At Baylor, tailgating has evolved from families bringing their own food to a catered buffet.
Contributed photo by Dawn JumperPOINTERS FOR FIRST TIMERS• Get to the parking area early.• Bring trash bags.• Bring along entertainment for the kids, such as an iPod with speakers.• If you tailgate out of the back of your truck, SUV or car, go through the car wash first.Source: Baylor School parent Dawn Jumper
They play out like picnics but on a grander scale. They boast comforts of home, as if the kitchen and den were temporarily set up in a parking lot. The parties are a ritual of fall as football fans gather to cheer on their favorite high school or college teams.
At Soddy-Daisy High School, members of the Underwood family set up a tailgating camp at every home game to show support for Luke Underwood, a senior captain and varsity kicker.
“The (tailgating) spots are positioned around the parking lot overlooking the field, allowing family, friends and fans to eat and spend time together while watching the team warm up,” said Luke’s dad, Ben Underwood. … “These kids, especially the seniors, have worked long and hard and given their all for their school and team, and we want to show our support.”
The tailgaters bring tents for shade, portable tables for eating and lots of food and soft drinks. The typical fare includes fried chicken, Krystal hamburgers, watermelon and desserts, Underwood said.