The town of Christiansburg will play host to a downtown tailgate party the weekend of the Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech football matchup.

Kevin Stoner, a Christiansburg resident who organized the Backyard Brawl basketball tournament earlier this summer, stood before the town council Aug. 19 asking permission to close the downtown area from Main Street to Hickock Street for an event he dubbed the "Tech-Tech Tailgate," a block party intended for Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech fans.

The council unanimously approved the request. The event is planned from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 12.

"Our goal is to have a fun pep rally for both Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech fans," Stoner said.

The tailgate will feature live music from Roanoke's Domino Band, food and merchandise vendors and alcoholic beverages, pending approval of an Alcohol Beverage Control license application.

The council appeared to balk at the idea when alcohol was mentioned, but some council members were quick to vouch for Stoner.

"I spoke to Kevin, and he has his ducks in a row," Councilman Steve Huppert said.

Councilman Michael Barber said both Blacksburg and Radford do similar tailgates, so he didn't see anything wrong with Christiansburg making an attempt.

"We have to try before we can fail," Barber said.

Stoner said patrons who want to purchase alcoholic beverages would be carded at the ID table and given a wristband if they are of legal age. The event will have a four-drink maximum, which will be marked off on the wristband whenever a purchase is made.

Buses will be provided for fans staying in hotels to alleviate congested parking in the downtown area, Stoner said. Christiansburg High School will also lend its commuter parking lot to the event, allowing the shuttle bus to make pickups throughout the night.

People can bring their own chairs, or to ensure a good spot, reserve a personal table, which also includes six wristbands, for $50, Stoner said.

Christiansburg High School will have a bye week in football, so there will be no scheduling conflict.

Stoner hopes to have as many Georgia Tech fans in attendance as there are Hokie fans.

"We want it to be a fun atmosphere for both sides," he said.

This event would also give Georgia Tech fans something to do on Friday night, since most hotels in the area charge two-night minimums on Virginia Tech game nights, Stoner said.

Stoner has reached out to football analyst and broadcasters Mike Burnop, who calls Virginia Tech games, and Wes Durham, who covers Georgia Tech games. The two will be featured at the tailgate offering a pre-game breakdown of the matchup.

With the Sept. 12 matchup being one of the bigger games on Virginia Tech's schedule, Stoner is hoping for a turnout of more than 1,000 people.

"If this is successful, I envision us doing it at least three or four times a year," Stoner said.

Stoner's Backyard Brawl featured 40 basketball teams and 300 players. Council members told Stoner they were pleased with his efforts in bringing money and attention to the area.

The proceeds for the "Tech-Tech Tailgate" will go to the Montgomery Museum.

Having pulled off the Backyard Brawl event, Stoner is looking forward to bringing more attention to the town of Christiansburg.

"We have a brand-new beautiful downtown and we want people to come see it," he said.