Everything you need to know before your first Hoosier tailgate

Never lose a party

For my fellow Hoosiers who have traded in their coolers for book bags, beer for coffee, and late night sessions with friends for all-nighters with strangers at Wells Library you are making a huge mistake. Pull your cooler back out, fill it with your beer and flavored Taka, and call all your friends over. It’s time to gear up in all your IU swag because it’s tailgate season.

For you rookies out there, the Hoosier nation takes tailgating seriously. Below I have listed the most important things to keep in mind to not embarrass yourself and our reputation.

Meet on Dunhill or it will all go down hill

If your game plan starts with “Lets meet up in the field,” forget about it. You do realize you’re attending a school that has enrolled over 40,000 students right? Not to mention you’re going to have to walk the length of three blocks from the start to the end of the three fields. Oh yeah, and the fields are filled with nothing but crimson and cream. To put it quite simply, if you don’t meet at the corner of Dunn, where you can buy a Four Loko at the Convenient Mart, you’re probably going to spend two hours looking for your friends.

Partying the night before is the biggest party foul

Now if you don’t wake up early for class after a night out, what makes you think you’re actually going to wake up early to tailgate?  Honestly your best bet is to gather everyone the night before and crash with the person who lives closest to the field. (Pro-tip: If you’re friends live on campus, stay in the Northwest neighborhood. If you’re friends live off campus pray they live in “The Villas.”)

Flip Flops are more like Flip Nots

The tailgate crowd has about the same intensity of a concert filled with fan girls. People are going to step on your feet, your shoe will break, and you will most likely walk home barefoot.

Go Greek

No, I’m not pressuring anyone to rush but even as a GDI (God Damn Independent) I have to say the Greek tents are actually pretty fun and no one is being a complete douche. Heads up to all you freshies, IU is known for their Greek community, even if you’re not looking to rush, anyone that is involved with Greek life is a great connection (especially for future parties), so make friends.

Love your koozie like you loved your blankie

It’s no secret that the fields are filled with underage drinkers, but because it’s no secret there is security everywhere. In my experience, I’ve learned that if you are less likely to get in trouble on the fields if you have a koozie on your beer. Don’t have one? Pizza X gives them out all the time. Look for them around campus or call in and see if you can pick one up for free.

Carry what you can drink

Rookie mistake is taking a backpack filled with an immense amount of alcohol you know you physically cannot consume. Trust me booze isn’t light and your shoulders will start to hurt. Worst of all you can’t enter the stadium with backpacks or large purses. So if you plan on going to the game you’ll either have to walk back home (no, the nearest dorm will not hold it at their center desk) or hide it somewhere outdoors and hope no one steals it.  (Pro-Tip: 40 oz beers = 3.3 regular beers. If you buy more than two just throw them in a plastic bag)

Now that you know the ins and outs of how to tailgate at IU it’s time to get loud, its time to get rowdy, and its time for the Hoosier nation to get together and show everyone why we are one of THE top party schools.

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