Tailgating

It is the second Saturday of the college football season.  Today we went to our first tailgate of the season.  It was the most fun I have had in a while.  It was the MTSU vs. Memphis black out game.  I was wearing my Vandy black t-shirt and yes, I caught some flack, but oh well.  My fan and a friend’s fan took point and went ahead to secure the tailgate location.  Many of our friends went to MTSU and one way we support the Band of Blue is by tailgating in front of the music building.  Tailgating is a great time to catch up, eat some lovely snacks and “liquor up” before the game.  Mastering the planning of your tailgate takes some practice, but it can be a wonderful time. 

Here are some things to remember:

1. Wear the appropriate team colors.  Find out who you are going to see and wear those team colors.  Make sure you are not accidentally wearing the opponent’s colors.  You will save yourself a lot of grief by checking this simple set of facts.

2. Coolers with wheels are better.  Make the investment, it will be worth it.

3. Tailgating is a social event.  It is a chance to catch up, chat and get to know your fan’s friends.

4. Bring chairs with a shoulder strap.  It is the same concept as the cooler, you may have to walk from where you park to where you tailgate, make it easy on yourself.

5. Wear comfortable shoes.  See 4.

6. Don’t bring valuables.  Depending on the situation, you may have to leave things in the tailgate location before you go into the game. 

7. Food is important; make sure that you have eaten enough to cover what you are brining to drink. 

8. Drink is important; make sure you have planned to have enough of your chosen beverage to cover the tailgate and the game.  Beer, liquor and other beverage runs are difficult once you have your chosen tailgate location.

I am so excited that football has begun again.  Today I had the opportunity to catch up with some folks I have not seen for more than a year.  You may not yet get the game, but I encourage you to get to know the people.  Some of the best people I know are football fans.  My Phi Mu Alpha men, Band of Blue Alum and the women you love it was great to see you.  Can’t wait to do it again.