I am born and raised in SC but was stationed in Cali three different times (Camp Pendleton in SD county), for 9 yrs of my 20 years, VA, NC, Parris Island, as well as temporary duty in Hawaii and other overseas places, and 5 combat tours. Cali is by FAR my favorite. Have life long friends there and am moving to Palm Springs soon for good. It blows my mind how many people think there are no working class family people there. They think that it is all weedhead liberal freaks and homeless running around everywhere. Comical....people need to get out of their comfort zones more, see places, experience life and diversify their minds. There are great people everywhere and no shortage of sorry people everywhere. The South, North, East , and West all have their share of good and bad but I will tell you this, Cali is where I have chosen to put my roots and after my career of grinding as a Marine, I will enjoy the SoCal weather, golf, diversity, and beauty of the land and those who wish to buy into the media stereotype can stay right where they are at. Free country....and if you think the South is the only area who cares about CFB, go to a Washington Husky or Oregon Duck game and tell me if that changes your mind. Those two fan bases would fit right in with any fanbase in the South without question.
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110%er [5121]
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I think y’all take some comments on TNet too seriously...
Jan 10, 2019, 9:23 AM
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Personally, I wouldn’t ever move to that area soley based on real estate prices, but to each his own I guess. Also, SoCal>NoCal, IMO.
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Legend [17599]
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Orange Blooded [2248]
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Re: I lived in San Jose for 3 yrs. and taught HS JROTC there
Jan 10, 2019, 11:00 PM
[ in reply to I lived in San Jose for 3 yrs. and taught HS JROTC there ] |
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As far as living, I'll stay in God's Country unless I get the chance to move to an exotic diving location. As far as the visit, I had a great time, but I stayed with an old friend, who is actually the father of an Oregon Duck player, about an hour away, so my experience was a little different than most. As far as the stadium, I think that it worked out great, but outside games are always a little gamble. I prefer games outside with the weather we had, but if we would have had a cold rain like they were calling for earlier in the week the weather certainly could have had an effect. I know that a lot of people complained about costs, but to me the different sites have been similar. One facet is a little more expensive, but you pay less in another. To me these types of trips are an experience. Everything is not going to be perfect, but many times it is the little quirks that make the trip memorable.
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110%er [9889]
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Well said.***
Jan 11, 2019, 5:54 AM
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Orange Blooded [4403]
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I lived in San Jose for 3 yrs. and taught HS JROTC there
Jan 10, 2019, 9:06 AM
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After my retirement from the Marine Corps. You are spot on....I am born and raised in SC but was stationed in Cali three different times (Camp Pendleton in SD county), for 9 yrs of my 20 years, VA, NC, Parris Island, as well as temporary duty in Hawaii and other overseas places, and 5 combat tours. Cali is by FAR my favorite. Have life long friends there and am moving to Palm Springs soon for good. It blows my mind how many people think there are no working class family people there. They think that it is all weedhead liberal freaks and homeless running around everywhere. Comical....people need to get out of their comfort zones more, see places, experience life and diversify their minds. There are great people everywhere and no shortage of sorry people everywhere. The South, North, East , and West all have their share of good and bad but I will tell you this, Cali is where I have chosen to put my roots and after my career of grinding as a Marine, I will enjoy the SoCal weather, golf, diversity, and beauty of the land and those who wish to buy into the media stereotype can stay right where they are at. Free country....and if you think the South is the only area who cares about CFB, go to a Washington Husky or Oregon Duck game and tell me if that changes your mind. Those two fan bases would fit right in with any fanbase in the South without question.
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Athletic Dir [858]
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Re: Different Perspective RE: Santa Clara
Jan 10, 2019, 9:24 AM
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Booked travel on Thursday. Bought two game tickets in upper level for $375 on Friday from Stubhub. Flew to Sacramento from ATL on Sunday. Terrible weather for drive down to San Jose. Drove right up to stadium Sunday night. We saw the team buses parked across the street at the hotel.
Much better weather on Monday. Enjoyed Fan Fest. I even met Niles Pinckney's mom when we accidentally sat down in the player's family tailgate area to eat our overpriced lunch. Had a nice conversation with her. She asked who our player was. I replied with a big smile telling her I think we have entered the wrong area. We left shortly thereafter before security through us out! She was very nice and told us how hard the team had been working to get ready for this game. I told her we'd be pulling for Niles, and what a night he had!
Loved the single entry point into Fanfest and the stadium. Very laid back. My 10 year old son road the zip line, we threw the small and large footballs and got our picture made with the virtual championship trophy. Saw Tiger Band perform and hung out behind the ESPN set.
My only two complaints inside the stadium: concession lines were extremely slow and limited. Folks working concessions were not in a hurry to serve folks and appeared very unorganized. I think only Dr. Pepper and water bottles were sold as soft drinks. Good beer selection. Men's bathroom line was extremely long for some strange reason. Would have been nice if the FAA had diverted air traffic on approach into San Jose during the game instead of flying a few hundred feet over the stadium every couple of minutes. A bit distracting for the fans, and I assume for the players, too.
Glad this game will be back in the southeast the next two years. Way too far to travel for a football game. Sort of felt like the city of Santa Clara was simply going through the motions instead of being excited to host the CFP. We went to NO last year for the semi final and loved it other than the outcome of the game.
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Orange Blooded [2533]
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What, no closing statements on the
Jan 10, 2019, 9:25 AM
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"thinning of the herd"? Was looking forward to the wrap-up
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110%er [9889]
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The herd is now solo!***
Jan 10, 2019, 8:28 PM
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110%er [9664]
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Agreed. I made a last-minute decision to go to the game when
Jan 10, 2019, 9:40 AM
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the game ticket prices dropped. I'm very glad I did! We found a cheap hotel between SF and Santa Clara that was clean - that's all we need.
The stadium was not awesome, but it was very good. Our seats in the lower part of the upper deck gave a great perspective. I was worried about traffic after the game - but we drove right out (of course, we didn't leave right after the game ended...)
All the Bama fans I talked to were confident in their team, but I enjoyed talking about the game with all of them. Nice folks.
(Side note: I've seen the sites in SF before, so I didn't go into the city)
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Legend [17599]
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Thank you Scott!
Jan 10, 2019, 9:50 PM
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I work with Gulfstream Aero in Savannah and sometimes work with our Long Beach outfitting center. I enjoy the Orange County to San Diego area though I don't know it well.
Based on your post, I will travel to San Fran/NOCAL (and Jerry World), when the opportunity presents itself. Greatly appreciate your post and local perspective! And what a night for Tiger Nation!
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110%er [9889]
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I think you would enjoy San Fran....and I am
Jan 11, 2019, 5:55 AM
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certain you would be amazed with Jerry's World in Dallas!
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Orange Blooded [4036]
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Re: Different Perspective RE: Santa Clara
Jan 10, 2019, 11:10 PM
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Is it cool enough that $1200 per square foot for housing is worth it? The west coast is cool, but not that cool.
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110%er [9889]
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No plan to live there so housing costs do not
Jan 11, 2019, 5:56 AM
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factor into my experience in visiting.
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All-TigerNet [10904]
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A side trip I would recommend when in that area...head north
Jan 10, 2019, 11:19 PM
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out of Frisco, across the Golden Gate and on up Hwy 1, stop at Muir Woods, then on up to Point Reyes Lighthouse, on the Pt. Reyes peninsula. That is a very scenic drive, and at times a little hairy, on Hwy 1.
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All-TigerNet [10121]
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Re: A side trip I would recommend when in that area...head north
Jan 10, 2019, 11:33 PM
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South of San Francisco on Hwy 1 is also hairy at times!
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110%er [7714]
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I stayed in house up hills from Santa Cruz
Jan 10, 2019, 11:46 PM
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Off Highway 17 and loved it. Did early everything you did. Syrecwearher sucked over weekend but what a memorable experience! Worth the travel and money for sure. Sat in Clemson section in section 405 and met some great Tiger fans. We had a blast!
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110%er [9889]
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We did not go to Highway 1....but after Napa
Jan 11, 2019, 5:58 AM
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We went up and ate lunch in Santa Rosa and then came back to San Fran via Highway 101 to San Rafael and then San Fran. It was a pretty drive...and we were still 30+ miles from coast on that road.
So I imagine Highway 1 would be awesome.
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Oculus Spirit [78884]
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I sat in section 405!
Jan 11, 2019, 11:03 AM
[ in reply to I stayed in house up hills from Santa Cruz ] |
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If you were the bearded guy that I kept hugging and your woman finally got between us, hey.
check that, I sat in section 105, hey anyway
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110%er [7714]
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also got pulled by Chips cop
Jan 10, 2019, 11:49 PM
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For running red turn light at Blue parking lot. Told cop I was lost (I was) and he let me off and gave me directions to parking lot. Good folks out there!
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Oculus Spirit [78884]
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my brother stepped in poop
Jan 11, 2019, 11:02 AM
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he didn't believe me butt he did, could have been dog poop
Had an excellent trip, the weather did not deter us, was a beautiful day on Monday and saw great views from Marin county, and the stadium was electric!
Wood do again
10/10
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Heisman Winner [111558]
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Re: Different Perspective RE: Santa Clara
Jan 11, 2019, 11:12 AM
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purplegunstock aint going to like this.
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50
