The Roanoke Times | File 2008

University of Virginia football fan Fran Spanberger of Richmond, scratches the head of Virginia Tech fan Drew Loso at a tailgate last year.

The Roanoke Times | File 2008

Mark Edwards (left) of Smithfield takes a photograph of some of his tailgate guests in the south end zone parking lot of Lane Stadium. Many die-hard fans travel not only to home games but also to away games.

BLACKSBURG -- Driving down Interstate 81, they'll honk their horns and wave their hands as passing onlookers turn to the nearest window to catch a glimpse of cars filled with Virginia Tech fans decked out in orange and maroon.

They'll move their campers, tents, grills and lawn chairs in place on Friday evenings, filling up the Tech campus.

And on Saturday afternoons, they'll raid Lane Stadium, shaking their keys in the air, cheering their team.

But on Sept. 5, Tech football fans will mark another territory far away from their Hokie home.

Some will travel by plane, some by bus, but they'll all eventually arrive at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta to watch Tech play Alabama.

Although this is quite a trek for many, Tech fans are notorious for making a presence wherever they go, especially when it comes to football.

Melissa Vidmar, communications director for the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, wants to make sure that all Hokies have a place to gather and reconnect when on the road.

The Virginia Tech Alumni Association, along with local chapters, will host tailgates at every away game this season.

According to Vidmar, these tailgates aren't just for alumni, but for every Hokie fan.

"Whether you are alumni or connected to the university through a family that attended Virginia Tech or just enjoy supporting the football team, we try to make those long-lasting connections," Vidmar said.

Vidmar, along with the rest of the alumni association, is eager to raise the awareness of these tailgates in the New River Valley.

"We want to bring Hokies together and give them a place to feel welcome."

There will be food and entertainment provided at these gatherings, along with plenty of games of cornhole.

For the fan who can't make it to the big game down south, there are plenty of other options for sharing that Hokie pride.

There are more than 130 chapters of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association around the world to tend to more than 200,000 Tech alumni.

In Virginia alone, there are more than 30 chapters.

From Orange County, Calif., to Malaysia, Hokie fans can gather in their local cities to share a beer and the latest stats while watching a game on TV.

Vidmar hopes that the spirit of the game will draw in fans this year from far and wide -- alumni or not.

"A Hokie is a Hokie," Vidmar said.

For more information on the tailgates hosted by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, visit www.alumni.vt.edu.