The time has come to dedicate those selected Saturdays to slipping on the creased maroon and gold striped overalls that were tucked away in the back of the closet and breaking out the ribbons, bandannas, socks, capes, and face paints that blaze University of Minnesota pride. College football has begun and the traditions continue.

We begin in the morning… early morning. Those 11 o’clock games cause our alarms to go off at 7:15am to ensure time to deck out and go out. Yet, no matter how early you get out the door, there will always be that one person already passed out on the deck, it is inevitable. You walk down frat row that has been transformed into an interactive gallery of bounce houses, water slides, and the occasional car smashing.

You are surrounded by crowds of students making their way to the next tailgating destination, many of whom are up and going far earlier than they ever have been for class. Any sight of supporters of the opposing team will be followed by grunts, boos, and sideways glances.

It’s not all hate though, we do offer a beer for their misfortune. Unless they are Badger fans... because “better dead than red.” You will hear the echoing cries of the chant, “WHO HATES IOWA?”... “WE HATE IOWA!”, regardless of the team we are playing, at least four times. One must learn to accept it and join in, because are you a true UMN student if you don’t thoughtlessly hate Iowa?

And this is all before 10:30 in the morning (at the latest) and only outside the proximity of the stadium. If you were to venture directly to TCF Bank Stadium in the morning, you will witness a whole new and beautiful dedication to the game of football.

These are the students who lead the University in pride and chants (because bless their hearts, they make up for those who are slurring the wrong words in the upper back rows). Regardless of weather, work, or time they will be there rooted in the front rows because they would rather get frostbite or fired before they miss a football game.

After wandering past security and the familiar scent of overpriced (but delicious) popcorn you enter the East end zone section, better known as the Student Section. The Minnesota Flag unrolls itself while enclosing the students as each one stretches to participate in the unveiling.

Your voice will disappear into the crowd’s chorus of the Minnesota Rouser, the pleas for Goldy to spin his tail, and the shouts of the Ski-U-Mah progression. Be prepared to stand the entire time, unless you wish to see more backsides than quarterback slides and of course do not be alarmed when a frightening 80s image of a gopher pops up on the large screen.

Game day caters to all- the cheerleaders, the die hards, and the one-too-many-beerers. It is a Saturday when the spirits and glasses rise in expressing school pride with your classmates. So put on your most ridiculous and excessive University of Minnesota gear because the football season has finally arrived and it is time to celebrate as a school, who bleeds maroon and gold.

And of course, “WHO HATES IOWA!?”