Every Saturday during the college football season, tens of thousands of people congregate to their favorite schools around the country. They go to have a chance to see their team win, and most arrive early to take part in a beloved pre-game ritual. Some even show up only to take part in the ritual with no intent on going into the stadium. That ritual is of course known as tailgating. Like at most major football games around the country, on Sept. 20 the University of South Carolina was host to this important activity.
For some, tailgating is a pastime that generations have taken part in. “I remember coming to games when I was younger. My dad would always grill steaks before the game and even though he is at home. I couldn’t imagine going to a game without tailgating,” explained Jason Martin from Allendale, Virginia. Jason is a senior at USC and has tailgated since he went to his first game as a freshman.
Others see it as a way to enjoy the atmosphere of a football game. “There is nothing like being with so many fans before a game. Nothing compares with the excitement you feel before the game and tailgating enhances that feeling,” said USC senior, Aaron Nystrup. He is not the only one with that sentiment. “Nothing beats being (at the stadium) with friends and taking in the football experience,” said Jonathon Adams, a junior at USC from Cincinnati.
While tailgating is a mostly positive activity, there is one factor that can quickly turn it into a disaster. At most tailgate parties, alcohol is easily within sight. In most cases there is an ample amount and some people take the consumption of alcohol too far.
At almost every game, there are people who become dehydrated or even get alcohol poisoning. During early season games, when temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, the danger is worse. “During the Georgia (and South Carolina) game, I saw two people throwing up in the stadium and one of them passed out,” stated Amanda Pollak, a junior at USC.
To the outside world, tailgating is little more than an excuse to get drunk. However, there is much more to tailgating than just getting drunk. Take a walk around any major school on game day and the true nature of tailgating will be easily found.