TIGER TAILGATING 101

GENERAL INFO: Despite the major loss of our graduated parent leaders the past few years, Tailgating 2011 is right around the corner and we can’t wait to meet all the new families and build new relationships. For those that are new, we tailgate in the same best traditions of other college and professional teams - pre and post game. We start early for those that can make it and go all the way to after the game when the playing Tigers joining us for food, drink and fellowship, win or lose, as we build the Football Tiger Nation Spirit. ALL are welcomed to participate and add your special touches to our growing ritual.

WHERE: Blackstock Stadium, upper lot right next to the stadium. Several years ago a special tradition was started called the “back row”. Along the south side of this upper lot is a grassy area that has become a common, shared tailgating area. In this common area, everyone brings dishes/foods to share. There are tables and some pop-up tents and there are always several grills available to cook your favorite meats. Note - the whole lot is available to tailgate and many choose to have their own tailgates/traditions. That is more than welcomed and we do not want to discourage in any way. However, for those that want an opportunity to bond and build new relationships and want to be part of the larger DePauw football family we encourage you, your families and friends to join us in the “back row”.

WHO: Tiger parents, families and friends. ALL are always welcomed. Don’t allow the size of your entourage from discouraging your participation or joining the “back row”. No group or individuals are too small or too large to join in the festivities. The more the merrier actually!!!

WHEN: Breakfast starts around 8:30 on game day. We know that the morning is dictated by your travel and arrival time. Show-up when you can and enjoy the tailgate environment as we get ready to root on our favorite Tigers. Somewhere around 10:00-10:30 we switch to the lunch menu.

TIGER WALK: One of the most special moments during your time at DePauw is being a part of Tiger Walk. About 10:30, the team walks from campus to the stadium together with the coaches and team managers. We break from our tailgating activities to cheer our Tigers. We are always looking to build on this tradition. Look for updates and more info in the blog. If you can make it by 10:30, the boys greatly appreciate our greetings. This is a special time that you will cherish!

WHAT’S NEEDED: We recommend you bring lawn chairs, fold up tables - especially for the buffet line, your “supplied” coolers, and general picnic wares. As stated earlier, there are usually several tailgating grills, but we can use more and all are welcome to help with the cooking. Bring bags/corn holes, rings or other games to play.

PITCH IN ITEMS: If you want to be part of the “back row”, we encourage you to share your specialty. Please bring an item or two to share and if you need to cook or heat something, ask one of the chefs to fire it up or take over so they can refill!! Typical items in the past have been breakfast casseroles, donuts, rolls, fruits, bloody Mary mix, mimosas, deer sausage, etc. for breakfast. Burgers, brats, hors devourers, salads, veggies, dips, etc and of course, your favorite beverages for bulking up before the battle begins at 1:00 PM. Don't forget to bring enough for after the game, as well.

HALF TIME: Some of us reconvene at the tailgate to discuss 2nd half strategies with each other and rehydrate for the second half.

POST GAME: After the team sings to us in celebration of their victory and we get-in our hugs, we head back out to fire up the grills and get ready for the boys to join us. The tailgating encore usually involves more burgers, brats, chicken and meat dishes. Bring your son’s favorites and some to share. For our far away travelers, we are happy to cook your meats and share our grills. Our young warriors are permitted to engage in the bubbly (age and parent restrictions applicable), but water and other hydrating drinks are encouraged, as well.

SUMMARY: Our tailgates are a great way to socialize and celebrate with your sons and the other members of the DePauw Football Family. The Tailgate usually concludes by dusk… or moves to another location!

New Tailgate organizer and Blog Meister, Linda and Ed Brown
Parents of Senior Lewis #74

Email: LPBrown@semprautilities.com