They say baseball is America’s pastime. What isn’t said, however, is that tailgating has become an extremely popular tradition for collegesfrom sea to shining sea. As football season is starting to come to a bitter cold end – and I’m not just talking about Boston College’s record – tailgating becomes less about school spirit and more about keeping warm.
Why should we sacrifice our enthusiasm for our team just because of a few snowflakes? There’s no crying in baseball, and there’s most certainly no complaining in tailgating (I know I know, another baseball reference. But it was cute, right?). Yes, alcohol will keep you warm, but that ‘blanket’ will wear off soon enough if you’re drinking moderately and smartly.
Even if you’re not planning on actually going to the game, there are plenty of ways to show your spirit without getting frost bite.
1.) Accessorize!
Okay, so maybe that’s not the manliest word to use when talking about football. However, it can make or break your afternoon. Hats, gloves and scarves will make a huge difference in how warm you feel and won’t throw off your outfit. Most colleges even sell these winter accessories in school colors at your bookstore.
“I always wear my infamous cheetah gloves during winter tailgates and football games,” said Lauren Kirby, a junior at University of Michigan. They keep me warm without cramping my style!"
This way, you can wear whatever you want as far as a coat or shirt goes, and still feel like you just chugged delicious hot chocolate.
2.) Stick to em’
Another great way to keep your freedom to go crazy and wear whatever the heck you want is a simple and cheap sticker.
“If you put a sticker or war paint on your face it makes it spirited no matter what you wear,” said Rachel Dickerman, a junior at the chilly Michigan State University.
This way, you can wear that heavy North Face that makes you look like the Michelin Man while still looking like you care about your football team (whether or not you just came for the free beer).
Have fun this winter, keep warm, and GO TEAM!
Photo: skidrd at flickr.com
