8A
HOMECOMING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2004
Tailgating a tasty tradition; rising in popularity
Tailgaters enjoy the outdoors and traditional food for the activity.Many people don KU attire for the occasion.
BY NATE KARLIN
correspondent@kansan.com
KANSAN CORRESPONDENT
Three hours before kickoff; it's too early for students to pick their seats in Memorial Stadium. But for Rhonda Percival, it's the perfect time to throw some steaks on her KU grill with 12 friends while sipping a cocktail with students and fellow alumni.
Parked in the grassy lot at the corner of 11th and Mississippi streets, the Olathe resident, who liked to maintain a variety of meals throughout the season, chooses a meal for that particular game of steak, chicken or her favorite, fajitas. And, of course, she maintains the tailgater's priority:
the tangerin's priority. "We like to have a few beers before the game," she said.
The University of Kansas did not invent the leisurely activity of tailgating. But a rising football team in recent years and a welcoming atmosphere has sparked an increase in enthusiasm and number of people who enjoy tailgating before football games.
before football games. Andrew Steinberg, assistant director of athletics for marketing, said the University noticed a stronger tailgating presence going into last year's season, which included more pop-up tents, additional grills and larger groups of people.
people. "There's energy out there," he said. "I think people are excited about the direction of the football team. There are more tailgaters present than in years past."
years past. For several years, events and activities have accompanied age-old traditions of grilling and drinking to help increase the University's positive tailgating atmosphere, such as Hospitality on the Hill and the Hy-Vee Fun Zone.
The Hospitality on the Hill program, according to the Athletic Department Web site, was designed to enhance the tailgating atmosphere for large groups, including businesses, alumni gatherings or birthday parties. Groups would receive a tent package including: a private tent on the Campanile hill, tables, chairs, garbage bags, personalized sign for the group's name and one parking pass. Tent package prices range from $400 for a 25-person group to $1000 for a 150-person group.
Tailgaters who bring their kids to football games could enjoy the family atmosphere at the Hy-Vee Fun Zone, located southeast of Memorial
Stadium. The fun zone offers face painting, inflatable games and other activities for families.
Percival said this family-oriented atmosphere was one of the main reasons she has continued to enjoy tailgating at the University. She said her husband could take the kids to get their faces painted or tattooed while she grilled some food.
ginned some food. "There's something to do for everyone," she said. "It's hard to find."
For example, she said she would never take her kids to Chiefs games. She said that atmosphere would just not be right for them. However, her kids have attended every KU football game.
Although the friendly, family-oriented atmosphere had made tailgating more enjoyable for alumni, the atmosphere at the University had made football games more enjoyable for students as well, such as Mark Schwartz.
The Denver junior had tailgated dozens of times at the University of Colorado, a traditional football powerhouse, but he said Memorial Stadium had a more enjoyable tailgating atmosphere.
He said he saw more students tailgate here than they did at Colorado. Tailgaters there consisted mostly of alumni and parents of students. "At KU," he said. "It's just a ton of students out there tailging having a good time."
time.
Along with the greater number of students, he said the peripheral settings that surround the tailgaters each game also made the experience more enjoyable and energetic.
able and energetic. "You're right outside the stadium, you can look in and see some of the players warming up and getting ready; the band comes right through."
the board comes in to tailgating outside the stadium, people could also setup a grill along Memorial Drive and on the south side of campus in the parking lots by Robinson Center and the Burge Union. However, the University does not permit alcohol consumption in those areas.
Regardless of the reason or location to grill food and mingle with friends in a leisurely fashion before a football game, Steinberg said he hoped students and alumni continued to maintain the safe, responsible tailgating atmosphere.
- Edited by Rupal Gor
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