The unofficial online home for fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(11-07-2016 11:07 AM)ODU AGGIE Wrote:  

(11-07-2016 10:46 AM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(11-07-2016 10:33 AM)ODU AGGIE Wrote:  

(11-07-2016 10:26 AM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  Not my first preference but I would also be happy with Boca. If it ends up Boca I want a Amtrak train picking up a crowd of ODU 12th Monarchs, Big Blue, the cheerleaders and the band at the Amtrak station in Norfolk and taking us to the game. There is a Amtrak Station (Deerfield Beach) 5 miles from the FAU stadium and the Interstate runs straight between the two locations. Rent a few large buses (city commuter would work) to make runs to get everybody to the stadium and then back after the game. The ODU faithful all ride home together on the ODU Special. Anybody know how to get this done? (Or) In today's world of railroading would it even be possible? *(even given the stations already there on each end etc.)*

Love the idea, but if I am not mistaken, we would leave from Newport News unless we all bus across the river. For regularly scheduled trains, you can book Amtrak out of Norfolk, but that includes the bus ride to Newport News.

Um nope, they built an Amtrak station in Norfolk right beside Harbor Park a few years back. You can now take the train from Norfolk to D.C. and all points up the coast and then return. Only one run a day but the station is there and the track is there. I just don't know if Amtrak even has the capability to put a Charter Special train on the track anymore. Last time I remember a "Special" was in the late 60s (before Amtrak). They would make a special run up from Radford/VA Tech and then across VA to pick up college students heading home to points east (Norfolk). After the holidays they would then reverse the route and take you back to your school. I think it would be great if it could be done. Really build the fan base and save a lot of driving or plane fare.

Thanks ETSU. My wife took the train up to NYC a couple of years ago for a wedding shower, and we just drove over to NN because all they had from Norfolk at the time was the bus to NN to get on the train. Glad to see there now is another option. If we do go to Boca, I hope someone takes a serious look at this, because it could be a really super trip for a ton of fans.

Private train cars being pulled by Amtrak trains is a thing but is really expensive, and is probably not something that can be set up in 3 weeks.

Unless you are looking to get in on Monday night (or earlier), I would not take the train. Trains to Deerfield Beach arrive at 4:53 pm and 5:25 pm which is cutting it very close with Amtrak's on time record. Also out of Norfolk, you have a 9 hour layover in Richmond (3 or 6 hour layovers from Newport News)