In my few years as a self-proclaimed professional tailgater, I have found particular rituals to be a glorious part of the undertaking.
Of particular enjoyment is arriving at the parking lot for game day early in the morning while the birds are chirping, the dew is still on the ground and the crisp air that is unwarmed by the sun blows by. This is the beautiful solitude that is being among the first people to arrive.
The feeling you get as you set up your tailgate tents in just the right pattern to get maximum coverage without taking up too much space. Placing weights on the tent for security. Even taking the time to measure out the position of cornhole or other entertainment. Nothing beats setting up the satellite dish and and hitting a 95 in signal strength on the first try.
Of course you can't forget the single most important part of tailgating: the grill. Ever notice how important it is to position the grill for maximum cooking space with minimum smoke. Or, better yet, how crucial it is to find that perfect spot for it so that you don't end up downwind from thick grey smoke. This is where you can tell the difference in a novice once-per-yer player and a pro.
Then, it gets good. If you are a morning 'gater (all pros must be) next comes the vodka and bloody mary mix and those few minutes of relaxation before the crowd arrives.
We can't play down the value of the crowd though. Once the crowd starts to arrive, the pro gets to work. Sometimes it is simply friends and family. However, a real tailgater will always be ready for long lost friends, VIPs and other admirers. Most important is being prepared for opposing fans as we subscribe to the theory that visiting fans deserve your very best. After all, they should leave your field taking comfort that, while they lost, they learned something about tailgating from you.
Stop by sometime and enjoy our way of doing things. Munch down a burger. Toss back a cold one. It's time to see the Blue Raiders play!
GO BIG BLUE!!!!!
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