Union & RPI Roll Call

Evening, all! Trying to decide where to stay for the upcoming Union/RPI weekend. Tentatively narrowed it down to the Hampton Inn in Schenectady, which is walking distance to the rink, some decent food, and a fun Irish pub right behind the hotel for drinking afterwards; or the Hampton Inn in downtown Albany, which is walking distance to another facility of our acquaintance, as well as lots of food and drink.

The Albany one has paid parking, and would require us to drive after the game, but gives us a better variety of Friday night entertainment.

If there are lots of folks staying in one area or the other, or somewhere else entirely, it'll help influence our decision of where to stay and thus meet up with fellow fans!

Either way, most likely driving back Saturday night after the RPI game, unless the weather's so crappy as to make travel impossible.

Already looking forward to enjoying the Albany Pump Station, Anthony's Chocolate Dipped Fruit, Plum Blossom, and maybe even Popeyes this weekend. See you there!

Let's Go Red!

I'll be there, but I'm actually driving to CT in between games for my cousin's bar mitzvah, so I won't be staying in the area.

My recommendation would be to stay at the Hampton Inn in Albany, since Schenectady is a terrible town.

I'll be there.

I'll be at both games with a buddy of mine. We are going to ski at Pico near Killington, VT on Saturday, so we are going to split the difference and stay in Glens Falls. If anyone wants to join us for a ski day and you are at least comfortable on blue trails feel free to PM me.

I'm sure we could manage to hang around after either (or both) game(s) for a couple of rounds.

Schenectady is indeed the ass end of the Capital District, but they've got enough good food and drink for our needs on Friday night without having to pay a cover to listen to crappy loud music while drinking $6 beers downtown.

I'll be driving up from Baltimore, but staying with friends. See you guys at the games.

mha
The Albany one has paid parking, and would require us to drive after the game, but gives us a better variety of Friday night entertainment.

If it makes a difference in your decision-making process, there's plenty of street parking around the Albany Hampton Inn.

We like to go to Brown's on River St. in Troy [www.brownsbrewing.com] . It's not far from the rink. If you like beer I highly recommend them as well as the Pump Station in Albany (also known as CH Evans [www.evansale.com]).

I'll be at the RPI game...bringing my daughter to her 1st game. She'll be wearing her Red Wings jersey since I can't seem to find a toddler CU jersey. Not to derail the thread but does anyone know where you can get youth Big Red jerseys?

jts15
Not to derail the thread but does anyone know where you can get youth Big Red jerseys?

Campus store, I think.

I'll be at RPI with a few family members after a day's skiing at Mt. Snow

Don't waste too much money on hotels! Hotels in the Albany, NY area are only really expensive during the summer horse racing season... the rest of the year bargains can be had easily.

It's probably possible to get a hotel in the neighborhood of $50-60 for a 2 1/2 or 3 star on Priceline.com (however, getting a hotel this way eliminates earning airline reward credits, which may be a consideration for some).

I do like earning those reward points, but more important to me is having better control over where I end up. I could specify "Downtown Albany" and still be in walking distance to nothing. No thanks.

mha
I do like earning those reward points, but more important to me is having better control over where I end up. I could specify "Downtown Albany" and still be in walking distance to nothing. No thanks.

Sometimes saving a few bucks isn't worth it. Convienance is worth paying a little for if you can afford it.

They have a whole lot of little kid gear - it's on the east wall of the lower level where the other Tshirts and clothing are.

My usual place for the Albany tournament is the Econolodge on Wolf Rd. in Colonie. Plenty of nearby restaurants, and a short drive (<10 miles) to any arena in Capitol district. And pretty cheap.

Thanks guys. Unfortunately I haven't been to Ithaca in some time and I don't find jerseys for kids online. I'll have to make the trip out I guess.

jts15
Thanks guys. Unfortunately I haven't been to Ithaca in some time and I don't find jerseys for kids online. I'll have to make the trip out I guess.

Or call the Campus Store and ask. Or ask one of us to buy, if you think we can come up with the right size. Starting kids out on the right foot is important, so I'm sure we can work this out.

Jim Hyla
Starting kids out on the right foot is important, so I'm sure we can work this out.

Indeed. My brother ('92) and his wife (Law '00 or so) were just having a discussion with his 2.5 year old about pizza coming from the Italians. My nephew looked at him in all earnestness and said, "But I'm not Italian. I'm Cornellian!"

Another possibility might be Perfect Screen Printers (PSP).

[www.pspunlimited.com]

They sell merchandise at the games at Lynah, and I expect would be flexible enough to ship you something. I believe they are also the Elynah recommended place to get game-worn Jersey nameplates, etc. I have no connection with them other than being a satisfied customer.

Robb
"But I'm not Italian. I'm Cornellian!"

Tragic...

jnachod
Don't waste too much money on hotels! Hotels in the Albany, NY area are only really expensive during the summer horse racing season... the rest of the year bargains can be had easily.

It's probably possible to get a hotel in the neighborhood of $50-60 for a 2 1/2 or 3 star on Priceline.com (however, getting a hotel this way eliminates earning airline reward credits, which may be a consideration for some).

Or try [www.roomsaver.com]

Dpperk29

Robb
"But I'm not Italian. I'm Cornellian!"

Tragic...

As opposed to I'm Crayolan?

Jeff Hopkins '82
My usual place for the Albany tournament is the Econolodge on Wolf Rd. in Colonie. Plenty of nearby restaurants, and a short drive (<10 miles) to any arena in Capitol district. And pretty cheap.

I'll second this recommendation. It's a nice property at a good price.

Personally, though, I've sworn off staying there after they sorta jobbed me regarding a cancellation penalty last year during the ECACs.

Robb

Jim Hyla
Starting kids out on the right foot is important, so I'm sure we can work this out.

Indeed. My brother ('92) and his wife (Law '00 or so) were just having a discussion with his 2.5 year old about pizza coming from the Italians. My nephew looked at him in all earnestness and said, "But I'm not Italian. I'm Cornellian!"

I love it!

marty

Dpperk29

Robb
"But I'm not Italian. I'm Cornellian!"

Tragic...

As opposed to I'm Crayolan?

I hate Tech's third jersey this year just as much as you do.

Thanks for the offer. I'll give them a call and see. I don't want to put anybody out looking for a jersey for me. She has her Wings jersey for this weekend anyway.

jts15
We like to go to Brown's on River St. in Troy [www.brownsbrewing.com] . It's not far from the rink. If you like beer I highly recommend them as well as the Pump Station in Albany (also known as CH Evans [www.evansale.com]).

I'll be at the RPI game...bringing my daughter to her 1st game. She'll be wearing her Red Wings jersey since I can't seem to find a toddler CU jersey. Not to derail the thread but does anyone know where you can get youth Big Red jerseys?

I've been planning on going to Brown's before the RPI game. Perhaps Pump House for lunch and Brown's for dinner?

I'm seriously considering skipping the trip to DC for Inauguration, and instead, going the RPI game, then having a nice, relaxed two days off at home.

Either way, my court obligations will keep me in NYC Friday, so I'll be at Ship of Fools for the Union game.

Beeeej
I'm seriously considering skipping the trip to DC for Inauguration, and instead, going the RPI game, then having a nice, relaxed two days off at home.

Seems like a no-brainer to me. But then...

Is there a good place to pregame in Schenectady?

dietz

dietlbomb
Is there a good place to pregame in Schenectady?

dietz

The Union Inn on Union Street, Pinhead Susan's on Liberty Street, Katie O'byrnes and Clinton's Ditch (Both on Erie) are all good places for a drink. Union Inn is closest, the others are all roughly the same distance. All are within walking distance.

edit:

if you are looking for food along with your drink, I think the food is best at Pinhead's. It's the usual bar type food, just make sure you try the sweet potato fries.

We tried out Clinton's Ditch for last year's playoff and had a good meal. Some good beers on tap too...Guinness and Smithwicks come to mind.

Originally we wanted to go to Pinhead Susan's but it was packed which is a good sign I guess. Now that I think of it I believe there was some sort of drinking festival going on at the time too. I still have this horrible memory of some drunk girl tripping and planting her face in the sidewalk. Still makes me shudder.

from the Onion website:

SCHENECTADY, NY – As the Union College men’s ice hockey team prepares for its nationally televised game against No. 5 Cornell, the Dutchmen received even more exposure, being featured on ESPN.com. College Sports section. The article can be accessed by clicking here.

The Dutchmen welcome the Big Red to Messa Rink on Friday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and the Red Raiders of Colgate on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7:00 p.m. Friday’s game will be televised on the NHL Network, locally on Time Warner Sports Channel 3 and through the internet. Fans can catch both games on WRUC FM 89.7 or online at Teamline.cc. Live stats will be provided through UnionAthletics.com.


Also noticed that the game is listed at 7:30 on Time Warner Albany.

We should all be able to make it early enough to see warm ups!
Edit:

I just read Jim Hyla's Cornell on TV thread, so 7:30 it is.

Let's hope the little strip of parking spots by the football field has some space left by the time I get there ! This frigid weather here in Albany is not conducive to long walks outside...

just signed up for the IO Sports Pack (random channels, includes the NHL Network) for $5.95/month so I can watch the game tonight