Football season is upon us, and with that comes the all-American pastime of tailgating. Though tailgating is a huge part of football season for many, it has not been a large part of Harding-student culture in recent years. The Campus Activity Board is hoping to change that soon. Starting with the first home game Saturday, Sept. 10, CAB will be sponsoring a tailgate for students and fans of Harding football.
According to senior Amanda Herren, a CAB director, the tailgates will take place approximately two and a half hours before kickoff on the parking lot outside First Security Stadium. 3-6 p.m. this Saturday. The tailgates will include free food and games. The first tailgate will also include the band UFO REEL, a Harding cover band.
“It’s not just going to be standing around, having a conversation and eating; there will be things to do to keep you engaged and get you excited about being there,” Herren said.
Herren said she also hopes that social clubs will get involved in making Harding tailgating successful.
“We think this will boost attendance and give clubs extra time to hang out and have them all be in the same area.”
Herren is an experienced tailgater as well, though not on the Harding front. Her family has been attending Alabama football games and tailgates since she was 8 years old.
“A lot of people went on family vacations growing up; our family vacations are every weekend in Tuscaloosa,” Herren said.
So what makes a great tailgate? Herren said that a tent, TV to watch other games and “awesome food” are on her list of musts.
CAB hopes to host a tailgate at most home games. They plan to have at least four, including one for the Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 29.
