Pregaming the pregame: 9 fun things to do besides tailgating

Tailgating is a cherished college football tradition that allows fans to celebrate their favorite teams with friends and family, but sometimes it can get a bit rowdy. If you’re looking for more relaxing ways to get involved this football season or have retired from tailgating, here are nine additional ways to show your support!

1. Spread cheer at a pep rally: Pep rallies unite students, alumni, and fans and encourage team spirit. From cheer squads and music to reenactments and competitions, these events are designed to get everyone pumped for the game while getting lost in the crowd of fellow fans. The University of Virginia’s “Paint the Town Orange” pep rally celebrates the first game of the season with decked-out orange attire, while Ohio State’s “Skull Session” combines a marching band rehearsal with the support of the player, an example of getting everyone involved.
2. Watch the parade: See all the cool floats, mascots, and performances that occur before and after the big game, with bigger and better demonstrations occurring after a win, like the University of Georgia parade in 2023, where the team celebrated back-to-back title championships. You can even expect fireworks over the lake at some schools, like the famous pep rallies at Clemson University.
3. Jam alongside the marching band: The marching band is the backbone of the football game (and may even be the secret to winning), responsible for hyping up the crowd by performing the best tunes to keep the party going, win or lose. While music is the focus of every marching band, some schools also revel in quirky football fashions, like the University of Texas, whose band sports fancy cowboy costumes instead of the typical band uniforms. Other schools, like the 310 wind instrument-playing University of Tennessee, are known for their spectacular halftime shows. Learn your school's chants and cheers, and remember to give props to the talented musicians who set the school's atmosphere!
4. Find a fan zone: A fan zone is an area in the stadium where attendees gather to watch the game and usually includes food, merchandise, and fun entertainment options like competitions and prize giveaways. At the fan zones of the University of Wisconsin, for example, you can expect shared bratwursts and lots of jolly singing, while the University of Florida's, known as “The Swamp,” showcases an engaging fan zone consisting of reptile apparel and decor—both exciting ways to connect with fellow game-goers and make new friends!
5. Go on a stadium tour: Ever wonder what goes on at some of the country’s largest football stadiums, like The Big House at the University of Michigan and Penn State’s Beaver Stadium? A must for sports enthusiasts and an educational opportunity for those not so well-versed in football, stadium tours offer an intimate and behind-the-scenes glimpse of the school's football field. It's even cooler to view from below, where the energies of past and present players continue to thrive.
6. Attend a concert: Campuses liven up during Homecoming, with college students across the country graced with concerts and performances from professional artists, like Kanye West, who surprised Howard University with a special Homecoming performance in 2019, and Phil Vassar, who is set to perform at Bowling Green State University’s 2024 Homecoming concert.
7. Sign up for an athlete meet and greet: Introduce yourself to the players who will lead your school to victory with an athlete meet and greet. These events are great ways to put faces to numbers (without the helmets), get to know the players on a personal level, and thank them for dedicating their time to create an exhilarating campus atmosphere. Attending a meet and greet is also a chance to mingle with future professional players, like University of Illinois alumni Devon Marquis Witherspoon and former Northwestern player Peter Skoronski.
8. Volunteer: Philanthropy is a big part of college athletics, with ticket and merchandise sales benefiting not only the school but also communities and organizations that need extra help. The University of Alabama, for example, holds several community engagement initiatives, from mentorship programs to hunger relief. Greek organizations at large state schools, like San Diego State and Arizona State, also hold fundraisers and fun competitions during the season that benefit charities. You can find volunteer opportunities at many schools, and helping those in need will not only improve the lives of the disadvantaged but also convert them into fans of your team!
9. Cook your favorite party foods: Southern colleges like LSU and the University of South Carolina are known for fried food, BBQ, and Cajun dishes, as evidenced by their very generous, taste bud-inducing tailgates. Potlucks and get-togethers are plentiful throughout football season, meaning this is your excuse to try out that new recipe you’ve been eyeing. Prepare a delicious dip or your favorite chicken wing marinade, and get ready to cheer on your team with a full stomach!

Tailgates may be fun, but these alternatives provide safe and responsible ways to enjoy the football season with friends and family. Whether you’re supporting your college or visiting loved ones out-of-state, showing school spirit is universal, no matter how you celebrate!