Unfortunately, the Wisconsin Badgers faced an upset against the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday. But lets be real, was the score of the game the driving force for many who travelled from near and far? Although college football games provide students with a sense of comradery and excitement, majority of students live for the pre game festivities. The hype was definitely at its maximum level considering the two schools that were in attendance. College students, families, and alumni travelled by car, plane, and bus to be present in Ann Arbor for this big ten face off.

For many, tailgates are prioritized before the actual game. The irony that game day usually doesn’t even involve attending the game itself is something only football oriented schools will understand. Instead, students live for the throwbacks playing, music blasting, and constant jumping that takes place in these backyards, decks, and open spaces.

The overwhelming feeling of ecstasy that comes from partaking in a packed, noisy, and sometimes sweaty tailgate is something that is indescribable and may seem humorous to those who haven’t encountered the much spoken about tailgate season. The devoted planning that various on and off campus organizations go through in order to “please” its crowd is unexplainable. Those energetic brief months are the most exhilarating times of college.

This past weekend was mobbed with seas of red and white, as well as maize and blue, in support for their home teams. Alarms were set, breakfast was most likely not ate, and M and W stickers were applied in preparation. Early wake ups for class are something all students dread, however, the sunrise alarm for a tailgate is completely different. After all, getting up while it is still dark outside is only acceptable on Saturday game days.

With two huge tailgate schools reunited in masses, The University of Wisconsin-Madison and The University of Michigan, tailgating was at its peak (to say the least). The flooded streets, long lined sandwich shops, and noisy fans all contributed to the ultimate game day setting.

You may lose a game, but at schools like these you never lose a tailgate.