Southern Tailgating

So apparently I'm offensive. Who knew?

Today was a very bittersweet day for me. It was opening weekend for college football; the greatest time of year. I've been looking forward to this weekend since January. As much as I wish as I was in Starkville ringing my cowbell, I celebrated by attending Vanderbilt's opening game against Western Carolina (insert HUGE yawn here). I have always, always understood that fans and students in the SEC tailgate in a very different way than the majority of college football fans. That's what makes all of us unique. I feel like the only other conference that can understand and appreciate our tailgating rituals is the Big 12, and they don't even come close.

There is something magical about arriving on the Thursday before the football game of your Alma Mater in your RV. It's the smell of whiskey and BBQ in the air before the game. It's frat boys and sorority girls dressed in bow ties and cocktail dresses. It's strategically placing your tailgating tent right in the center of it all so that you have prime people-watching real estate. It's the hospitality of all the fans who welcome you to have a few bites and a few drinks at their tent. It makes sense to those who've lived it. For those who haven't, we welcome the opportunity to educate and demonstrate. This is the SEC.

I was trying to explain this tonight but instead was told that "you all" were obnoxious. I am taking this to mean deep South tailgaters. I, understanding that this was how many of us were raised, tried to educate. Apparently I offended in the process. Normally I would make amends, but I feel I did nothing wrong in this instance. I honestly believe that tailgating is more than partying. It's in our bones; it's how we were raised. Cowbells aren't loud, annoying noise makers. They are part of a tradition. Fight songs were meant to be sung. Food was meant to be shared. Alcohol was meant to be drunk. I try to have patience for those who don't understand (or for those born above Kentucky). I do, however, have zero tolerance for those that choose to judge and are close-minded when we try to explain our tailgating culture. It's just not right. It's rude.

Dear Lord, please bless their little misinformed hearts. Hail State!