Blue Wahoos To Host FSU Watch Party On Saturday At Stadium

Just like their own games, the Blue Wahoos can't promise Florida State fans the perfect outcome, but they plan to ensure the game-watching experience is enjoyable.
For the first time in Blue Wahoos Stadium history, a free watch party will occur at 6:30 p.m. Saturday when the Greater Pensacola Seminole Club convenes to view the Seminoles against No. 25-ranked Virginia on the main video board beyond right field.
The event is open to the public. You don't have to be an FSU club member to attend. Yes, Virginia, your fans are welcome, too.
Fans are encouraged to bring blankets (no portable chairs) and sit in the outfield grass, or take in the game from the stadium seats. Concession stands will be open, featuring food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, all available for purchase.
The Hancock-Whitney Club on the third level, which was a purchase ticket admission for GPSC club members, has already sold out. But the rest of the stadium is available for people to walk around or sit in the stands.
"I think it will be a super fun experience," said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos' events sales manager.   "The hope is to renew the Seminole spirit and everyone come together and celebrate together… or… cry together."
As an FSU graduate, Reeves can attest to that scenario .
The Cavaliers (2-0) are a 7.5-point favorite at home for Saturday's game in Charlottesville, Va. The Seminoles (1-1), after losing their season-opener in Tallahassee against Boise State, are coming off a 45-44 overtime win last Saturday at home against Louisiana-Monroe that happened only when ULM missed the extra point.
FSU-Virginia last played in 2014. The Seminoles finished unbeaten (13-0) that season before losing to Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinal game.
Much has changed in FSU's football world the past five years. 
When Saturday's game was confirmed as a night kickoff, to be broadcast on the just-launched ACC Network, GPSC board member and treasurer, Pam Childers, contacted the Blue Wahoos about staging a watch party.
"Pam came to us with the idea that she wanted to bring the Seminole club here," Reeves said. "They wanted to do something bigger and different and more exciting, just to kind of drum up a renewed sense of Seminole spirit.
"We have not done something like this before, but we're excited about the idea. You can see the video board from everywhere and we will have the stadium speakers on, and so, it should be a good time."
It will become the latest, first-time event at the stadium. Fans will have opportunity to gather on the outfield grass and watch the game from that viewpoint, or the concourse and chairback seats in the stands.
"There is just camaraderie when you walk into the main gate of our stadium," Reeves said. "It is just a fun open space. Hopefully people can come out and have a fun time.
"And people can go run around on the field, which is an experience we don't let many people do, so that itself is a unique experience."
The Blue Wahoos are hoping, no matter the game outcome, FSU's local booster club will consider a return. The ballclub hopes it can attract booster clubs from this area's other favorite college teams, as well.
Reeves said depending on the UWF home football schedule or other events, the stadium is always available for future football watch parties.
"The stadium serves itself well to things like this," she said. "If you can think it up, we can make it happen here. There is plenty of space and plenty of opportunity.
"Anybody is welcome to do anything like this. We have plenty of space. It is just a fun experience for people to come out. We do the setup and the cleanup, so it's not like having people over at your house and you have all that to do."
For information about clubs hosting a watch party, contact Reeves at [email protected].
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: A watch party for Florida State vs. Virginia.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium. 
WHEN: Saturday, gates open at 5:30 p.m., game starts at 6:30 p.m.
ADMISSION: Free.
CONCESSIONS: Food and beverages available for purchase. Items include hot dogs, popcorn, chips, sodas, beer, other alcoholic beverages.  McGuire's Bar and Bubba's Sand Trap bar will also be open.
PERMITTED ITEMS: Blankets. No portable or foldup chairs are permitted. No food or beverages can be brought into stadium.