Tailgating Season“ARE YOU READY for SOME FOOTBALL?”

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That phrase, put to music by

Hank Williams Jr. years ago, set

in motion a series of productions

for the sport that has become

a spectacle (and the norm) for

networks across the country. It’s

not just a game anymore. It’s an

entertainment event.

As far as I can tell, singing, foot-

ball and television first were coupled

on ABC’S MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL in

the mid-1970s. HOWARD COSELL (love

him or hate him) was the main talent.

His quirky personality, sometimes

strange antics and distinct manner

of speaking was a constant from

play-by-play to the halftime high-

lights. Frank Gifford provided the

expert analysis. Don Meredith was

the singer.

Playing the “Aw shucks, good ‘ole

boy” role, Don was genuinely funny.

His humor was never forced, but

revealed itself in a flowing, honest

manner that made audiences feel

he was a long-lost friend from high

school. When Don sang, “Turn out

the lights, the party’s over,” there

would be time left on the clock, but

the outcome of the game had been

decided.

When OSU fans mention being

ready for some football, they are

usually talking about tailgating,

which seems to be a spectacle all its

own. You can see it all in the parking

lots, this commotion created by the

pick-up truck.

There are barbecue smokers

so massive they require their own

trailer hitches (you know who you

are). Are we smoking entire sides of

beef or what? Those quantities may

be in order if the crowds around

many tents are indicative of how

many are eating there. Appetites

are hearty and voracious. And they

all agree, everything tastes better

when cooked over an open flame —

especially 600 pounds of cow.

Your proximity to the grill is in

direct proportion to the month.

November, real close. September,

not so much. If you can think of

it, it’s fair game to be grilled, fried,

skewered or sautéed.

The table fare is only half the

issue. The other is the decor. If you

are not a frequent tailgater, you

may be asking, “YOU DECORATE YOUR DESIGNATED AREA?”

Of course! Many spaces have

an ensemble that would make a

furniture store salivate. There are

couches, tables, chairs, lamps, rugs

and home furnishings of all shapes,

sizes and … well, just the one color.

Someone call Southern Living.

Most of the spreads are picture

perfect. Then again, others look like

something I’d throw out there.

But even then, relaxing on the

couch-away-from-home is not

enough. There has to be pre-game

entertainment, too. Some tailgaters

bring as sundry lawn games, check-

ers and various outdoor diversions.

Others resort to good old fashioned

people watching. Though, between

you and me, here’s a word to the

wise. While you may not feel like

you are exhibiting behavior worthy

of watching, you just might be

game-day amusement for the group

around the corner.

Lastly, the technology is astound-

ing. Just because fans are in the

parking lot does not mean they

have to miss their second-favorite

team (or team they love to hate) play.

There are televisions of all shapes,

sizes and price points. No screen is

too big for tailgating.

And if they’re going to the trouble

of toting the television, they typically

go all-in and bust out the portable

satellite dishes. In fact, there are

enough signals being emitted and

received, I’m sometimes fearful of

interfering with aircraft transmission

at nearby Stillwater Airport.

Don’t believe me? Get to the

game early and make a pass

through the area. Get some tailgate

grub. Find a screen and have a seat.

Put your feet up. Many tailgates

have enough monitors and satellites

to make NASA … orange with envy.

GO POKES!

KYLE WRAYASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT & MARKETING

SEPTEMBER 2011