Tailgating
by Kelly S. Croslis

When you think of football games what is the first thing that comes to mind, for most it will be the before game party, or tailgate party . Though the actual game starts at 1pm, tailgaters begin setting up at dawn, arriving early for the best spot.

Tailgating is a time honored tradition that some believe began in mid-1800 with a game between Rutgers and Princeton. People, food, fun and rivalry from the back of the vehicles at the time, giving the name "tailgating" from the wagon tailgate. Others, however, believe tailgating began in the 1960's at the New York Giants football games when the team doctor's wife served sandwiches and drinks to friends, children and sports writers from the tailgate of her station wagon. No matter when or where the idea came to be, tailgating is part of our culture a part of the games themselves.

Today tailgating is in a league of its own, with many schools hosting themed tailgate events, and for most the idea of tailgating is synonymous with football, it has spread to many different sports. NASCAR, for one, hosts 3-day events with fans arriving Friday for a Sunday afternoon race. Baseball fans gather in the parking lot before the first pitch is thrown. You will now find high schools bringing the concept to the younger crowd with tailgate parties being held before homecoming or championship games.

Over the years tailgating has become more than a gathering in a parking lot; it is an integral part of media as well. In 1993, ESPNs College Game day began hosting its show from a portable stage located on the schools' campus. As they talked about the upcoming game, fans gathered around to celebrate. Since then NASCAR on Fox and Fox NFL Sunday have also begun their own setup. Broadcaster John Madden made a point of bringing attention and cameras to the parking lots; in addition, Madden is also the author of the book, "John Madden's Ultimate Tailgating."

All in all, tailgating is a time to have fun, enjoy time with family and friends, lots of food and a chance to forget about life outside the parking lot for awhile.

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