For many, it's the most wonderful time of the year. Football season is back, bringing with it countless fans, fantasy leagues, touchdowns and tailgates. I am a huge football fan, so I am absolutely giddy this when it comes back in the fall. Even if you aren't the world's biggest football fan, odds are high that you've at least attended a tailgate or two. Tailgates are an enormous part of college football culture, and I'd highly recommend going to one during your time in college. Whether your team wins or lose, the memories you make (or can't remember) are the highlight of game day. With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to survive a college football tailgate.
1. Hydrate
Chances are, you're going to partake in drinking some adult beverages at the tailgate. Plus, if you go to school in the South like I do, there's another good chance that it'll be 90 degrees on game day. Either way, water is key to keeping your cool so you can have fun and not feel too hungover the next day.
2. Plan Your Outfit for the Weather
At southern schools like mine, it's apparently a tradition to dress super nice and wear dresses and heels to the game. I still haven't grasped this concept, but more power to the girls who can wear that all day. Whatever you want to wear, make sure the colors go with your school's team. It's also important to check the weather before you get dressed that day so you don't end up too hot or too cold, or without rain or snow gear. If you're tailgating all day and it's a night game, consider bringing a sweatshirt or jacket for after the sun goes down. Remember that you'll be in that outfit pretty much all day, so make sure it's comfortable and is something you feel kick-ass and confident in.
3. Bring Your Own Cup
If you're going to drink, I'd highly recommend bringing your own cup with a lid. With a ton of people around, it's a safety issue; plus you're going to be outside and don't want any bugs to get in your drink. You probably won't be allowed to bring it in the game, though, so have a plan on what you're going to do with your cup when the tailgate is over.
4. Have a Buddy
It's common sense for whenever you go out to have a buddy to help keep track of you for safety reasons. It's also more fun to tailgate with friends!
5. Use Protection
No, not that kind of protection. (Not that I'm advocating against it, though). I'm talking about protection from the sun. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must for tailgates since you'll be out in the sun. Even if it isn't sunny, wear sunscreen. Being outside for hours on end can leave you crispy, even if there are clouds. Consider a hat and long sleeves too if you burn easily.
6. Plan Your Route
There are going to be thousands of people tailgating in one little area that's packed with tents, so decide where you're going ahead of time. If there are specific tents you want to go to, plan it out and take the crowd into consideration.
7. Know Where the Bathrooms Are
And preferably, go with a friend. Knowing where the bathrooms are located is a major key to tailgate success. I guarantee you'll have to "go" at some point, so take some of the stress off and find the bathrooms ahead of time.
8. Know Where to Park and How to Get Around Traffic
You don't want to spend time that should be spent having fun at the tailgate waiting in traffic or trying to find a parking spot. Think ahead and plan how you're going to get there, as well as where you're going to park.
9. Eat Something
I know that drinking is the main pastime at tailgates, but it's important to eat something too. It'll help soak up some of the alcohol if you do drink, not to mention help give you some energy after partying all day. Most tailgates have tents from local officials offering free food and water, so take advantage of it.
10. Pack Smart
It's a good idea to bring a small to medium sized purse (or satchel) or backpack to carry around a few essential items. Consider bringing a small bottle of ibuprofen or Tylenol, tampons (even if you don't need them, someone you meet in the bathroom will), your ID and some money. If you can fit it, a portable phone charging battery would be a good idea too.
11. Have a Plan to Get Home
If you don't listen to any of my other tips, please take this one to heart. If you're going to drink, please have a designated driver or plan to get home that doesn't involve your intoxicated self getting behind the wheel. If you live on, or close to, campus, walk back with your friends. Take a cab or Uber if available. Don't ruin the fun of tailgating and football games by endangering your life, as well as the lives of others. It's not worth it.
