The 2016 football season is already in full swing and as we get further into the football season we are going to experience more away games. Although these games may mean missing out on the excitement of tailgating for a home game and watching the Gators in the Swamp, that doesn’t mean you can’t make an away game fun. There are plenty of ways to enjoy an away game that do not involve road tripping to another city to see the Gators play in person.
1. Watch Party
If you want to have a relaxing day with your close friends, then having a watch party from your apartment is the way to go. Invite your friends over and order a pizza or do a potluck. You can watch the game with each other and get as into it as you want without anyone judging you. In between commercial breaks you relax, chat, and possibly make plans for after the game. You can watch the game without fearing the heat of the stadium or crazy crowds.
2. Sports Bar
If you’re looking for a more lively setting, try heading to a sports bar. The Swamp Restaurant is usually the place to be, but almost any bar with a TV will do. Most local places will be full of students there watching as well, so there should be a more exciting atmosphere than watching the game at home. You can eat food that isn’t gross stadium food, meet new people, and, if you are of legal age, you can have a drink, but please do so responsibly.
3. Pool
Lots of apartment complexes in Gainesville have pools. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of them, then take advantage of it and organize a pool party during the game. If you have speakers, you can play the audio from the game at the pool. If you’re really lucky and live in an apartment complex with a TV close to the pool, you should take full advantage of that and watch the game while sunbathing or swimming in the water.
4. Study
If you aren’t the biggest football fan or you have a lot of work you need to get done, then use the away game as an excuse to actually get your schoolwork done. You can do your homework while checking the score every so often or listening to a live stream of the game. You’ll feel good about getting stuff done, and won’t be missing as much fun as you would be if it was a home game. Then, if the Gators win you can celebrate the win and reward your hard work by going out after.
