We are less than two weeks away from the start of college football. The teams and the games take center stage but the real work gets done in the parking lots prior to and after each game. Tailgating is a time for fans to gather and share food, drink and conversation. It is a passion for some and a simple recreation for others. Keys for a good tailgate vary but there are a few general characteristics of a good tailgate. Here is my tailgating 101, a brief course on the art of the tailgate.
1. Location: select a spot that will provide enough space for all tailgating needs and also for the amount of people that will be in attendance. Parking restrictions sometime limit selection. My suggestion is to arrive when lots open to get the best spots.
Tonsoni: We plan on arriving 6 to 8 hours prior to kickoff to get our spot. Purple lot gates 10 & 11 for Indiana home football games.
2. Tailgating gear: There are many different ways to gear up a tailgate. Chairs, tables, grills, are the main items. A great cooler is a necessity. Also nice is a canopy to protect the tailgate from weather. Fire pits, where allowed add a nice touch. Team gear such as flags, helmets and banners add to the atmosphere. I would also suggest some music. Top notch tailgates bring televisions and other entertainment.
Tonsoni: Our unique item is our tailgate bar. Sets up in 5 minutes and with a couple of bar stools provides a great meeting place. Of course the tackling dummy and helmets also are nice.
3. Menu: Food is a must at a taillgate. For years we have had breakfast burritos as our main dish with sides provided by all in attendance. Chips, salsa, desserts, veggie trays and other items add to the menu. Drinks work best when left up to individual parties.
Tonsoni: This year we are adding a main dish in addition to the burritos. This dish will be selected specifically for each opponent and foods that are typical from the states where they reside. For example, Cuban sandwiches when we play Florida International.
4. People: The above are all nice, but it is the people that matter. Our group has been together for over 20 years. We consider each other family. Some of the best people in my life are the people who have been to our tailgate.
Less than two weeks until the family is back together. If you find yourself in Bloomington on a Saturday when the team is in town, come visit us in the Purple Lot.. Look for the tailgate bar....its a dead give away that you have found us! For more info click on the tailgate information tab for a picture of our location.
Be careful, you might just become part of the family!
That's all the tailgating 101 I have today!
And that's my view from the tailgate lot!
