Michigan State football<\/a>. That means from the time I\u2019m writing this, we are roughly just 190 hours from the first cornhole boards being set up, the first tents and grills being unloaded, and the first smell of Fireball and light beers being cracked in this great football town.<\/p>\nTailgating is a storied pastime for all football fans, and the Michigan State tailgate will always feel like home to me.<\/p>\n
The coolest thing about East Lansing tailgates is that it feels like everyone knows everyone. I\u2019m convinced I could just walk around campus and be offered 300 plates of food and 300 beers by complete strangers, simply because I\u2019m wearing green and white. It\u2019s awesome, and in my experience, I haven\u2019t seen opposing fans be treated any differently than our own.<\/p>\n
Recently, an article was dropped by a Wisconsin football fan from\u00a0Outkick<\/i>\u00a0that highlighted his ideal tailgating experience. He included the things we all look for at college football tailgates in the Midwest. Notably, the desire to pick up all the women you can. Because nothing screams a good football pregame like an awkward first date. He also alluded to the need for great food and drinks. Which I agree with. Nothing fancy, and definitely no hot dogs. Brats are okay because that\u2019s a man\u2019s meal.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m kidding; this is satire.<\/p>\n
This guy\u2019s take on a tailgate might be one of the worst ever, so I\u2019m going to share my ideal East Lansing tailgate.<\/p>\n
Whether it\u2019s your first year tailgating in East Lansing, or you, your friends, and your family have had the same spot locked up for 25 years, everyone tailgates differently. I\u2019ve seen pizza ovens \u2014 which is something we\u2019re trying out this season at my tailgate. I\u2019ve seen a big screen TV built into the side of a camper, and a few lawn chairs around a fire pit. I\u2019ve witnessed the most diverse food and drink spreads, to the simplest. However you want to do it, is perfect, because that is what a tailgate is at the core.<\/p>\n
The food<\/b><\/h3>\n
Food is a big thing for me. There\u2019s nothing I love more than digging into some breakfast burritos for a noon game with College GameDay on in the background. Or a simple hot dog, or BBQ on the grill. I personally love the variety, with everything on my plate from mac and cheese, a burger, and a hot dog, to a pulled pork sandwich and brisket. I also love snacks. Chips and dip are king for me, and a perfect way to pad the blanket the beer and fireball gives me. Whether you go into the game or set up the TV and generator, I\u2019ve seen food ranging from tacos and pasta to sliders and BBQ.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t overthink it, eat what will make you happiest.<\/p>\n
The drinks<\/b><\/h3>\n
In the article I referenced, the writer is big against cocktails. He wants the cooler loaded with manly light beers and seltzers, but only for the women. Hot take, I love to mix in a peach High Noon, or hard cider for the fall vibes. Coors Lights are great, but I\u2019m a sucker for an IPA or craft beer when things pick up. Again, the best part of a tailgate is the variety you see.<\/p>\n
Taking one out of\u00a0@Sheehan_Sports\u00a0<\/i>playbook, when it comes to shots and liquor, I will never turn down some cinnamon whiskey, especially for those cold-weather games. I\u2019ve been known to make some gin and tonics at the tailgate or indulge in some bourbon for the games with more on the line.<\/p>\n
I think the 2021 Michigan game saw me drink all of these and more, just to get through the emotional roller coaster. The \u201ctake a shot for each Kenneth Walker touchdown\u201d didn\u2019t help either.<\/p>\n
Games and activities<\/b><\/h3>\n
Listen, I\u2019m going to be strict here. I think cornhole boards are a must at a tailgate \u2014 especially a tailgate in East Lansing. But, if the cornhole board takes up too much room in the car, just bring a football or any other lawn game. Honestly, there\u2019s nothing better than seeing people, kids all the way to adults throwing the football around, doing their best Kirk Cousins impressions.<\/p>\n
Personally, I love running the cornhole boards and enjoying the time with friends and family under the tent listening to music while watching the noon games. A little bit of everything. It\u2019s supposed to be an experience.<\/p>\n
Other stuff<\/b><\/h3>\n
Unlike our Wisconsin fan from the Outkick article, whatever works for you is what makes the best tailgate.<\/p>\n
Music on a speaker is great, but understand that not everyone in your area wants to hear that. I feel as if a good tailgate should have a TV, or two. Even if you are going into the stadium, I still love to track the scores from the games before or help get the juices flowing with College GameDay on the screen. You can bring a grill, or just prepped food in trays, and bags of chips always work. Bring the coolers, a few tables, a few chairs, and a tent, and you\u2019re already set. A firepit is awesome, especially for the cold weather games.<\/p>\n
To wrap this up, there is no tailgate blueprint. You can go simple, or go big. Usually, I like to start with a few light beers, or maybe some Irish cream in your coffee for the early mornings.<\/p>\n
Truly one of my favorite parts about football season in East Lansing is the tailgating experience. The buzz is in the air, no matter the team\u2019s record that season. The footballs and bags flying around, the smell of food, and drinks, and smoke from a firepit in the air. The \u201cIt\u2019s a beautiful day for football<\/em>\u201d that seems to reach the other side of Grand River. The fact that everyone is all gathered to root for Michigan State football.<\/p>\nIt never gets old, so here\u2019s to your tailgate, and the start of tailgate season. Just eight days away.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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