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Tips and Tricks of Tailgating at Michigan State University
The one tradition that I have faithfully been participating in for the past eight years at Michigan State University (MSU) is Tailgating. It’s a nice way to gather with family and friends on a Saturday with one common goal; to have a good time while rooting on the Spartans. And this weekend, I attended one of the most popular weekends to tailgate: the MSU vs. Notre Dame game.

Things you find inside the student section at the tennis courts

The Alumni Lot

Location, Location, Location!

I prefer to tailgate on-campus, in the tennis courts , because that is
where the student section is, and the excitement is at its highest
here. Located right next to the Alumni Lot, you are sure to find
students past, present and future celebrating in a variety of
different types of tailgates (can we say wine & cheese anyone?!). At
the Alumni tailgates, you will find some parking lot luxuries such as
contained fire pits on chilly days, catered food, and big screen TVs.

The tennis courts at Michigan State University

The tennis courts are also nice because it is one of the few places
where you can tailgate on grass and there are cement paths to walk on
throughout the area. Plus, the tennis courts are in the middle and are
empty so you can have a quick football game with friends right in the
middle of the tailgate while not disrupting anyone. It is also one of
the closest lots to the stadium so a short walk when it’s time
to head to the game.

Historic Tailgate
After a legendary MSU VS Notre Dame tailgate a few years ago MSU put
some new tailgating rules into effect. It was MSU’s fourth night
game in history, and ESPN College Game Day was there for the second
time. After the first time Game Day visited MSU, Game Day started
putting up a screen in front of the sports casters to protect them
from flying water bottles, mini-footballs and food. The game was late,
tailgating started as early as 5:00 am, and the fans were anxious to
get the game going! This was one of the biggest tailgates I’ve
ever seen at MSU. By the start of the game you couldn’t even see
the grass because it was covered in so much trash with all the waste
receptacles over-capacity from the thousands of fans that came out to
tailgate for that game.

Because of that day there are rules in place today. One of the biggest
changes is the “7/9/1” rule. When kickoff is set for noon
or 1 p.m. tailgate lots will open at 7 a.m. If kickoff is set for 3:30
p.m. tailgate lots will open at 9 a.m. For evening games, lots will
open at 1 p.m. Lineups are not permitted. Do not show up early. Gone
are the days of getting out of the bar at 2am and heading straight to
the tennis courts to line up for when tailgating would open at 5am.

To read more about MSU’s tailgating rules you can find them
here. http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/msu-gameday-tailgating.html

Hiding from the rain

Inside the tent during the rain

Michigan State University VS Notre Dame
This past MSU vs. Notre Dame tailgate was not to be outdone. There
were seven solid hours of tailgating before the game, and even with
the rain, people put up tents and had a great time. And if you
didn’t have a tent to stay dry under, others were inviting you
into their tailgate to join the celebration with them. I have a very
large hatchback on the back of my SUV but even with that my hatchback
was no match for the downpour we had for over an hour. I made several
new friends, inviting me to share their food, heaters and music, while
I brought some of my famous Jell-O libations in exchange for their
hospitality. The most popular Jell-O treat was made with pineapple
juice, and received rave reviews.

A common sighting when you can't get a hold of your friends, you party on the sidewalk

The Cell Phone Vortex
With so many people in one area, MSU tailgates (or really, any sports
tailgate) are prone to sucking people into the Cell Phone Vortex (or
what I like to call, the Cell Phone Bubble). A few hours into the day,
you realize that your phone can’t make outgoing or take incoming
calls. This is where unlimited texting definitely comes in handy.
Regardless of the cell phone provider you are on, the amount of
technological congestion is too much for the towers to handle.

By the blowup Sparty is a perfect tailgating landmark

My #1 communication tip for a successful tailgate is to text everyone
you know with specific tailgating landmarks so they can find you later
when they can’t get a hold of you. Be prepared to only
communicate through text for the rest of the day because it only gets
worse as more people arrive to tailgate. It may take ten to thirty
minutes for a text message to be sent out and another ten to thirty
for that person to receive it if they are at the tailgate too. A text
will eventually go out and be received but a phone call may never be
answered.

One Friend You Didn’t Know You Needed
Another must-do at every tailgate is to make friends with one of the
people that is collecting cans because in Michigan everyone knows,
that you do NOT throw away cans. They are worth valuable money!
Don’t forget, we pay a $.10 deposit for each can here in
Michigan. Even when I don’t have cans, someone in my area
probably does, so I’ll treat the collectors to some snacks or
drinks to make sure they will come back to our area to keep it looking
tidy. A little hospitality at these events goes a long way.

Food
Food vending is limited at MSU tailgates. If you don’t bring it
with you, you better get creative or make friends fast. The only food
vending I’ve ever seen near the tailgates is Turkey Man,
located by the entrance of the stadium. It is a longer journey than
most want to make to get some food, but if you don’t come
prepared, this is what you’re getting yourself into.

FOOD

If you are walking into the tailgates and didn’t drive in with
a grill you can bring meat to cook on a grill, and make fast friends
with someone that does have a grill. Or, you can bring other treats to
barter that others will want in exchange for food. Then, there is
always the time-honored tradition of stalking other tailgaters’ grills
and just before their food is done you come by and say,
“Hello!” chat (or flirt) a little bit, and end the
conversation with a burger in your hand.

Better Move Quick
The best part about tailgates are the crazy things you see. Whether it
what people are wearing, or what they bring, always be on the lookout
for a man painted in all green with an “S” on his chest
and back, riding his bike around with a Spartan flag trailing behind
him. I’ve seen him at every tailgate I’ve ever gone to,
including to any bowl games out of state!

One of the many flying advertisements you will see while tailgating

If Sparty comes by on his golf cart, get your picture with him quick
because he moves fast. If you see something you like that someone else
has, get your picture with it because that is why they brought it -
it’s a conversation piece. If your immediate surroundings are
getting too familiar, take a look into the sky. Several planes are
always flying around with advertisements and signs trailing behind
them.

Porta-johns early into tailgating

The Bathroom Situation
No one really likes to use a porta-john, but the great thing about MSU
tailgates is that they are usually really clean and have Purell
stocked in them. And the lines are usually long, so you’ll
typically run into the same people throughout the day and make some
new friends. Lines are typically short at the start of the day, but
grow as the day goes on. Dormitories are locked on game days, so it is
difficult to find an indoor bathroom.

Are you ready? Do you have on comfortable shoes and a bag of chips?
So, put on some Spartan gear and head out to the MSU tennis courts.

ChristinaWiz’s suggestions for MSU Tailgate Newbies
ONLY use the porta-john and be patient in line. Bring extra tissue and
anticipate a wait-time.
Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and be prepared to text to
get a hold of others.
Be respectful of the Police on campus. They may come to your aid
later.
Do NOT drink alcohol if you are under 21. You will be asked for ID,
and if you are underage, you will be hauled off.
Bring something to trade. When people offer you something you can give
them something in return. You never know what you may forget and need
to trade for.
Bring a winter hat, gloves, jacket, thermal underwear, Purel, extra
toilet paper, and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty (NO FLIP
FLOPS).
Don’t forget the charcoal and lighter fluid if you are
grilling. (Someone always does)
Whoever is picking up your cans be respectful and thank them with a
beverage or a burger.
Be super nice to the Alumni, they have some pretty sweet toys.
Always make friends with someone who has a TV early so you can come
back and watch the game later.
If you do not have a tailgate parking pass, park at the commuter lot
and ride your bike or walk to the tennis courts. (If you do this you
may want to drop a friend off close as you can get to the tailgate
area with all your gear, then park).

No matter how you tailgate it is always a relaxing, fun day

Michigan State Spartan’s Football Schedule
http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/msu-m-footbl-sched.html

Tennis Courts are located at:
Wilson Rd & Chestnut Rd
East Lansing, MI 48823

Directions to Tennis Courts:
From the Trowbridge Exit on 127.
Follow Trowbridge Road to Chestnut Road. Turn left (north) onto
Chestnut Road. Take first right onto Wilson Road. MSU Outdoor Tennis
Courts will be on left.

Commuter Lot is located at:
Mt Hope Rd & Farm Ln
East Lansing, MI 48823

Follow @ChristinaWiz on Twitter.