College Football Bowl Game Travel & Style Guide

Written by: Tess Helbig

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Time to read 4 min

Thinking about catching one last Big Ten college football game? With bowl season approaching, your favorite team might be heading out of state for their big matchup. But don’t let travel stop you from cheering them on one last time this 2024 season! While traveling for a bowl game can seem like a hassle, the right planning and prep can make it easier—and way more enjoyable. 😊 We’ve got all the planning and prep tips you need to make an away game day feel just as exciting and effortless as a game day spent at home! From a checklist of packing essentials to game-day style guide, we’ll help you travel seamlessly and show up in style. With these tips in hand, you’ll be ready to tackle bowl game travel like a pro and enjoy every moment of cheering on your favorite team. Let’s make this season’s final game day one to remember—stress-free, stylish, and full of excitement! ✨🏈

Bowl Game Travel & Style Guide Tips

GAME DAY PLANNING & PREP

Hotel Selection

  • Plan for Two Nights: for a Saturday game, arrive on Friday and depart on Sunday. You'll wake up ready to go on game day and get spare time to explore the visiting city

  • Stay Close: make sure your hotel is near the stadium, you won't have to Uber or rent a car if you stay within walking distance of the stadium

Transportation

  • Airport to Hotel: make sure to see if your hotel offers a shuttle to your hotel for seamless travel 
  • Public Transport: check out the visiting city's public transportation system, this can be a cheap and easy way to get around

Pregaming and Tailgating

  • Sports Bars and Restaurants: every city has its teams best pregame spots. Do some research and find popular sports bars to hit before the game and find some fellow fans
  • Tailgates: check university or team websites, Facebook fan groups, or use apps like Tailgate Guys or Tailgate Party Finder to find tailgates going on in the area

AWAY GAME PACKING ESSENTIALS

Luggage

Whether you meticulously plan your packing or prefer the spontaneous 'night-before' approach, packing for an away game is easy. Keep it simple and pack light- all you need are the essentials for a stress-free weekend of traveling to cheer on your team. A weekender bag has all the room you need for your game day look and slides right into the overhead compartment, so you don't have to check a bag! 

Check List:
  • Weekender Tote / Bag
  • Backpack
  • Laptop 
  • Chargers
  • Toiletry bag 

Clothes

Before packing, check what the weather is like for the state you're traveling to and pack to the temperature. Try on your game day look in advance so you're not stuck with something uncomfortable and that doesn’t fit right. Again, be sure to pack light, an away bowl game doesn't require many outfit changes 

Check List:
  • Travel outfit
  • Game day outfit
  • PJs
  • Undergarments and socks

Bowl Game Style Guide:

Layer Up: Layering will add depth, dimension, and some interest to your bowl game outfit and is ensures prep ever changing weather

  • Begin with a simple base layer, like a fitted tank or t-shirt and add dimension with a vintage jacket or off-the-shoulder crew neck

Comfort is Key: for a day full of pre- and post-bowl game fun, opt for breathable and moveable pieces that will keep you comfy all day long and prepped to be on the move

Add a Pop of Color: when traveling to colder states, your jacket can take over your whole game day outfit, try adding these colorful accessories that rep your favorite team's school colors: 

  • Shoes
  • Jacket
  • Purse
  • Bows
     

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Purse

Make sure to downsize your purse so it doesn’t feel like you're carrying around another piece of luggage and to ensure stadium entry. Always make sure to read the stadium purse policy! Entry may only allow a small bag or clear stadium bags- which can make going through security much less intense. Be sure to only bring the necessities with you, like light make-up and a portable charger. If you're headed to a colder state throw some extra hand warmers!

Check List:
  • Clear stadium bag
  • Portable charger
  • Sun glasses
  • ID
  • Spending cash
  • Lip gloss / Chapstick
  • Hand sanitizer

Toiletries

Even though you're only going to be gone for a short weekend, you don't wanna leave behind any of your daily essentials like moisturizer and deodorant. To save space and stay organized, stick to travel-sized essentials and opt for a small toiletry bag to keep all of your must-haves in one place.

Check List:
  • Toiletries Bag 
  • Makeup Bag 
  • Brush 
  • Curling Iron / Straighter 
  • Medicine
  • Hair ties

No matter what team your rooting for, with these bowl game travel tips and some game day styling help, you’re set for a memorable and stress-free final game of the season! ✨ From packing light and staying organized to showing off your team spirit in style, every detail counts in making your trip enjoyable. So, grab your gear, hit the road, and get ready to make this college football season's final games one to remember! 📣 🏈

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