5 In-depth Alumni Tips: How to go From Tailgate to Final Play like a Pro

A Freshman’s Guide to Surviving Your First College Football Game  

 

                As college game day makes its annual entrance into our lives this weekend, I couldn’t be more excited. I also couldn’t help but think that it was my alumni duty to help prepare the freshman class for their first game as a college student. These are my top 5 carefully cultivated tips for a successful game day, and best odds of making it to and through the day like a seasoned veteran.

1.) Pace yourself, know yourself and your limits

           Whether you're a seasoned keg pro, or a tailgate virgin, an all day football fest is a whole new ball game. This isn’t your typical barbecue or cookout. This is an all day party. Drinking games, kegs, shots, everything your little heart desires and more. Plug into that the blazing hot sun, and you could be out for the count before kickoff if you don’t have a plan of action.

• HYDRATE! Drink plenty of water to compensate for the heat and amount of alcohol you may be consuming.
• EAT!!! Not only will this keep you from getting wasted before game time, but it will save you some serious cash inside the stadium. Make a new friend and find some grub!
• Don’t try new things too fast. As Rachel said on Friends “You know what happened to the girl who tried too much to fast? ... She died Jill” Ok, ok, you probably won’t die, but if you are new to the whole drinking scene, find something and stick to it. You want to have a good time, not embarrass yourself.

Fight Song Logo Cooler 

(Click to purchase, other schools available) 

• Pack a small portable cooler like the one pictured above and bring along some water and a snack that you know you can tolerate.You’d be surprised how hard water is to find at a tailgate! You will not be able to carry this into the game with you, so make sure to store it before you head inside.

2.) Dress for Success Before Dressing to Impress

            While we all want to make a great first impression, and maybe catch a few glances from that cute boy we sit next to in economics… at a college football game, sometimes we have to dress smart and if cute fits in.. .well that is a bonus. There are a few things to consider when dressing for game day success.

• Comfort. Best advice: Stay away from heels. The last thing you want is to be walking around with blisters halfway through the day. That isn’t cute or comfortable. It is going to be dirty and possibly muddy outside. If you insist on wearing heels, go with wedges that most can stand for a longer period of time. Also, beware of dresses. You may be playing games, laying on blankets, grass, truck beds. If you are comfortable doing all of that in a dress, than be my guest but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Oh yeah, and there’s a good chance it’ll be windy.
• Safety. Shoes are also a big concern when it comes to safety. Your feet will get stepped on… Beware of sandals and flip flops. I am sure you just got a killer pedicure, but you may want to save showing off those toes for another time.
• Weather. Be prepared for rain or shine, or both. Bring your sunscreen, reapply often. Bring a hat. Wear it. Bring sunglasses, use them. Check the forecast. Do you need an umbrella? Poncho? Is it going to be cold? Be prepared for the correct weather conditions, you don’t want to pack too heavy but true fans stay the whole game rain or shine, and ponchos are much cheaper at Walgreen's than at the stadium. Or you could always use the ole' garbage bag, a college favorite.
• Spirit. This should be common sense, but don’t forget to rock as much school spirit as you can. Wear your school colors proudly. If you don’t know what those are, please pay close attention to number 3.

3.) Don't Forget to Study

               In college, football smarts are just as important as your classwork, at least when it comes to fitting in. You may just be there to cheer on your team or hang out with your new roommates, but if you want to fit in with the masses, you need to brush up on the important game points.

• Learn your schools fight song, chant, or popular dances and routines, and know when to do them. You’d hate to be chopping (Seminoles) when you’re supposed to be chomping (Gators). Plus, that’s half the fun!!
• Learn the big guys on the roster. You don’t need to go memorizing the whole bench, but it would be a great bonus for game day conversation if you know who the quarterback is, lead receiver or linebacker, maybe even the kicker. Talk about impressing that guy from economics!
• In the same respect, you should take the time to learn who the main guys on the coaching staff are. Are they well liked? A legacy? Do we want them fired??
• A working knowledge of the school football program can go a long way. You don’t need to know every statistic or player to ever exist with the team, but a good general knowledge base is helpful. Is your team ranked? Did they win last week? Last year? When was the last, if any, championship? Are we playing a rival?? These are questions you need to know the answers to if you don’t want to look like you’re just there for free beer.
• And lastly, familiarize yourself with the game if you have no football knowledge. Watch ESPN, Read a few news articles, a dummy’s guide. Just get your bearings so that you know when to cheer and when to boo.

 

4.) Be Prepared

          Heading out to any event can be overwhelming enough, but your first college football game on top of all of the other events in your new adult life can be downright paralyzing if you are not prepared.

• Don’t forget to pack and reserve your tickets. Seems basic, but it can be easily overlooked in the midst of everything else that is going on.
• Don’t forget your student ID and State ID. If you have student tickets, you will need your school ID to get into the game. You will need your official ID just in case.
• Know your stadium procedures and be prepared. Most stadiums only allow a certain size bag and most require a clear bag like the ones below                                                                                                                                (Click on the images to shop: more schools available)                                                Check out this blog for an in depth look at 2016 Stadium Guidelines
• Bring an extra phone battery. Your phone WILL die throughout the day and we know you want those awesome pictures for Snapchat!
• When entering the ACTUAL game, DO NOT OVER PACK. Bring your ID, cellphone, a little cash, and an extra phone battery if desired. You will not need anything else, nor be permitted to bring it in.

5.) Use the Buddy System

            The campus can be an overwhelming place. The stadium and parking areas will be packed with people. Find a buddy and stick with them all day. Pick a predesignated meeting spot for emergencies or in the case one of you gets separated. This is great for your sanity and your safety. Vow to stay with them throughout the day. Do not leave one tailgate for another until you both side by side. Stick together.

 

        The college game day experience is what you make of it. People will be drunk and belligerent by the end, and some the beginning, of the day. Be patient and remember why you are there and just laugh it off. This can be a place where memories are made and lifelong friendships are formed. Never will you feel so connected to 100,000 people as you do when YOUR team scored that game winning play, or when you are crying on each other’s shoulder after an awful defeat. Take these tips to heart as you prepare for your first college game day experience. There’s nothing like it!

-Loren

And GO NOLES!! Scalp em!