Some of the most popular events in America are college football games. Deeply intertwined into American culture, football games are a way for students to support fellow students, and for alumni and parents to support the school in turn.
Because of this overwhelming amount of community and support that football games bring, it’s common to organize afterparties, to pre-game and of course tailagate. Tailgating has been a proud member of American culture since its rise in the 1950s. It has always been a way to come together in your college community.
Tailgating is a common way that Alumni show their support for the university. The “Vandal Tailgaters!” group on Facebook, has been active since 2019, and is a great place to find RV spots, advice and to generally become part of the Vandal community. These outside connections being made go to show how much tailgating is ingrained in the culture and how it can bring members of the university together.
Star Stevens, a freshman at the university, says that her alumnus uncle comes to almost every game with his camper. Steven’s uncle was in a fraternity, and he and his fraternity brothers still share a strong bond. “They live in Boise, and they come up six hours every home game.” With Stevens’ history of tailgating, she has seen examples of how tailgates bring student communities together:. “I’ve been to Boise State Tailgates, and those are a different vibe” Stevens remarks, “here is a very tight-knit community.”
Tailgating is not always an official event being held by the university. However, groups of people show up to show their love for the Vandals and football. Friends and family who aren’t members of the university have fun at tailgates because of the environment it produces. It reinforces friendships and creates feelings of community that stays for years, even after graduation.
Tailgating can be one of the most important activities for the university, in terms of building a camaraderie between Alumni and UI students.
Unlike some of the other activities on campus, virtually anyone can attend a tailgate It doesn’t cost any money to show up and play games, eat food and chat with other Vandal fans. To attend a tailgate, you don’t need to be an expert on football or sports, all you need is love for the Vandals, and a good attitude.
Tilly Magness can be reached at [email protected]