A Look Ahead: Sailgating

Since last week's game was away there wasn't any tailgating. I thought about going out to my spot with some chairs and cooking burgers, but I could just do that in my apartment and not get rained on. So I don't have any tailgating to report on. What I do have, though, is a look ahead. I'll be doing these every week after an away game in some shape or fashion that cover different aspects ranging from tailgating in the future, the perception of this team, or just things around campus. Also, expect more posts from me this week since it is homecoming/bowlcoming week!

A look ahead into the mystical world that is sailgating...

It's shaping up to be a great day today, of course, any day is that involves Baylor football. The weather is getting cooler and the games are getting harder, but that's fine. This is a new Baylor Bears team and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the season has in store for them.

Today starts out like any other day. I grab all the supplies necessary for my tailgate and load them up into my car. It would be fun to just enjoy the walk there, but walking with tents, 100+burgers, buns, ice, drinks, etc. would be a little much. It's ok though, I'm not worried about beating out traffic. There's no need to actually. I'm parking my car where I left my boat so that I can load everything on to the boat and then cruise on over to my dry land spot. It's great really. No worries about parking, and I get to float down the Brazos.

This whole sailgating thing really seemed like it would be nothing but a cool idea until this stadium was presented. It's one of those things you think about and say wow yea that would be really cool, but never do anything about it. The awe I feel seeing it come into reality is the same awe I received when Bubba Watson helped create a hovercraft golf cart. The idea in itself is awesome, actually seeing it is awe inspiring.

Anyways, I float on down the Brazos carrying everything necessary and eventually end up where I am supposed to be. Now, this is the spot where it gets a little interesting, and I tend to have to get a little wet. My friend that is supposed to meet me here is a little late so I have to hop out and and get a little wet. It's ok though, I bring a bathing suit and a couple towels with me and the water is only about 3 feet deep where I have to hop out anyway so it is not anything too treacherous. I'm able to get things all set up tent, food, and drink wise, and now my friend decides to show up. Funny, he always says he'll be out here as early as me, I give him the time, and time and time again he's thirty minutes late. But oh well, we're still the first organization out here and I take pride in that. He also towed the grill in, so he is useful for something.

Now that we're all set up, we both just relax on the boat, eat and drink, and watch College Game Day. Honestly I can't think of a better way to spend my Saturday morning/early afternoons. Tailgating before was a lot of fun, but the addition of water has added another element that is really soothing. The waves lightly bumping up against the underside of the boat, the reflection of the sun party tucked behind the clouds beaming off of the waves, and just the experience of being out on the water at this time of day "sailgating" your favorite collegiate football team.

The rest of the groups begin to show up and the water begins to fill up with boats. All the people are so friendly that it makes for a great atmosphere. You see all types of boats come in too. You think it's fun seeing the types of set ups people have on land for a tailgate site? Try looking around at all of the nautical set ups people come up with. it is truly a sight to be seen, and a sight that you cannot get really anywhere else. On the really hot days some people just make a day of it and go swimming or just float right next to their boat, because, why not? There is even an area set up for volleyball and other activities, in a little spot called AquaBear. **I have no idea if something like this is actually in the works or would even be possible, but it's cool to think about** And then of course, there are always people throwing the football around and making their own "spectacular" diving catches into the water.

As game time approaches, people begin to gather their things and make sure everything is secure in their boats or land tailgating areas. Those who decided to get to the game via boat as opposed to car anchor in their designated spots and start to head in to the game. All in all, it is another great tailgate/sailgate experience. The only problem is that with one more in the books, that means that there is one less remaining on the year. But I mean hey, I'll come out here anytime. Does hearing the Lonely Island's I'm on a Boat get old after a while? A little. But that's only because I also played it about 10 times throughout the day so I really can't be upset with everyone around me doing the same thing. Sure, Baylor tailgating isn't like a public school's or school with a much larger student body's tailgate, but we have boats. Hook, line and sinker, we win.