2021 NOLA Bowl Trip Info Packet
Please read thoroughly. This is everything you need to know regarding the bowl trip.
Professionalism
As excited as we all are for this trip, we need to keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, this is a business trip. Conference USA and Marshall University is paying for each of us to travel and represent Marshall, perform, and support the football team. This should be the first thing you consider before making any and all decisions on this trip. Please be professional at all times.
Behavior Expectations
Below are some reminders regarding what is expected of you as a member of the Marching Thunder and I encourage you to re-read (or read) the handbook in its entirety. In addition to the following Policies of Conduct, The Marshall University Student Handbook is in effect whether you are on or off campus as long as you represent Marshall University.
From the Handbook
- Be reminded that the “Alcohol and Controlled Substance” policy is in effect throughout all band functions and
- Avoid congregating in the halls, lobby, or other areas of the hotel where you might disturb other guests. Socializing on trips is an enjoyable part of the band, but please limit it to rooms or areas away from the regular hotel
- Only members, personnel, staff, and approved guests are allowed to stay in the hotel rooms provided by the
- Please avoid slamming hotel
- Any student acting in a manner that embarrasses the band and/or brings harm to self or others will be restricted, if not banned, from future travel with the
Communication
We will be using a new Remind “class” for all communications for this trip. Please go to your Remind app and add the new class using the class code: mtinnola.
If there are any adjustments to the itinerary or we need to get information out to you quickly regarding meal stops, references to the itinerary, or meeting places, we will be using this form of communication.
Travel
In order to maximize our time in New Orleans and provide you with a quality experience, we are traveling through the night on the way down AND back. Be considerate of your Marching Thunder family members and remain quiet during “sleeping hours” on the bus (11pm to 7am).
The bus will take periodic stops for driver breaks and gas. It is imperative that you let someone on your bus know if you get off to use the restroom so that you are not left behind. Pay attention to how long the stops are (ask a driver) and do not miss the bus!
Buses
The band will be traveling on 3 buses and space under and on the bus will be limited. You are limited to 1 medium sized suitcase that is no larger than 25 inches tall. You are welcome to take a carry on resembling the size of a backpack (not a hiking backpack). In addition, unless they fit in your suitcase, uniforms will also go on the bus, preferably laid down flat (not folded) in the overhead compartments.
Students are welcome to bring movies on the bus. However, please keep in mind that the movies should probably appeal to a wide range of audience. The staff member on the bus has final say in which movie will be played.
Equipment
All equipment will be traveling with us under the buses in the luggage bays. This includes podiums, sound system, speakers for rehearsal, flag bags, battery equipment, sousaphones, and large wind instruments. It will help us be more efficient if we adhere to the loading schematic below. We’ll have traps to secure what needs it.
- Podiums & plum bag – Under the cheer & dance bus.
- Battery equipment – Bus 3 bay and should only take up 1 and half bays (load like Tetris).
- Flag bags, sousaphones, & rehearsal speakers – Bus 2, in the same bay.
- Speakers & Sound System – Bus 1 and all in one bay.
- Large wind instruments (anything other than flute/clarinet) – Under the bus you are riding.
- Personal luggage – under the bus you are riding.
Packing List
The weather in New Orleans while we are there looks to be…perfect. High’s in the mid- to upper-70’s and lows in the mid-60’s. Please pack accordingly.
Again, you are limited to 1 medium sized suitcase for under the bus. Please adhere to the luggage size-limit as closely as possible. You will need clothing for a total of about 54 hours in New Orleans – that’s from our arrival to our departure to the game. Be smart about how many outfits you bring.
Required
- Positive attitude
- Band member Tee
- Band polo (for rehearsal)
- Band hat (for rehearsal)
- Full Uniform (all parts)
- Marching shoes/black socks
- Rehearsal uniforms (CG/Maj.)
- FlipFolder app devices/equipment
- Instrument/Equipment
- Toiletries
- Phone charger, back-up power bank, and cable
Suggested
- Small pillow/blanket for the bus
- Snacks for bus (don’t overdo it)
- Headphones
- Some shorts (check weather)
Hotel
We are staying at the InterContinental, only 5 blocks from the Superdome. This hotel is located in the heart of N.O. about 4 blocks from the Riverwalk, the famous Café du Monde, and the Aquarium of the Americas, as well as 3 blocks from the French Quarter.
The hotel will provide you with breakfast vouchers when you receive you room keys. These vouchers are specific to Friday or Saturday morning – you cannot mix them up.
InterContinental New Orleans
444 St. Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA
Food
We are traveling through the night, both Wednesday night and after the game on Saturday. There will be minimal stop, and short stops if any through the night. I suggest you bring some snacks for the ride, however, if you choose to have a snack, you are required to keep your mask on between bites.
We will stop for breakfast Thursday morning and then you’ll have time for lunch after check-in. You will be receiving a per diem for meals on the trip: $7 for breakfast, $8 for lunch, and $15 for dinner for each day we are traveling for meals that are no provide. Some meals are going to be covered for you (see itinerary), but the rest of the meals are intended to be covered by the per diem that you will receive. Your per diem for the trip is: $67.
Meals that are provided for you include:
- Dinner Wednesday night (before loading the bus)
- Breakfast Friday & Saturday (at the hotel)
- Dinner Friday night
- 2 dinners (pre- and post-game) Saturday
You will receive boxed/personal meals Wednesday night before we get on the bus, Saturday before the game, as well as after the game before we begin our travels home.
Breakfast is served at the hotel from 6:30am to 09:30 each morning for which you will receive a hotel voucher.
You will have ample time to explore, dine, and treat yourself to some traditional and local fare and it would be a good ideal to get online to explore the area for options.
Dinner Friday night will be covered and is our band dinner cruise which will be on the Creole Queen, located on the Riverwalk a short jaunt from the hotel. This is an evening New Orleans style live jazz dinner cruise. Please dress for the occasion. Below is the buffet menu for the evening. The dock opens at 6pm and departs at 7pm.
Lastly, both pre- and post-game meals will be provided as mentioned above.
Game Day
The New Orleans Bowl Game is the reason we are traveling. We need to make sure we are running on time, we have everything and everyone accounted for, and we must be looking and sounding our best. You will have ample time in the morning and afternoon to tour the area and enjoy New Orleans. Keep in mind your distance from our hotel, how long it takes to get back, and remember that you need to pack up.
We are meeting at 5pm to go over any last-minute game logistics. This is also when we are checking out. We will briefly meet, do a headcount, go over Superdome arrival details, and then load the bus. Once we leave the hotel, we are NOT returning.
Just before we load the bus for departure, you will receive a pre-game meal from Raising Cane’s to eat on the bus on the way to the stadium. The drive is only 1 mile and will take between 5 and 10 minutes, but you’ll have a few extra moments when we arrive. The goal is to be on time, not rushed, and allow ourselves to do what is needed to be successful. Once we load the buses and depart for the game, you should be in a performance mindset.
Rehearsals
We will have two rehearsals while in New Orleans (see itinerary). We need to restage Pre-game and Halftime to be stand stills, as we have too many people missing, creating too many holes and drill that doesn’t work. We want to be sure we are looking at sounding as best we can. In addition, we will have both the cheerleaders and dance with us to stage them and help us look a bit bigger.
Thursday – Lafayette Square Rehearsal
04:00 Be in your sections to stretch and warm up/fundamentals.
04:20 Continue in sections work on trouble spots in stand tunes
Section leaders should find some time on the bus to plan this.
04:50 Winds and percussion ensemble
Winds in two arcs
Focus on stand tunes
05:55 Announcements and dismissal
Friday – Chalmette High School
08:00 Load buses with all equipment
08:20 Depart for rehearsal site
08:45 Arrive, unload, begin sectionals
09:45 Set up Pregame and chunk through
10:15 Halftime in the same set, chunk through
Performance will include Rock Medley and Finoison
Covid Policies and Dome Information
New Orleans
Although not required, unvaccinated individuals over the age of 2 should wear a mask in public indoor spaces.
Anyone 12 years of age or older must provide proof of at least one dose of an approved CDC vaccine or negative PCR, molecular, or antigen test within 72 hours to access:
- Restaurants & Bars
- Indoor sports complexes, stadiums & arenas
- Indoor amusement facilities
Superdome
Caesars Superdome will comply with all city and state mandates as it refers to stadium access. The current policy is that all attendees must present proof of COVID vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the game. Masks are currently not required.
The Caesars Superdome is a cashless operation including all concessions, merchandise, and parking. Cash will not be accepted as a form of payment at any parking, retail, or concession locations within Caesars Superdome.
Guests may convert their cash to a Visa Card by at the following Guest Service locations throughout the Stadium.
Additional Information
Alcohol and Controlled Substances
The following are strict and incontestable guidelines for the behavior of ALL Marching Thunder personnel. If the behavior of a participant or staff member is found not to be commensurate with these guidelines, his or her membership with any and all athletics bands will be permanently terminated. This is your first and only warning. You will not be afforded a second chance!
At no time when acting as a participant, agent, staff member, or representative of The Thundering Herd shall any person act in violation of any federal, state, or local alcohol or controlled substances laws. These laws include the following:
- Possession or consumption of alcohol by an individual under the age of 21 is prohibited.
- Possession or consumption of any illegal substances by any person of any age is prohibited.
- Consumption of alcohol on an ICC-regulated vehicle (e.g. a bus or university vehicle) is
- Acquisition of alcoholic beverages for an individual under the age of 21 is prohibited.
- At no time when acting as a participant, agent, staff member, or representative of The Marching Thunder, or when in transit to or from a University Bands function, or when staying in accommodations provided by official university means (e.g. hotel), shall any band member, regardless of age, be in the possession of, or consume, alcoholic beverages or controlled
Smoking/E-cigarettes
- Smoking in university classes is prohibited; MUS 266/466 is a university class, therefore smoking is not permitted at any time during a band
- Smoking while in uniform is strictly
- Smoking in high profile areas such as stadium parking lots, hotel parking lots, , where it is clear that Marshall University is being represented, is prohibited.
Code of conduct
This Code of Conduct is derived from the basic concept of utilizing sound, respectful judgment in our interaction with others. It has been established to encourage and produce a positive learning and performing environment for all. Affiliation with the Marching Thunder requires the recognition and adoption of the following essential elements that will be utilized as a positive modeling structure for all Marching Thunder participants. The general principles of this Code are supplemented by specific rules and guidelines found in other materials provided to you.
- The safety, physical and mental health of the members of the Marching Thunder is of primary importance under all circumstances and at all times. These concerns drive and govern our rules, policies and procedures – not only to protect and assist our members, but also to ensure they can fully participate and benefit from their experiences with .
- Members of the Marching Thunder are under the direct or indirect supervision of the administration and instructional staff at all times. Insubordination or disrespect toward management, staff, member leaders, or any volunteer will not be
- Members are to conduct themselves in a professional and respectable manner at all times. Proper conduct includes, but is not limited to, appropriate treatment and the display of respect toward all others. Appropriate and mature language, demeanor and interactions are
- Treating others with dignity and respect is the responsibility of each individual. Failure to do so risks the health and well-being of individual members as well as the educational and competitive purposes and goals of the Marching Thunder. Bullying, hazing, insults, sexual harassment and retaliation are behaviors utterly contrary to the Marching Thunder, and will not be
- The violation of any law is unacceptable, including but not limited to the use or abuse of alcohol, controlled substances and tobacco, theft, destruction and vandalism of property, and crimes against other
- While a member of the Marching Thunder, at rehearsals or performances, in uniform or during the off-season, you represent not only yourself and your fellow members, but decades of individuals who have worn the uniform. The reputation of the Marching Thunder is their legacy to you and your responsibility to
- Your staff, whether instructional, administrative, or medical, are always available to help, regardless of the circumstances. If you are in need of assistance, help, advice, or good conversation, seek the confidential council of any staff member, administrator or
- If you have any concerns about any action, behavior, or situation that you witness, have experienced or have knowledge about, please seek assistance, guidance and support. The instructional staff and administration are here to support you, and it is the responsibility of all participants to help ensure and protect the integrity of the educational programs offered by the Marching
- THE GOLDEN RULE: Treat others as you wish to be treated. This is a proven philosophy in effective team building, communication, human interaction and in life. Take care of yourself and of one
Any possible violation of this Code will be investigated and evaluated by the Director or their Designee in the interest· of a fair and just resolution for all involved. Results of this evaluation may result in any action deemed necessary or appropriate in the sole and absolute discretion of the Director or their Designee, up to and including immediate dismissal from the Marching Thunder.
About New Orleans
Situated on the bend of the Mississippi River 100 miles from its mouth, New Orleans has been the chief city of Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico’s busiest northern port since the early 1700’s. Founded by the French, ruled for 40 years by the Spanish and bought by the United States in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, New Orleans is known for its distinct Creole culture and vibrant history. Significant battles of the War of 1812 and the Civil War were fought over the city.
By 1900, the city’s streetcars were electrified, and New Orleans jazz was born in its clubs and dance halls. The city grew. New pump technology drove the ambitious draining of the low-lying swampland located between the city’s riverside crescent and Lake Pontchartrain. New levees and drainage canals meant that many residents could live below sea level. Hurricanes in 1909, 1915, 1947, and 1965 damaged the city, but never catastrophically as it was in 2005 with Hurricane Katrina.
After WWII, suburbanization and conflicts over school integration drew many white residents out of the city, leaving a core that was increasingly African-American and impoverished. Despite these social changes, the city grew as a tourist attraction, with hundreds of thousands of annual visitors drawn to its Mardi Gras festivities and to the culture that had inspired playwright Tennessee Williams, trumpeter Louis Armstrong, and chef Jean Galatoire.
About The Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is an icon of the New Orleans skyline, holds a special place in the city’s history, and has shaped the international sports and entertainment landscape for nearly four decades. Its fan amenities and technology upgrades also make it one of the world’s most advanced stadiums.
With a diameter of 680 feet, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is the largest fixed dome structure in the world. The area of the roof is 9.7 acres, or 440,000 square feet. From the Superdome floor, the roof reaches 273 feet and can hold another landmark of the New Orleans skyline – St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square – which stands at 172 feet.
The main arena floor of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome offers 166,180 square feet of entertainment space, or 3.8 acres. The building holds 125 million square feet of air and is cooled by 9,000 tons of air conditioning.