Tips for road game tailgating?
I realize there is a thread for "who's going to the Penn State game" so apologies if this is too redundant, but this isn't exactly about the PSU game. This will be my first road game, and I'm not sure how people tailgate for them, in general.
It's not really feasible for us to bring tailgating gear and set up a spot of our own. We plan to just walk around and hope some people are friendly enough to allow us to hang with them for a bit. I know at our tailgate in AA, we are always welcoming of opponent wanderers. Is that generally what you see when you are on the road? Is there an Alumni Association tailgate? Any advice on food? Bring some subs or something, or just hope people will share some? As I said, we cant really grill anything and it's going to be a long day.
Thanks
October 14th, 2019 at 9:49 AM ^
Penn St fans hate Michigan, and they are very, very rude. Almost Sparty and OSU rude.
October 14th, 2019 at 9:55 AM ^
I've been to a couple of dozen road games for both Michigan and the Detroit Lions. I've always found if you're cool, people are cool. People are going to give you crap. If you take it with a smile, you will never have a problem.
Not contradicting what you're saying, but yeah...
October 14th, 2019 at 10:37 AM ^
Face it, northernwisc--- those fanbases just have an irrational hatred for Wisconsin's Upper Peninsula and everyone there.
October 14th, 2019 at 9:51 AM ^
Bring plenty of alcohol.
October 14th, 2019 at 10:05 AM ^
We certainly will. We are bringing a "wine box" of Fireball. It contains 2 half gallons. Hoping that is an ice breaker for strangers.
October 14th, 2019 at 11:23 AM ^
Sounds like a great accelerant for some noxious next day farts that would make Satan himself gag...is this the stuff that tastes like liquid big red gum?
October 14th, 2019 at 11:26 AM ^
That would get you invited to our tailgate. If you also had a bottle of Patron in your hand, we would insist you join us.
October 14th, 2019 at 9:52 AM ^
Subs/fruit/dips and a bunch of snacks are my go to for tailgaiting without a grill. You could also pick up a couple pizzas on the way in from somewhere close or even fast food.
You should probably start drinking now as well.
October 14th, 2019 at 9:57 AM ^
It depends on what you mean by "tailgating." The term has been commercially diluted to functionally describe any pre-game activity that involves food and beverage.
If you are pregaming out of the back of your vehicle or using an RV, I'd suggest keeping it simple for your first time in a venue. A road game will be difficult tailgate on your first try unless you've done your planning well in advance. There are online services like parknparty etc that allow you to reserve spots at many venues.
Having said that, if you're going to Happy Valley, I recall game-day parking within walking distance to that piece of shit erector set to be readily available. The place is surrounded by cow pastures. Unfortunately, their bar scene is not exactly around the corner, iirc.
October 14th, 2019 at 9:59 AM ^
According to Sam Webb, don't walk into the woods.
October 14th, 2019 at 10:03 AM ^
Eat, drink, and be merry pre game. Don't watch the game. Continue to eat ,drink ,and be merry.
October 14th, 2019 at 10:21 AM ^
do you have a parking pass ? I have been to PSU multiple times for this game. I have always bought a pass from their ticket office. There will be many Michigan tailgates ... find one and you will be welcomed !
They do hate us ... gonna happen when they don't beat us for 12 years (HAHAHAHA). Students will call you out - but very few of their adult fans will.
Go Blue!
October 14th, 2019 at 10:24 AM ^
Just curious why you can't bring stuff to tailgate with at Penn St? I've been to multiple games there and basically you park in a huge field. With the stadium being so far out walking around isn't much fun there. I brought all of my own stuff and we ended up combining with several Penn St tailgaters. Played flip cups with a couple of hot chicks. Only mistake I made was playing the game with Grey Goose in my cup while they played with beer. You can guess how that went...
October 14th, 2019 at 10:33 AM ^
We just dont really have room to bring a grill, table and chairs and stuff like that. We figure it would be easier to just wander around than sit around the car with nothing really there to do. I am rethinking it though
October 14th, 2019 at 10:35 AM ^
If you're driving a car to the game, you can make up some kind of "poor-man's" tailgate. Just find a local grocery store, buy a cheap cooler/ice, food, drinks, plates/cups, find your parking place, and you're good to go. Anything you forgot, you can likely borrow from other Michigan fans nearby. If that's feasible, there may be a local/regional Alumni Club tailgate, but I'm not sure about State College. Even if there were, you have to get your tickets in advance and usually they sell out weeks before the game.
Whatever you decide, the game notwithstanding, it should be a fun experience.
October 14th, 2019 at 10:44 AM ^
Or maybe just go out for an early dinner, then go to the game?
October 14th, 2019 at 10:50 AM ^
I would recommend asking r/cfb...there are lots of Penn St fans on there (some are even nice!).
If you really can't pack tailgating stuff of your own because you're flying in or whatever, I'd just try to grab some food and booze and go for a walk...you'll find some friendly faces somewhere.
October 14th, 2019 at 11:13 AM ^
That is the plan my buddies wanted to do. Just wander around and meet people. Im just not sure how it'll turn out.
October 14th, 2019 at 11:38 AM ^
I like to have things all planned out so not sure I'd go for that option, but you could just stop by a walmart, buy a bunch of snacks, paper plates, cups, sandwiches and stuff like that. Hell, you can even buy a cheap propane or charcoal tabletop grill for $20-$25.
I took my small weber charcoal down to Illinois this weekend and did a small tailgate, which worked out great. There will likely be a Penn State Roll Call post later this week (or start one) and see who is going and where they'll be.
October 14th, 2019 at 11:27 AM ^
Tailgating at Ped State is a double entendre
October 14th, 2019 at 7:16 PM ^
I live 0.7 miles from the stadium. I still load up 2-3 vehicles for home games and head to AAGOC or PHS for a full day of traditional tailgating. I tell you that, so I can tell you this: I’ve found that it’s far easier to go “Bar-gating” for away games. Drive/fly into town and hit up the local watering holes Friday night and before/after the game on Saturday. 9of14 boxes checked (#10@Indiana’19) and all places non-_uckeye have been great hosts.