It's Iron Bowl Week in Alabama, where Alabama and Auburn fans go to war over who gets bragging rights for the year. Iron Bowl week is ironic if you live in Alabama. It's the only time of year where we are willing to tear each other apart two days after being Thankful for each other. For us Alabamians, November boils down to one simple question: Alabama or Auburn? This question has the power to pit families against one another. In preparation for the Iron Bowl, it's time to reflect on one of the best football traditions known to man: tailgating. To get you ready for the Iron Bowl, here are five reasons why Tailgating is awesome and totally necessary to make your Iron Bowl experience that much more awesome!
1. You get to meet new people.
I will never understand how those in the North meet people. What do they talk about if they don't discuss football? One of the best things about tailgating is that random people will walk up to you and start discussing the game. Even if you've never met them, they'll suddenly be sitting in your fold out chair and drinking some of your beer. Some people even find their best friends by bonding over football.
2. It's a good time to bond with family.
It's not just friends that come out to tailgate, sometimes it's your whole family. Even if political arguments have been going on for days, you can rest assure that football will be enough to unite the family again. It's possible some in your family might be for the other team, but that just brings in some fun trash talk and rivalry. Some of my fondest family memories have been at Auburn games!
3. Food is the most important aspect
Of course, fans want their team to win, but really, as long as the food is good it's going to be a fun time. It's not football without buffalo chicken dip. Tailgating usually lasts from early in the morning, all the way till late in the evening once the game is over, so no one wants to go all day without snacks. I've attached some of my personal favorites here. Besides, why socialize if there isn't any food?
4. It's a cheaper option
Unless you know a student who currently goes to either school or you just want to drop tons of money to buy a ticket, tailgating can save lots of money. It's helpful if you have an RV for those chilly days, but it isn't necessary. Grab a tent, some snacks, your favorite team gear and you're ready to go!
5. Relaxation
I'm not going to say it's like a spa trip because it's definitely louder. However, after working all week or going to school, getting to spend your Saturday sitting in a fold out chair with buffalo dip and a beer is relaxing.
6. The weather is perfect
I can't speak for the rest of the country, but in Alabama, the weather is perfect most of the time. It might get chilly towards the end, or be hot at the beginning but that's what chili and bottled water are for. Besides, everyone is always so ready for the game to start or enjoying the good food that no one is bothered by it.
Tailgating has been a football tradition for years; most say it started in 1861. Though I hope through this list that everyone can see why. It doesn't seem that this tradition will end anytime soon, so run and get your dip and koozies because the Iron Bowl is this Saturday, 2:30 at Bryant-Denny. I wish both teams good luck, but War Eagle!
