By Zach Kenitzer
‘Twas the night before the game, and all through the lot, not one fan was stirring, each in their cot;
The grills were set up by RV’s with care, in hopes that their team would soon be there;
The fans were sleeping, no worries, no dreads; with dreams of victory dancing in their heads.’
Tailgating season is one of the most wonderful times of the year, filled with the joy of good food, friends, atmosphere, and of course, the game that follows.
This is the ultimate tailgating guide filled with information on what to bring, where to go and more.
Where to go
The three most popular spots seem to at Old Cardinal Stadium, the Red Lot, close to the entrance of new Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium and the Green Lot on the other side of Central Ave.
Students tend to find themselves tailgating more often at Old Cardinal Stadium. Fraternities have their tailgates there as well as other student organizations. Students set up their own tailgates with friends. A fan can always find a party there before a game.
Green and Red Lot tailgaters actually have parking spots assigned to them for the game. People get together and buy spaces in order to set up a tent or RV, giving them plenty of space to enjoy the festivities.
What to eat
There are the necessities like hamburgers, hotdogs and bratwursts, with side options that include: potato salad, pasta salad, chips, bean dip, salsa and baked beans. Or even go up scale by having chicken and steaks.
Having enough drinks to quench everyone’s thirst and enough food is important; going hungry is a no-no at tailgates. This also means having enough coolers to keep the food and drinks cold before they are used.
Plastic coolers are durable and reusable. If on a small budget, use Styrofoam coolers.
Don’t forget paper or plastic plates and utensils, whether it be forks, knives or spoons. Paper napkins or towels are also a good thing to have around to clean up spills. These disposable items make an easy and fast clean up.
Musts
Always have something to do. Cornhole seems to be a favorite here. It involves throwing beanbags at a board with a small hole cut in it for points.
Tossing a football or just sitting around with good company is enjoyable.
Another must is having a flag if you own an RV or a tent. Some more creative flag pole stands include used kegs, concrete filled coolers and sand filled buckets. Louisville flags are very popular. They are available at the school bookstore or at a number of stores around town, costing $20.
More flag designs to consider are the ever popular Pirate Flag, the state flag and our American Flag.
An essential item is a table. There has to be something to set your food, football and drinks on.
Folding tables are good; they store flat and will easily fit into the back of just about any pickup truck.
Grills are also an essential; without one how would all that delicious meat be cooked? A large grill made out of cut up oil barrels with a steel mesh like grate on top always works, or go out and buy a smaller, more maneuverable one.
Grills also require charcoal, lighter fluid and matches, unless your grill is powered by propane.
Ponchos are necessary in case inclement weather makes a foul attempt to ruin the day. Bug repellent to keep those pests off is useful. If the game is at night, consider bringing citronella candles to keep the bugs away.
Bottle openers, cameras to capture the good times, trash bags and blankets are all also important.
This guide will help fans be prepared for the tailgate season and all the games that follow.
