Having a ball: The culture of tailgating
Culture, Main Feature Thursday, October 7th, 2010
RYAN JOHNSON/THE ARBITER
Boise State football games aren’t taken lightly in the Treasure Valley. Regardless of whether one has a ticket to the game or not, the spirit of game-day still lingers in the air. Fans gather at a variety of different venues in anticipation: house parties, the Student Union Building and various local sports bars. But for those who crave a more intimate and action-packed scene, tailgating is where the party is at.
Music pumps and people dance in the stadium parking lot to tunes ranging from Lady Gaga to Billy Idol. Excited football chatter and the aromas of grilled steak, stir fry and hot dogs fill the air as people prepare for a night of friends, football and fun.
For the seasoned tailgater, home games are serious. Not only is it a way to support the Broncos, it’s like a family reunion. BSU alumni Ann Cox and Mary Liese have known each other since attending school together in ’72 and continue to support their alma mater together.
“I love the camaraderie and seeing people we don’t get to see on a regular basis,” Cox said. “Our lives have gotten busy. It’s an opportunity to see people we haven’t seen in years and to see how BSU and the Broncos have changed.”
The feeling of family isn’t uncommon — the fact that tailgating is inclusive of everyone has a large appeal for many people. The event allows alcohol as long as it’s contained in a cup and minors are allowed to hang out.
“I love the people,” junior marketing major Anali Rowley said. “Everyone comes together as one — doesn’t matter if you’re a student, or a parent or an alumnus. You don’t have to drink. We’re Bronco Nation.”
Tailgating is a great way to meet other BSU fans, but it’s also an opportunity to check out the rival team.
“I love the people watching, especially watching how Broncos interact with visiting team’s fans,” junior early childhood education major Alicia Alonso said. “Maybe I’m biased, but we’re classy.”
The tailgate appeal doesn’t just affect the people of Boise. People from as far as Canada come to see what it’s all about.
“People don’t get so excited for football in Canada, so we came here to see what it’s all about,” senior Erik Johnson said, a software engineering major at the University of Victoria, B.C.
Gathering together isn’t the only way that fans support their team. Tailgating is a chance for Bronco Nation to dress in their finest spirit-wear — blue and orange wigs, sequined capes, body paint, tutus and horse heads — and show off their craziest fan outfits.
“Tailgating is awesome,” Liese, a self-proclaimed ‘professional tailgater’ said. “We look forward to going all year long.”
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Posted by Lauren Hooker on Oct 7 2010. Filed under Culture, Main Feature. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Haven't been to a home Bronco game since 1979. I am sure the tail gating is great. Now living in Oakland, California, the first time I went to see the Oakland Raiders I was blown away at the Raider Nation tail gate party. I mean it looked like Woodstock or a huge circus. People sure have a good time. The only negative might be that people drink maybe a little too much!
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