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BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech Athletics Department announced Friday its Twenty4You 2.0 plan for the 2016 football season, as the Hokies look to build off last year’s campaign and continue enhancing fans’ gameday experience.

This year’s initiatives include 11 enhancements based on feedback received from the 2015 Fan Focus Group, as well as fan surveys that were distributed throughout the season.

This year’s initiatives include:

Stadium audio improvements – A local company has been hired to address fans’ concerns regarding the audio levels in Lane Stadium. With the help of these audio specialists, the department will be able to improve its overall production by maintaining and managing consistent high quality sound throughout the stadium on all features, including the video board and public address systems.

Water filling station – A water filling station has been added to the Lower South End Zone concourse, with an adjacent water fountain. Future filling stations to the east and west sides are in the process of being added.

Concessions – Healthier options have been added to the menus for the 2016 season. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices will be available and include chopped salads, fruit salads, turkey wraps, black bean burgers, gluten-free potato chips and veggie pizzas. These items will be available every game at sections 2, 5, 33, 104 and 202. A second Turkey Leg stand will also open to help meet demand. Additionally, our game management personnel is exploring new line queues to help ease the ordering process.

Stadium seating – The efforts that were started to improve this in 2015 will continue this year, as the department will consistently audit the stadium for broken and bent chair backs that will be replaced with new frames. Audits will occur prior to the first home game after chairs have been installed and will be re-examined following every home game. Chair repair stations will be available each game at sections 1, 3, 6 and 7, or one can call 877-727-1957 to inquire about repairing a chair.

Hokie Village - More food options will be added, as well as an increased variety throughout the season. Papa John’s will be available every week and there will be rotating food trucks. For entertainment, the department is adding a live pregame show, with Andrew Allegretta and former Hokie football standout Willie Byrn as the hosts. Children can enjoy new Virginia Tech branded inflatables.

Game Day App – This season, the HokiesXtra Gameday app will feature expanded scores and statistics that focus on the Hokies, as well as all top-25 and ACC games. Also, the app allows for integrated social media, which gives fans the opportunity to join in the conversation on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. In addition, the app has an interactive stadium mapping, which allows one to share their location with friends and family on game day.

South End Zone Club amenities – The South End Zone Indoor Club areas will be adding enhanced beverage options and complimentary snacks this season.

Increased in-game updates on HokieVision – There will be more statistics made available throughout the game, including on the field level LED ribbon boards. These stats will be updated throughout the game and will have more detailed statistic breakouts to give fans even more insight to the game.

Upgraded Concourse TVs – New flat-screen televisions have been installed on the concourses near the concession areas at Lane Stadium. The TVs are 40-inch HDTVs and will provide fans with a better viewing experience while waiting in line for concessions.

Tailgate Experience Packages – The Hokie Tailgate Experience Package will include: a 20x40 tailgate tent; (6) five-foot round tables, two serving tables; 48 chairs; 40 game tickets with block seating and the opportunity to purchase 20 additional tickets; choice of bringing tailgate food or purchasing from one of the department’s preferred caterers; option to purchase bus parking located adjacent to one’s tailgate area if available; 2016 Virginia Tech football posters for everyone in the party and an autographed gift. There is limited availability for this feature, with four packages being offered per game (groups have the option to purchase more than one package if needed). For more information, please contact the Virginia Tech Athletic Ticket Office at 1-540-231-6731 or 1-800-828-3244.

Inside Hokie Sports magazine – The magazine features a new look and new style this season and each issue will be available for reading online for free once the printed versions have been received by donors and subscribers. The new online format includes the implementation of video and photo galleries, and it allows readers to bookmark articles, start a slideshow, and share through one’s social media outlets, along with more.

The Virginia Tech Athletics Department is constantly looking to improve upon the gameday experience and feedback is appreciated. Be on the lookout throughout the season for fan surveys or submit feedback here – Link.

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