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Tailgating Season“ARE YOU READY for SOME FOOTBALL?”
82
That phrase, put to music by
Hank Williams Jr. years ago, set
in motion a series of productions
for the sport that has become
a spectacle (and the norm) for
networks across the country. It’s
not just a game anymore. It’s an
entertainment event.
As far as I can tell, singing, foot-
ball and television first were coupled
on ABC’S MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL in
the mid-1970s. HOWARD COSELL (love
him or hate him) was the main talent.
His quirky personality, sometimes
strange antics and distinct manner
of speaking was a constant from
play-by-play to the halftime high-
lights. Frank Gifford provided the
expert analysis. Don Meredith was
the singer.
Playing the “Aw shucks, good ‘ole
boy” role, Don was genuinely funny.
His humor was never forced, but
revealed itself in a flowing, honest
manner that made audiences feel
he was a long-lost friend from high
school. When Don sang, “Turn out
the lights, the party’s over,” there
would be time left on the clock, but
the outcome of the game had been
decided.
When OSU fans mention being
ready for some football, they are
usually talking about tailgating,
which seems to be a spectacle all its
own. You can see it all in the parking
lots, this commotion created by the
pick-up truck.
There are barbecue smokers
so massive they require their own
trailer hitches (you know who you
are). Are we smoking entire sides of
beef or what? Those quantities may
be in order if the crowds around
many tents are indicative of how
many are eating there. Appetites
are hearty and voracious. And they
all agree, everything tastes better
when cooked over an open flame —
especially 600 pounds of cow.
Your proximity to the grill is in
direct proportion to the month.
November, real close. September,
not so much. If you can think of
it, it’s fair game to be grilled, fried,
skewered or sautéed.
The table fare is only half the
issue. The other is the decor. If you
are not a frequent tailgater, you
may be asking, “YOU DECORATE YOUR DESIGNATED AREA?”
Of course! Many spaces have
an ensemble that would make a
furniture store salivate. There are
couches, tables, chairs, lamps, rugs
and home furnishings of all shapes,
sizes and … well, just the one color.
Someone call Southern Living.
Most of the spreads are picture
perfect. Then again, others look like
something I’d throw out there.
But even then, relaxing on the
couch-away-from-home is not
enough. There has to be pre-game
entertainment, too. Some tailgaters
bring as sundry lawn games, check-
ers and various outdoor diversions.
Others resort to good old fashioned
people watching. Though, between
you and me, here’s a word to the
wise. While you may not feel like
you are exhibiting behavior worthy
of watching, you just might be
game-day amusement for the group
around the corner.
Lastly, the technology is astound-
ing. Just because fans are in the
parking lot does not mean they
have to miss their second-favorite
team (or team they love to hate) play.
There are televisions of all shapes,
sizes and price points. No screen is
too big for tailgating.
And if they’re going to the trouble
of toting the television, they typically
go all-in and bust out the portable
satellite dishes. In fact, there are
enough signals being emitted and
received, I’m sometimes fearful of
interfering with aircraft transmission
at nearby Stillwater Airport.
Don’t believe me? Get to the
game early and make a pass
through the area. Get some tailgate
grub. Find a screen and have a seat.
Put your feet up. Many tailgates
have enough monitors and satellites
to make NASA … orange with envy.
GO POKES!
KYLE WRAYASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT & MARKETING
SEPTEMBER 2011