In the coming weeks, VUcommodores.com will be unveiling videos that highlight many of Vanderbilt’s gameday traditions. Up next, we look at Dore Alley.
Dore Alley | Victory Flag | Alma Mater | Anchor | The Admiral
When the Commodores arrive on campus by bus before each home game, they are greeted by a throng of cheering supporters. The buses stop at the corner of Natchez Trace and Children’s Way, where the players and coaches gather their bags and walk north up Natchez Trace with the band and cheerleaders through the Vandyville tailgating area. This tradition began in 2011 and is called Dore Alley.
“Even though Star Walk is something we all thought was amazing, Dore Alley is more personal in a way,” senior defensive back Eddie Foster said. “So we get to be a little bit more intimate with our fans, which is definitely good for the whole community.”
As the players and coaches walk through Vandyville, they get to shake hands and slap high-fives with fans of all ages. For the team, Dore Alley provides them with their first taste of the gameday atmosphere.
“For us, it is a big deal because you get off the bus and it gets you kind of excited,” senior defensive tackle Rob Lohr said. “You’ve been preparing for the game all week and it gets you to that point where you are just like, ‘Alright, it is gameday, it is time to get going.’ “
