Tailgating: The UB Way of Life
Buffalo, New York is home to the University of Buffalo and its famous football team the Buffalo Bulls; this university houses some of the most loyal and die-hard fans in the state. Seeing the city on a game day is truly something you will never forget. Tail gating is a huge part of the UB community as it brings everyone together much like a family; strangers turn into friends over just a simple game of football. There is no game or event that does this as easily and effectively as football does.
Being a freshmen and going to these football games is a great way to socialize and meet new people. As I drove around the surrounding areas of the stadium to find the best place for me to attend tailgates, I discovered it was too easy to find welcoming tailgaters and friendly faces to narrow my choices down. The 2 mile radius around the stadium is full of loyal fans anxiously awaiting kick-off. Every fan I met offered whatever information I needed and a place to stay to celebrate. While, walking around it is easy to notice all the things University of buffalo is known for; partying and underage drinking. I quickly made note that students had no regard to underage drinking laws; police weren’t looking to get students in trouble that were minding their own business. If the students at the tailgates were acting in a somewhat responsible manner and were not putting anyone else in danger, the cops merely turned the other way.
As the differences of the alumni and students continued to shine through to me without and even once speaking to anyone, I found myself seeing that many students have befriended those around them, even if they are older. Instantly a bond has formed, over a game of football. Walking around aimlessly immediately made me stand out. Everyone else had destinations in mind and friends to meet. I instead was wondering around taking everything in that I possibly could. The most frustrating thing I experienced was the amount of things simultaneously happening; I was never fully aware of my surroundings.
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The Student Parking Lot was full of students blasting music and drinking beer. It was hard to hear what people were saying and it was overwhelming to say the least. Students walked from parking spot to parking spot to either meet up with old friends or make new ones. I was taken by surprise when I saw it was so easy to approach people. At Every Tailgate, 5 hours before kick-off, tailgating goes in full swing. Every spot in every lot was filled. Whether you were from out of town or right down the road, you knew when to make your way to the tailgating spot. As I investigated further, I met a young male individual. I asked if I could stay and watch what was going on. After explaining my project, without hesitation, he pulled a chair up for me and offered me a beer. He smiled and said “Here, stay as long as you want, as long as you are a Bulls fan”. I made a new friend that day, and I firsthand experienced the feeling that I was part of the UB family.
Subsequently, Food and drinks were everywhere I turned. I could tell that this was not something to throw together at the last minute. A lot of preparation must have been put into this and I was sure to make a note of this. At every person’s tailgate I saw, there were chips, salsa, beer, chicken, and or hot dogs. Most of them had all those items. Games were being played, some familiar to me and some things I had never seen before, with friendly competition between fellow fans. Throughout the day people ate, drank, sang, danced, enjoyed time with new friends and old, and most of all made a mess. As I walked away to make my way to the stadium for kick off, I noticed the amount of time it took not only to clean up a tailgating area, but I saw the amount of time people did not take to clean up where they were. I stopped and watched thousands of people put their belongings back in their cars and take careful inventory to be sure they have every item they brought with them. I also watched those same people leave with food on the ground, beer cans scattered about, and trash everywhere. Was it that difficult to bend down and pick up after yourself?
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The excitement didn’t slow down as the fans made their way to the stadium; in fact it continued to grow. Fans chanted as the thousands of people made their way to the UB Stadium. Friendships are made by those around you, and everyone is quick to form a connection with each other. This again made me think about how easy it is for football to bring people together. Handshakes are exchanged to everyone around and it is known that no one here is a stranger. The atmosphere outside the stadium is nothing like I have ever experienced. Hopefulness and anxiousness are clearly shared for Bull fans waiting for kick-off. The sound of 50,000 people making their way to the stadium to cheer for their team is enough to make anyone want to attend a game, whether you are a true and loyal fan, or a first time game goer.
Football season was just beginning and I still feel I have a lot to learn. I left my station I had made at the tailgate and said goodbye. I would have to wait until next game to see my new friends again; I already had plenty of invitations. It was strange, that just by observation and a few meaningless conversations I had made so many friends from just one football game. Football continues to bring so many people together every game, even every season, and I had never noticed how many people took advantage of the time they were there to make and maintain relationships. At the beginning of this project I was under the impression that I would be merely taking a look at the subculture of tailgating. However, what I found out was only the tip of the ice burg. This was the best decision I had ever made, it continues to give me something to look forward to. These people I just met are individuals that would invite anyone in, as long as you are there to support the same team they are. I expected to go to a few tailgates and sit off to the side and learn just enough information to complete this project. It was so much more; it brought new friendships and a deeper appreciation for my school and its athletics. I am now able to say, with 100% certainty, I am a part of the “UB way of life”, and I have never been so proud of that.
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