How you can host a successful tailgating party

From eating Ramen on a daily basis to finding your favorite spot on campus to cry, there are many things college students should experience before graduating. One event in particular that is a little more enjoyable than the two previously mentioned is the classic tailgate. 

For those unfamiliar, a tailgate is not just the door on the back of a truck, although that is where the name for this event came from. It is also an outdoor party often held before, and sometimes even after, a big sporting event, typically on the grounds where the sporting event is taking place. 

People park their cars next to one another, pop open their trunks that hold the coolers with food and beverages in them, and start mingling.

For many, the tailgate itself is just as important as the big game happening right after (and it is arguably way more fun). In order to have a successful time at one, there are three things you should consider and follow.

First and foremost, you have to represent your college. Showing up to a tailgate on game day without proper spirit wear can start you off on the wrong foot. What you wear says a lot about you and on gameday, wearing your college’s gear at the tailgate with pride actively says that you support your college’s team. After all, you have to show what side of the student section you will be standing on once the tailgate is over and the game begins.

Next, don’t forget to chill out, grill out, and eat some good food. A tailgate is not a tailgate without the smell of roasted hot dogs and burgers lingering in the air. Follow that smoaky trail all the way to the nearest grill that it’s coming from and indulge in some sweet, savory goodness. Chances are, it will taste better than the arena food and it will also save you from overspending on a hotdog later on.

If you’re over 21 and you’re craving some adult beverages before a Maverick football game, make sure you’re in the right place. All Natty Lights and White Claws must be consumed in designated areas of lots 7 and 20A.

Lastly, crank up that speaker of yours and play some good tunes. Similar to other college parties, a quiet event is a lame event. Pull up the playlist that you so carefully curated to use and play DJ for the day. You might even attract a crowd of potential friends because you all share the same taste in music. There are worse ways to network in college, that’s for sure.

At the end of the day, a tailgate is a party that is meant to be enjoyed like any other. Whatever you have to do to enjoy it, make sure you come prepared to do so. Whether your team wins or loses the game, at least you won at tailgating.