ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, December 5, 1995 TAG: 9512050090
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
No matter how you get there, a trip to the Sugar Bowl is one expensive football weekend.
New Orleans - known for its New Year's Eve blowout on Bourbon Street - is a frugal tourist's nightmare.
Add a few thousand Hokie and Texas Longhorn fans to the mix, and prices may keep even the most die-hard football fan at home in front of an already paid-for television set.
Local travel agents said the few hotels in town that still have rooms available are charging up to $270 a night. Because so many people will visit for either the New Year's Eve party or the bowl game, agents said, hotels require a three-night minimum.
Air fare can run $700-$800. And don't forget the price of game tickets, which begin at $60.
"It's a tough time for this, especially right after Christmas," said Anne Porterfield, an agent with Blacksburg's World Travel Service.
Still, there are ways to cut costs.
Most travel agencies offer package deals that include airfare, accommodations for three nights and transportation to and from the game. Some even offer free cruises on the Mississippi River, passes into the casinos and shopping discounts.
Porterfield said she was swamped with calls Monday from people pricing the different deals.
"By Wednesday, the calls will be from people ready to book," she said.
Richard Marchal, vice-president of Travelmasters in Blacksburg, said he expects most people will drive to New Orleans, particularly students who might be strapped for cash. He suggested renting minivans that can hold a large group and splitting the expense. Also, finding a hotel room outside of town could reduce the cost significantly.
Amtrak has trains running from Lynchburg to New Orleans that cost an average of $270 round trip. A package deal, organized through a company called Great American Vacations, already has been booked solid, Amtrak officials said.
Monday, Sunshine Tours of Blacksburg was one of the few travel outlets offering a bus package to the game. The company is taking six buses, and four - with a capacity of 45 people each - were filled by Monday afternoon. The trip is $325 per person and includes two nights in a Meridian, Miss., hotel and a game ticket.
Those interested should call (800) 552-0022.
Staff writers Todd Jackson and Elissa Milenky contributed to this story.
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