The Hawk

Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: Features

Fans enjoy food and drink before a South Carolina Gamecocks game in the parking lot of Williams-Brice Stadium.

Chances are mostly everyone has been to a professional sporting event of some sort. Living in Philly gives us access to some of the best teams and the best tailgating. Now that the Phillies are officially back in action and there will be college nights galore, here are some tips and pointers that will guarantee the best tailgate of your life.

Station yourself near a Port-a-Potty: We know they don't exactly smell like roses, but neither will you if you have to hike all the way across the parking lot to use the bathroom. Drinking that 30 of Bud Light might seem like a great idea at the time, but trekking 20 minutes away to use the restroom is going to make you wish beer never existed.

Bring food and drink: There's nothing like catching a live game, but the $8 beers and $5 hot dogs can really add up, especially on a college budget (there's only so many times you can ask Mom and Dad to send you more beer money). Pack a cooler with the necessities such as water, beer, burgers and, hot dogs. This way you can satiate your hunger and thirst before you enter the stadium and can spend the extra money on a new Rollins jersey (or crab fries at Chickie's & Pete's if you just can't resist).

Safety first: If you're planning on bringing your footballs and Frisbees, remember to watch where you throw them. That perfect spiral pass could end up sending that hottie giving you the eye straight to the E.R. Also, a drunk person running on asphalt can end up injured very easily. As a precaution, make sure you don't forget to bring some general first aid equipment like bandages and an ice pack. Hopefully you won't need them, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Show your hometown pride: Whether it's a jersey or full body paint and a color coordinated afro wig, if you're tailgating, you better be decked out. You're in Philly and it'll look way worse if you're not sporting Phillies gear. Not only will you be promoting team pride, but it's a great way to start conversations with other tailgaters and really get the party started. Making friends is a definite plus because if anything goes down, you'll have other people to get your back.

If you're underage, don't be stupid: Nobody's going to stop you from imbibing in a few Bud Lights, but if you're not 21, don't flaunt the fact that you're drinking underage and absolutely do not get to the point where you're so out of control that you're drawing attention to your group. I'm not saying you should wrap your can in a paper bag and drink in the backseat, but don't be dense. Security is tight at both Citizens Bank Park and the Wachovia Center, so don't be surprised if you get slapped with an underage citation (and 20 fabulous hours of community service). Basically, if you're not into the orange jumpsuit look, use precautions.

No tickets? You can still tailgate: Tickets a little too pricey for you? No problem. It's just as fun to tailgate without actually going into the game. Popular with college kids, no ticket tailgating is an easy way to change up the social scene without spending tons of money. It's also an awesome way to support the team and get the game day experience without shelling out big bucks to be inside. Also, if you're ok with sitting way up in the bleachers, those tickets will only cost you around $15.

Some things to remember:

Tailgating is only permitted in the parking area south of Zinkoff Blvd. at Citizens Bank Park in lots A-H and J-N.

Pick a designated driver before you go to the game. It's easy to think that someone else will take the responsibility but much harder when there's no clear-cut person.

Make sure you have everything you need: http://www.thetailgatingpros.com/Tailgating%20Checklist.pdf

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools