The first Southern Miss home football game kicks off this Saturday and it’s time to show those Texas State fans how tailgating is really done. Every new football season brings new ways to improve your tailgating tactics. Whether you are dressed to the nines or jamming out to the perfect game day playlist, there are specific do’s and don’ts for a stress-free tailgating experience in USM’s District.
Do’s:
Remember the food
Make a shopping list of the food you need for your tailgate before you go to the store. From the hamburger buns to the paper plates, make sure everything is included. Nothing is worse than when you run out of ketchup to go on that hot-off-the-grill burger.
Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Pack a tent and chairs for your tailgating spot. Remember to bring enough for your family and friends. As tailgating can sometimes be an all day affair, sitting under your tent can be a great way to get out of the sun and relax.
Announce your arrival in style
The best way to show off your tailgating tent is to make it stand out from the rest of the ordinary tents. A Golden Eagle flag, decorated wreaths or fancy curtains will make your tent look tailgating savvy.
Have classy game day attire
Just one rule: Always look your best and be comfortable. Tailgating is all about catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
Guys: wear your favorite button down and slacks or your favorite Southern Miss polo.
Girls: Clothing options could be a gold dress or black leggings with a gold tunic along with sparkly accessories. Remember to express your own style through your black and gold attire. And please, heels should be prohibited. How can you have a good time when you are hobbling around in the District and then climbing up the stadium stairs? Ladies, this is not Ole Miss. You can still impress the gentlemen at the game while still feeling comfortable.
Charge your cell phone
Your cell phone dying in the middle or at the end of the game is not good. Remember to charge your phone before a game to avoid not finding your seat partner or people to go out with after the game.
Create the ultimate game day playlist
Playing great tailgate music is an awesome way for you and your friends to get pumped for the game. Make a playlist with a mix of Dave Matthews Band and Kenny Chesney for a chill game-day vibe. You could even play old rock or oldies music as well. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond is always a crowd pleaser. However, Dub-step should only be played once. Good music at your tent means a guaranteed good time for everyone tailgating around you.
Bathroom awareness
For the guys: be aware of bathroom spots including a group of trees, a porta-potty and a bathroom if you get lucky. Make sure you plan ahead before you break into that six-pack and eventually break the seal. Bike cops and campus police will be lurking around everywhere on game day.
Don’ts:
Attract the campus police
Keep your party drinks in a cup and be discreet. Have a good time, but don’t harass people.
Play favorites
Sure, we all love our Golden Eagles. Our morale is even stronger now because our new football season is beginning with a new head coach. But if we do lose (which has happened before), don’t be a sore loser and sulk after the game. Brush it off and go out for post-game drinks and have a good time with your friends.
Be ‘that person’ at the tailgate
You know the person I’m talking about. The one who drinks way too many Bud Lights and tells everyone about it. The one who ends up stumbling home before the game starts. Have a good time, but be classy. Just think: alumni of your Greek chapter, professors and USM administration could all be there.
Paint your body
Like I said before, wear normal clothes to a game. We know a lot of students like to do this to show off their school spirit. Well that’s what painted signs are for. Paint is messy and hard to clean off anyways. If you absolutely want to do this and scratch it off your bucket list, that’s fine. But only do it once.