Must-haves to ensure a terrific tailgating time

Ashton Nash
Staff Writer

Tailgating the day of the big game is an event all students need to experience just once. Tailgating is more than just a group of people gathered around the tailgate of a truck enjoying food before a football. It is a chance for alumni, students and the community to fellowship and support the team of their choice.

Many different organizations, alumni and fans come to the Mississippi Veteran’s Memorial Stadiums and set up their tents as early as the Wednesday before the football game festivities on Saturday. Are you ready for some football, food, music and fun? Here are some must-haves every tailgating party needs for optimum enjoyment:

1. Sunscreen– This often ignored item is a must because you will be out in the sun for hours and should protect yourself from getting sun burned.

2. Bug Spray– With all the people, food and drinks there will surely be trash. And where there is trash, there are bugs around. Don’t forget the spray to eliminate the pests, including flies and mosquitoes.

3. Sunglasses – The sun will be beaming down especially bright so the sunglasses will protect your eyes from the rays and also act as a stylish accessory to complete an outfit.

4. Hand sanitizer– This is essential when handling food and getting ready to touch pretty much anything to avoid germs. Flu season is just around the corner.

5. School spirit– Supporting your team of choice to the fullest is essential for this experience. Tailgating is one of the best activities during homecoming week because it allows everyone to come together in support the university and engage rivals in friendly banter.

Many look forward to the tailgating experience for many reasons.  But the common denominator for why people look forward to tailgating has to be the connections made during the tailgating experience.

“I look forward to tailgating to get a chance to see and mingle with friends and family that I haven’t seen in a while. But more importantly it’s just a friendly environment like everybody is nice and welcoming,” said Devonta Woods, a senior health physical education major from Shaw, Miss.

While some look at tailgating as a party. Many feel that tailgating is essential for the overall homecoming experience.

“I look forward to tailgating to see many different people I never saw before and its apart of the school festivities. My must haves for the Tailgating experience are definitely sunglasses, an appetite and to enjoy myself overall,” said Yazmine Brown, a senior biology major from Chicago, Ill.

There will be lots of food, music and fun so be sure to bring a hardy appetite, and that Tiger Pride to this year’s Homecoming 2014 tailgating experience.