Virginia Tech Tailgating: Keys to Success
Proper tailgating for Hokie games requires proper tools and methods. First of all, you need your tailgating spot. Location is key. It all comes down to being or knowing a Hokie Club member with a significant ranking who has a good parking spot. The Hokie Club uses a variety of on-campus parking lots near (and some not so close) to Lane Stadium to allocate back door spots, and you want to make sure you get a good one. Buy a Virginia Tech football parking pass from an online auction site like eBay if necessary.
Next, make sure you are dressed for the occasion. It all depends on the weather, but an authentic Virginia Tech jersey (maroon or white) works great. If it’s a cool fall day, grab your favorite Virginia Tech sweatshirt. If it’s early in the season and hot, grab a Virginia Tech t-shirt, maybe a long-sleeve t-shirt if you want to keep cool. You can also opt for a Virginia Tech fleece, sweater, shell or a fancy golf shirt. I always try to dress in maroon, we are a maroon school. Orange, white, and other colors dilute the stadium effect.
Hokie’s back doors are all about food and drink, so this should be the top priority. I like to get there early so the grill can be set up and have plenty of time to smoke some kind of meat for hours, maybe ribs, Boston butts, or whole marinated chickens. But broiling in general should be the centerpiece of your tailgate. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken, steaks, or fish can make great backdoor dishes. Hokie country is bar-b-que country, so pick a sauce that suits what you’re grilling and it will make your backdoor guest happy. Complement your meat with any side dishes and snacks that you or anyone else can bring.
Food is a priority, but drinks are the backbone of your back door. Personally, I liken football to tailgating to ‘brown water’, also known as bourbon. There’s nothing like a good Kentucky bourbon or Tennessee whiskey to get you ready for game day. However, this is a personal thing, and you should have a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to satisfy your guest (or have them bring their own).
Other important aspects of your tailgate: How are people going to find their place? Get a high flag from Virginia Tech, personalize it a bit, and fly high. Plus, cover your Hokie back door with Virginia Tech chairs, coolers, and blankets. Everyone should drink from Hokie cups and mugs, too.
While the Hokie showdown is obviously the biggest game of the day, there will be plenty of other great college football games. The people at your back door will want to see other games (or go somewhere else). Do what other big fans do and get a portable satellite dish that connects to a receiver and televisions that you can quickly set up in the morning. A Virginia Tech inflatable sofa right in front is also a nice touch.
For me, the sign of a good tailgate is one that everyone wants to return to after the game.