For those of you who have not yet had the privilege to tailgate in the Grove, I can honestly say you are missing out... big time. And for those of you who are not familiar with the imperial grove, shame on you.
Let me give you a visual: every Friday before game day, people guard their tent spots in the 10 acres of oak, elm and magnolia trees. First come, first serve. After the spots are secured, it's game day. Game day in Oxford is like Christmas. Dispersed throughout the Grove are red and blue tents filled with various foods, drinks, and fans. People from all over have come to share one common interest, the love they have for Ole Miss football. We're even welcoming to the opposing team. Plus, we don't smell like corn dogs (cough, cough LSU).
Tailgating in the Grove is not your ordinary tailgate, with tents lined up side by side for yards upon yards. Every tent has its own theme, character and charisma. Whether it be your favorite fraternity or your family tent, you share a bond with the people that you surround yourself with in the Grove. You came to have a great time and cheer on your Rebs.
In the Grove, there is no such thing as a bad tent. Not only does the University unite, but all of Oxford comes together to cheer on the Rebs. USA Today Sports interviewed Jane Foster, who is known for her Zebra tent in the Grove. Foster says about the Grove, “My mom had a saying. Find something to do, somebody to love, and something to look forward to. If you have those three things, you’ll be happy. And the zebra tent gives us those three things.” To read the rest of her article click on the link at the bottom of this article.
To top it all off, our football team makes an appearance, walking under the famous Walk of Champions sign through the Grove to the stadium. Waving, taking pictures and getting Ole Miss fans hyped for the game.
Quotes by some Ole Miss Rebels:
"I mean.. Have you ever been to the Grove?" – Sam High
"The Grove is the best tailgate because it gives a sense of community. The Grove brings students and the rest of Oxford together. Everyone is welcoming and inviting as you pass through their tent." – Laura Parsons
"The Grove is the best tailgate experience around. The people, food, feeling, and general atmosphere is unique and unlike any other game day experience." – Caroline Tullos
"The Grove is the best place to tailgate because whether you're 8-years-old or 80 everyone is drinking out of a red cup and no one knows what's in yours." – Tucker Johnson
"The best part about the Grove is the food and how willing everyone is to share it with you." – Alaina Brodsky
The Grove is set apart from every other tailgate, it isn't called "The Holy Grail of Tailgating" for nothing! If you have yet to come to God's Country, I speak for all of Ole Miss when I say, please come and join the party and see what it's all about.
