Tailgating

[Schnauzer]

I don't intend to strike up yet another "game day atmosphere" discussion as there are plenty of those that come up here from time to time. My point with this thread is there are some opportunities and traditions to be found, it just isn't always easy.

For game day atmosphere, I have pretty much done it ALL. For the first four years of football in the new stadium, I have parked in the Oak Street Ramp. I see a lot of complaining about this ramp because it takes an hour to empty after a game. In four years of parking there, I only experienced that once, maybe twice - simply because I was always arriving early, or leaving late, or both. It isn't an issue unless you want to treat it like Metrodome events. I've tailgated on the west bank. I've tailgated in almost every on-campus lot and I've noticed the Craigslist prices have gone up each year and it is tougher to find them for sale with each passing year. Baby steps, but perhaps more of a market, and more of a tailgate culture has begun to take hold. I enjoyed all the lots but if I had to point to one that was best in terms of tailgate culture and percentage of people actually tailgating, It would have to be lot 37. I enjoyed all the bars too. They tended to be more fun if I was going with a bigger group of adults and that wasn't always possible for the games where it would be my wife and kids. I found Buffalo Wild Wings to be pretty good for that. The kids could go watch the pregame band event right next door while the two of us could have a couple drinks in the BWW lot.

After bouncing around for the past 4 seasons, I will be in a tailgate lot for the season now. I already picked up a tailgate grill and today I am in the market for a tailgate tent. The anticipation is half the fun.

 

[GopherinPhilly]

I love tailgating with strangers. Since I am coming from out of town, it is hard for me to bring a tent and grill. I have some friends that attend every game and tail gate, but I also like to simply walk around and meet, eat and drink. Lots of friendly people in these lots and most have way more food and beer than they can possibly finish.

I always offer to contribute but have never been taken up on the offer.

I have also done this wandering tail gating at campuses across the US and it is generally universal, even when wearing opposing team colors. People at events and generous and friendly.

I look forward to the day when I can come back to MN and bring my RV to a lot at 6 AM and break out the TVs, Chairs, Grill, Tent and Booze and give back for all that I have received.

 

[wait!what?]

MN groups do not like interlopers of the dude kind.

 

[Lakeville Goldy]

I don't intend to strike up yet another "game day atmosphere" discussion as there are plenty of those that come up here from time to time. My point with this thread is there are some opportunities and traditions to be found, it just isn't always easy.

For game day atmosphere, I have pretty much done it ALL. For the first four years of football in the new stadium, I have parked in the Oak Street Ramp. I see a lot of complaining about this ramp because it takes an hour to empty after a game. In four years of parking there, I only experienced that once, maybe twice - simply because I was always arriving early, or leaving late, or both. It isn't an issue unless you want to treat it like Metrodome events. I've tailgated on the west bank. I've tailgated in almost every on-campus lot and I've noticed the Craigslist prices have gone up each year and it is tougher to find them for sale with each passing year. Baby steps, but perhaps more of a market, and more of a tailgate culture has begun to take hold. I enjoyed all the lots but if I had to point to one that was best in terms of tailgate culture and percentage of people actually tailgating, It would have to be lot 37. I enjoyed all the bars too. They tended to be more fun if I was going with a bigger group of adults and that wasn't always possible for the games where it would be my wife and kids. I found Buffalo Wild Wings to be pretty good for that. The kids could go watch the pregame band event right next door while the two of us could have a couple drinks in the BWW lot.

I also got on a waiting list for a privately owned tailgate lot east of the Stadium. I got word this morning we are IN. So, finally, we have an every-week tailgate spot and I am really looking forward to it. I'm set. I already picked up a tailgate grill and today I am in the market for a tailgate tent. The anticipation is half the fun. I doubt there are many people willing to research, wait on a list, etc. to the degree I did. I hope someday a regular non-season ticket holder guy who has picked up 4 tickets to take his family can pack up his vehicle and head to campus with the intent to tailgate, knowing he will have a spot that can be found by simply driving around and checking prices.

I really wish the Goal Line Club would organize a private lot near campus like they did with the Dome. The thing I liked about that was it was mostly serious tailgaters, the cheaper lot wasn't just the high rollers, it was normal people. And they could have their own rules - like they always open at 7:00 AM regardless of game time unless people want to get there earlier. Now that the U gets the parking money, I know they don't really want to be perceived as drawing away from that (since part of the money would go to rent). Just wish something could be done to get most of the serious folks in one spot near campus that wasn't $1000 a spot...

 

[Hates Monikers]

I really wish the Goal Line Club would organize a private lot near campus like they did with the Dome. The thing I liked about that was it was mostly serious tailgaters, the cheaper lot wasn't just the high rollers, it was normal people. And they could have their own rules - like they always open at 7:00 AM regardless of game time unless people want to get there earlier. Now that the U gets the parking money, I know they don't really want to be perceived as drawing away from that (since part of the money would go to rent). Just wish something could be done to get most of the serious folks in one spot near campus that wasn't $1000 a spot...

East River Flats -- $10 a spot. It's still not hopping the way the tailgate lots by the Dome did before they shut them down, but it has improved every year. 15-20 minute walk to the stadium.

 

[Schnauzer]

East River Flats were a rare pregame option that I never did try. It is interesting to hear from people that universally praise it but also hear it hasn't caught on completely yet.

 

[GopherJack]

I really wish the Goal Line Club would organize a private lot near campus like they did with the Dome. The thing I liked about that was it was mostly serious tailgaters, the cheaper lot wasn't just the high rollers, it was normal people. And they could have their own rules - like they always open at 7:00 AM regardless of game time unless people want to get there earlier. Now that the U gets the parking money, I know they don't really want to be perceived as drawing away from that (since part of the money would go to rent). Just wish something could be done to get most of the serious folks in one spot near campus that wasn't $1000 a spot...

We too liked the Goal Line Club tailgate at the Metrodome. We would leave Rochester about 6 am and be in the lot tailgating by 7:30 (for 11 o'clock games). It was a great deal. Just throw your money down and eat and drink all you wanted!

 

[GoAUpher]

East River Flats were a rare pregame option that I never did try. If it weren't for getting a tailgate spot this year on a private lot, I likely would have tried it this season. It seems as though anyone that has tailgated there has had positive things to say about it.

How is the private lot getting around the City prohibitions on tailgating in private lots? Just asking everyone to keep it quieter and under control when they are there?

 

[upnorthkid]

thanks for the info. i am looking into tailgating for the iowa game (and yeah i know getting a spot will probably cost a pretty pretty penny) for the first time so any info people can provide is much appreciated

 

[Coolew01]

thanks for the info. i am looking into tailgating for the iowa game (and yeah i know getting a spot will probably cost a pretty pretty penny) for the first time so any info people can provide is much appreciated

I know it isn't ideal, but the state fair grounds gets a decent crowd. Free shuttle.

 

[wait!what?]

tell me more about the State Fair location. cost/location etc.

 

[Fuzzy Rumpton]

tell me more about the State Fair location. cost/location etc.

$10, on the southeast corner of the St. Paul campus. Shuttles continually run to the game. Issue is the lines getting back to the lot post-game. I believe if you don't catch the buses back you can take the campus shuttle. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[GraniteCityGopher]

After years of moving around, just got the upgrade to Lot 37. Friends and section-mates have been there for years. Really looking forward to the change, and yes, am looking for a tent or awning and flag to complete the effect! Love the location and, except for the drunk Iowegan who took a facer on the pavement, people are relatively well behaved, but have fun, and yes, share a beverage now and then!

I see tents on sale from time to time at places like Sam's Club, but am seeking the solid, deep maroon look. As for flags, I'm looking for a double capacity mast to fly the "M" at the top and the opposing team's banner hanging upside-down below. But, it all starts with the grill!

 

[wait!what?]

$10, on the southeast corner of the St. Paul campus. Shuttles continually run to the game. Issue is the lines getting back to the lot post-game. I believe if you don't catch the buses back you can take the campus shuttle. Correct me if I'm wrong.

East river Flats are also $10.00 but you have to walk...correct?

 

[Lakeville Goldy]

$10, on the southeast corner of the St. Paul campus. Shuttles continually run to the game. Issue is the lines getting back to the lot post-game. I believe if you don't catch the buses back you can take the campus shuttle. Correct me if I'm wrong.

You are correct - the busses run for I believe at least an hour and a half after the game but the shuttle picks up at the same spot, they just come less frequently.

The atmosphere there isn't bad. It's just there are a lot of people that just park there and go to the game. And it's so large that people spread out, which is nice for the room but makes it a little more isolated. But you can always find people to BS with...

 

[gophergrad]

We've moved around a lot, never having had a permanent spot. I've tailgated in the Maroon/Gold lots, Ski-U-Mah, and Lot 37. Like others have said for atmosphere Lot 37 can't be beat. The Maroon and Gold lots are cool because you're right next to the stadium, but at least in the maroon lot, it's used by old folks to park 10 minutes before the game. Last year I was able to find someone selling their spot at Ski-U-Mah every home game of the season. It takes awhile for people to show up, but it's an ok space. If people are looking for a single game tailgating option I'd look on craigslist/here the week before, almost always something available in the Ski-U-Mah lot.

For this year I'm excited to try the East River Flats. I'm going to be brewing my own beer and cider all summer to get ready for this season. Also trying to find a reasonably priced tent. If anyone sees one post it.

 

[Pewterschmidt]

I was in the Victory lot, where the RVs park, for the first 3 years. My group sold our Gopher van (not my choice) so now the rest of us left in our group are homeless tailgaters. We're going to try out the East River Flats a couple of times this year.

 

[WannaCMyGophers]

After years of moving around, just got the upgrade to Lot 37. Friends and section-mates have been there for years. Really looking forward to the change, and yes, am looking for a tent or awning and flag to complete the effect! Love the location and, except for the drunk Iowegan who took a facer on the pavement, people are relatively well behaved, but have fun, and yes, share a beverage now and then!

I see tents on sale from time to time at places like Sam's Club, but am seeking the solid, deep maroon look. As for flags, I'm looking for a double capacity mast to fly the "M" at the top and the opposing team's banner hanging upside-down below. But, it all starts with the grill!

For the flag pole - I bought exactly what you are looking for from Falls Flag Source (Nisswa). They had a stand at the state fair and had a great deal on a 20ft telescoping aluminum pole. It holds 2 3x5 flags in up to 80mph winds. They also sell one of the stands that sits under your car tire.

 

[mplsbadger]

With all the talk about people staying home because of TV I'm curious about tailgate technology. What are you using or what are the people around you using? Also how do you power it?

- HDTV w/ VHF for ABC?
- Directv dish with receiver & HDTV for ESPN & BTN?
- Slingbox using a WIFI card and laptop?

Are there any new choices? I heard Directv is now offering an over the net alternative like a Slingbox.

 

[Coolew01]

Picture from over in state fair lot

 

[ski-u-mah]

would have to be lot 37.

Amen brother!

 

[TexasAggie11]

To get a real tailgating scene going, you almost need to separate the tailgate from the parking. When you try to tailgate on your actual vehicle tailgate, each tailgate is limited in size to the back few feet of a parking stall, and each tailgate is somewhat segregated from one another. Plus, these kinds of tailgates are relegated to travel sized grills and a few folding chairs each. You want to get to a bigger scale with a higher density of people, tents, and grills, and no cars.

If you can have a vehicle-free zone (with 10 minute drop-off parking only), you can create an area of back-to-back tents and tailgates that is more like one big party people can walk through, and where larger-scale tailgates could happen. Drop off your stuff and your passengers, and have the driver go park in a nearby ramp or lot.

Just looking at the map with no other information, I would say to make lot C56 at the northwest corner of the stadium a trailer-only lot where trailer-mounted grills can be dropped or special tailgate vehicles parked. The grassy areas to the north and south of this lot can be for tents only. The one-way eastbound lane south of this lot would be a perfect loading/unloading zone, and the grass in front of Mariucci could be filled with tents. It's right across from the plaza area, and would be high visibility and good for pedestrian traffic.

Map:

Trailer / Special Rig Parking:

(this is actually a baseball game, so it is part of the main lot)

Tent Area:

As Opposed To:

 

[gopherhoopsguy]

Is there a good place for single game ticket holders to go?? Most of everything seems to be fore season ticket holders... Where does the guy go who can only make 2 games a year go?

 

[Breakin' The Plane]

Is there a good place for single game ticket holders to go?? Most of everything seems to be fore season ticket holders... Where does the guy go who can only make 2 games a year go?

State Fair and East River Flats are both great for single games. We have season tickets, but we always park in one of those lots.

 

[Schnauzer]

Is there a good place for single game ticket holders to go?? Most of everything seems to be fore season ticket holders... Where does the guy go who can only make 2 games a year go?

Keep an eye on Craigslist for tailgate lot parking passes. There are varying amounts available for pretty much every game. You might end up right next to the stadium or very close. I've done this several times.

 

[Fuzzy Rumpton]

TexasAggie, I really wish you were in charge of the game-day experience here. So many great ideas, even if they are just a twist on what A&M does.

 

[Hates Monikers]

East river Flats are also $10.00 but you have to walk...correct?

You can hop on a free game day shuttle to the stadium if you want to (you have to walk a bit to get there). But after waiting for a bus and winding around to the stadium, walking is almost as fast.

 

[TexasAggie11]

TexasAggie, I really wish you were in charge of the game-day experience here. So many great ideas, even if they are just a twist on what A&M does.

Actually, quite a bit of what I have suggested, at least in terms of improving attendance, doesn't come from A&M football. We've developed a culture here where we can pull in 70k for a game against Northeast Louisiana Business College during a losing season. Most comes from looking around at lots of other programs, or just coming up with something new outside of the box. It doesn't hurt to try a few small things and evaluate whether they have made a difference.

Some does come from Aggie basketball, where we struggle in terms of attendance. We've gone from an exciting program to a bland one over the course of about five years, and haven't done much to combat the loss of fans in the seats on a recurring basis. As much as I would like a packed house, I also thoroughly enjoy my courtside seats.

 

[go4rube]

The whole frickin' post

This! Email it to Teague. Who has Teague's email address?

 

[Unregistered User]

This! Email it to Teague. Who has Teague's email address?

Norwood Teague can be reached via email at: [email protected]