To me, the best season of the year is (and has always been) football season. Born and raised in Columbia, Sc, I spent my Saturdays attending the University of South Carolina football games or in my second home of Athens, Ga, cheering on the Dawgs. After high school I headed to the University of Alabama where football is known as a religion, and my love for SEC football grows more and more with every season. Last week my husband expressed his confusion regarding the "big deal" of tailgating, Gameday and the hype of college football in general. This was a blow to my heart. Then I realized that he had never been to SEC Gameday or any SEC game. Can you believe that?! If you are in the same boat as my husband, JUMP SHIP!!
While I appreciate other football divisions, their football and tailgating just don't compare to that of a SEC team. There is nothing like the smell of burgers on the grill, the sound of the drumline playing for the crowds, and the echoing shouts of a good Roll Tide, Hotty Toddy, Go Dawgs...you get the picture.
SEC fans are some of the most dedicated and passionate people you will ever meet and when it comes to Gameday they don't mess around.
University of South Carolina fans are a great example of how far an SEC fan's dedication goes. In 1990, two men began a business endevor which entailed placing 22 old cabooses on the train tracks adjacent to the Gamecock's Williams- Bryce Stadium. In 2008, old and new cabooses are selling for upward of $200,000 and many customers will put another $100,000 into them. Each caboose is designed as the perfect tailgating oasis, with small kitchen areas, entertainment centers and a cool place for those hot Saturdays. These "Cockaboose" havens are a high end example of tailgating, but surely is tailgating at its best.
Seeing this dedication, its no surprise the fans flock from miles away and often arrive Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning for the game. This makes timing one of the most important factors for tailgating. Be sure to arrive at least 4 hours prior to the game with all Gameday necessities. These include (but are not limited to) a Gameday feast for you and your friends, chairs, a radio or TV, tent, and if you're 21, a case of beer (or two).
Be prepared for a lot of post-game traffic. Its best to just stay for a while after the game and enjoy a little post-game tailgating as the crowds clear.
Just thinking about Gameday puts butterflies in my stomach and a sense of thrill in my heart.
Whichever team you decide to go see, you will quickly understand why so many fans crowd college towns every Saturday. So, whether you are a football fanatic or a tailgating virgin, take the opportunity to go to an SEC football game this season. You too will get hooked on all that is SEC Gameday.
While I appreciate other football divisions, their football and tailgating just don't compare to that of a SEC team. There is nothing like the smell of burgers on the grill, the sound of the drumline playing for the crowds, and the echoing shouts of a good Roll Tide, Hotty Toddy, Go Dawgs...you get the picture.
SEC fans are some of the most dedicated and passionate people you will ever meet and when it comes to Gameday they don't mess around.
University of South Carolina fans are a great example of how far an SEC fan's dedication goes. In 1990, two men began a business endevor which entailed placing 22 old cabooses on the train tracks adjacent to the Gamecock's Williams- Bryce Stadium. In 2008, old and new cabooses are selling for upward of $200,000 and many customers will put another $100,000 into them. Each caboose is designed as the perfect tailgating oasis, with small kitchen areas, entertainment centers and a cool place for those hot Saturdays. These "Cockaboose" havens are a high end example of tailgating, but surely is tailgating at its best.
Seeing this dedication, its no surprise the fans flock from miles away and often arrive Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning for the game. This makes timing one of the most important factors for tailgating. Be sure to arrive at least 4 hours prior to the game with all Gameday necessities. These include (but are not limited to) a Gameday feast for you and your friends, chairs, a radio or TV, tent, and if you're 21, a case of beer (or two).
Be prepared for a lot of post-game traffic. Its best to just stay for a while after the game and enjoy a little post-game tailgating as the crowds clear.
Just thinking about Gameday puts butterflies in my stomach and a sense of thrill in my heart.
Whichever team you decide to go see, you will quickly understand why so many fans crowd college towns every Saturday. So, whether you are a football fanatic or a tailgating virgin, take the opportunity to go to an SEC football game this season. You too will get hooked on all that is SEC Gameday.
