Join the Marching Bucs on a VIP trip to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Fans have the opportunity to join the Marching Bucs for their unforgettable journey to the
2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a VIP experience package.

Performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the East Tennessee State University Marching Bucs – and now fans have the opportunity to join them for their unforgettable journey with a VIP experience package.

“We wanted to provide Buccaneers with an opportunity to experience the excitement of New York City and the parade the ETSU VIP way,” said Jennifer Clements, executive director for the ETSU Martin Center and University Events. “Leave the planning to us and be there to cheer on the Marching Bucs as they make history  as the first collegiate marching band from Tennessee to perform in the parade in more than 50 years.”

The ETSU VIP experience is Tuesday, Nov. 26, through Saturday, Nov. 30, and includes four nights of accommodations at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. Guests will enjoy a VIP location to view the parade, Thanksgiving dinner and a variety of activities to take in the sights and sounds of the city. Guests must book their own transportation to and from New York City.

On Tuesday, Nov. 26, tour-goers will take a dinner cruise on the Hudson River, while enjoying the breathtaking city lights and sights, including the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.

The group will join the ETSU Marching Bucs to see the ETSU Majorettes and Color Guard perform in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

On Thanksgiving Day, tour-goers will be treated to a VIP brunch and parade-viewing at the Quality Italian, located on 57^th Street.

“There is no need to line up early for a good spot to view the parade,” Clements said. “The group will enjoy brunch at the restaurant and then can watch the parade from a private sidewalk space on Avenue of the Americas – or from second-floor windows of the restaurant. There will be entertainers and a live broadcast of the parade shown on large TV screens throughout the venue – and no need to worry about finding restrooms or a place to warm up from the cold.”

To top off the Thanksgiving festivities, the group will celebrate the holiday with the ETSU community at a family-style feast at the Liberty House restaurant, located across the river in New Jersey.

Finally, tour-goers will be free on Friday, Nov. 29 to make their own plans to shop, enjoy a Broadway show, sightsee or simply enjoy the magic of the city during the holidays.

Limited space is available for the ETSU VIP experience. Packages begin at $2,018 per person and range in price based on room occupancy.  Book a package or for more information email events@etsu.edu.