Tickets to game vs UND

[Newsbreaker]

The Ramada is the largest hotel in the area, but it's some distance away from the Dome. That hotel is actually in downtown Waterloo, and is a nice place. The area it's in isn't great...Waterloo is a VERY blue collar town that sits just southeast of Cedar Falls, which is very much a college town.

There's the typical stuff in Waterloo, a decent mall, things like that. If the weather is nice, there is a GREAT water park just south of town, which is a really really nice regional attraction.

You'll probably spend most of your time in Cedar Falls. There's a nice shopping/entertainment district on Main Street, between 1st and 6th. Especially after the game, this is the place to be. It's a distance from the Ramada, but an easy route to get back.

It'll still be nice, so I HIGHLY recommend taking a trip around the UNI campus. It's very compact, all lying within one huge block, but in the early fall it's a beautiful campus to see.

Take the time to explore Cedar Falls a little bit (I shudder to have someone leave the area and have downtown Waterloo be the memory they take home.) Being the first home game, I believe the tailgate will be good, and I think there's going to be some "extra" events happening before (I hope to have more on that this week.)

[NorthernIowaBacker]

Just a few questions:

It sounds like the group that is bussing down together will be staying at the Ramada Inn. Is this located in Cedar Falls or in Waterloo? Is it close to the Dome? Anyone know how I could get ahold of them?

Also, are there any big attractions in the area that are a can't miss while in town?

Thanks.

I'd cancel those reservations and try to get in a hotel in Cedar Falls.

[Newsbreaker]

Backer, they're on a bus trip...the Ramada is large, hence able to accomidate a large group. They probably don't have another choice. They'll be spending their time in CF anyway.

There aren't many places that can accomidate a bus trip. The Holiday Inn can, but in some limited interaction with them recently, I'm very underwhelmed.

[dakotadan]

So it sounds like the night life is on Main Street? Is that where most of the college kids hang out? Are there good restaurants and clubs in that area? Any cheapper chain hotels in that area that would be a good bet?

[Panthers to the Bone]

Main Street has GREAT eateries. From Bourbon Street (Cajun style) to Montage (higher end dinner style) to sports grills to bars to coffee houses. Very good stuff on Main Street.

[Newsbreaker]

So it sounds like the night life is on Main Street? Is that where most of the college kids hang out? Are there good restaurants and clubs in that area? Any cheapper chain hotels in that area that would be a good bet?

Main Street has become the hot entertainment district lately. You'll have a mix of college kids and slightly older people there.

If you want a 'club' atmosphere, there are a few places in town that fit that bill as well, but not on Main.

If you can change your reservation, you can try the Black Hawk Hotel, as that's the only hotel really close to Main. There's a Country Inn and Suites not far away you might want to check out.

[Matt Trump]

Make sure to get pizza at the O.P. on the Hill

[UNI MadCat]

Dear lgm,

Since no one has pointed it out yet, I will. The truly "college" bars are on the "Hill", aka College Street which is right next to campus and within easy walking distance from the Dome. Now, those of us "post-college but still young enough that we like to party it up every once in awhile" people on this board would take Main Street in a heartbeat. You can't walk there from the Dome (well, you could, but you wouldnt want to) but its a short drive. But, if you are looking for the 18-21 year old crowd, head to the Hill. In the absence of my favorite bar, Pour Dicks (RIP), I'd probably suggest Suds. It's a true dive but its got character. Plus, it should be warm enough out that the beer garden will be open. A lot of people might suggest the O.P. but I'm not much for the sorority/fraternity scene (though if you are looking for a good lunch on Sunday before you take off - this is a good stop -- either the Hill or University Ave location would work). You have a handful of other options on the Hill so you can do a little bar hopping if that's what you are looking for.

One warning, and I hope I'm proved wrong by this as the climate changes around campus, but I've never found there to be much of an atmosphere on campus/Hill after the games. Even last year going out after the playoff game with our jerseys and stuff on, we were literally shocked by the lack of UNI gear on display. We had lots of people ask us if UNI won that night... it made me sick. Anyway, I hope that all changes this season after the great run last year.

For the truly sports crowd, you may try Peppers (on 18th Street) in Cedar Falls. Great food, good atmosphere and people that are really into sports, comparatively to the other bars. I think you'd be welcome there with good football talk amongst the locals. Whereas other places you might get a lot of those "why the heck are all these little green men here?" looks.

Have fun on your trip down here (well not too much fun, as in, a victory for Sue or anything).

BTW -- I'm a Wisc grad too and planning on making the trip up for the UW/NoDak series in hockey this year. It will be my first trip to the new "Ralph" and I'm very excited. I've shared many a drink with lgm's in St Paul at the WCHA Final Five (I go every year). You are the most passionate and knowledgable in the WCHA, plus, you can take a little ribbing and dish it back, unlike a Goopher fan with a serious inferiority complex. We both hate those d@mn rodents from Minneapolis!! I wish we could have faced off in the NCAA Final this year but it was not to be I guess.