As we approach the first games of college football 2015, game day collage throwbacks fill our newsfeeds and the hype escalates for the fall. We reminisce on the best game, the worst and the few we never made it to the gates for. Whichever school you attend, people watching is one of the best parts of the day.
1. Freshmen
You can pick them out from the crowd almost effortlessly. They are the ones wearing tattoos on their faces and some may even have a lanyard around their neck. If they are anything like I was, they may be trying to pull off both at once. The girls are most likely to look clueless during the actual game and the guys will care much less about the game then they expected because they most likely had too much too drink. All will look bewildered and slightly lost.
2. Tailgate Clique
A large group of girls who plan their tailgate experience as if it is the real reason they’re at school. An actual order of tailgates to visit is debated throughout the week. Once a final schedule is determined, it will be preluded with a morning brunch at someone’s apartment. At least one of the girls in this large group will be unhappy at all times because the guy they like is at a different tailgate or someone is wearing the same shirt and the group won’t want to move on. Herds of these girls can often be seen taking fake candid pictures in front of the stadium.
3. The Whiney Girl
She most likely began as part of a tailgate clique and got lost in the bustle. Maybe she had one too many mimosas or maybe she saw her crush paired for beer pong with another girl. It’s most likely a combination of the two. She will not make it to the game but can be seen at tailgates that continue through the first half. She will almost always have misplaced makeup and be posting regrettable Snapchats.
4. Pledge Brothers
In every student section you will see the groups of fraternity guys sitting together in their matching polo shirts. The shirt is their most favorite possession. Each guy will be talking much louder than necessary about how awesome their tailgate was. They will make comments about every play and fumble because they all think they could do better themselves.
5. The Frat Dad
He is an all-too-common sight. This is a guy who probably doesn’t even have a son at the school, just an old alumni that wants to prove he is still cool. He tries to be impressive by remembering chants and telling stories. He talks about other chapters and sororities as if nothing has changed since his time. This guy is most sighted standing next to an ashamed looking wife as he tries to relive his glory days.
6. The Opponents
Sometimes having the other team around is fun, and sometimes it gets ugly. They will shout mean things out of cars and even say things to your face as if they play for the other team themselves. They are also the people you see ducking out of the stadium in the third quarter when they realize they were a little optimistic. They are the reason that winning is so fun.
7. The Alumni
Not the old cranky people that look annoyed by everyone yelling in the stadium. These are the fun-loving tailgate regulars you aspire to become. They are seen in groups with their friends and children who are all sporting jerseys and flags. They are the only reason you’re hopeful for the future and the football seasons that are beyond your four years.
