Tailgating just might be the best thing about UMass Amherst. Sometimes however, we tend to forget the reason we all gather together decked out in UMass Gear. The actual football game that follows the tailgate seems somewhat insignificant to the endless supply of beer, burgers and dizzy bat rounds. Nevertheless, here are four reasons why you should stick around past the tailgate.
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Movin’ On Up
While the Colonial Athletic Conference of the Football Championship Subdivision I-AA is behind us, a bright future is now in store. Making moves into the Mid-American Conference subdivision I-A, UMass will battle the best of the best. However, in order to keep this top status, UMass will need to keep an average of 15,000 fans per home game. So round up your friends and show some support for our team!
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Complete Social Scene
Even if football is not your sport, (or you hate all sports for that matter) attending a game providesa great social scene. Roaming through the sea of tailgaters can be a bit over whelming at times, but once the game starts its easy to find a section open for you and all of your friends. Cheering together for your team is a great way to bond. Although you might have arrived to the game with your best buds, looking around the stadium you are bound to find friends from your classes, dorms or even a party you went to last night. It’s a great way to expand your social circle.
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Weekend Ice Breakers
Have you ever had that awkward moment where you run out of things to talk about with a guy after the basic introduction? I sure have. An easy solution is to bring up a topic of mutual interest. Although chatting about football and throwing out stats may not be your thing, discussing a game you both attended may just fill that awkward pause. Try commenting on the spirit filled chants, the super fans in the front screaming their lungs out, or even the ridiculous looking rival mascot. According to Josh, a senior sport management major here at UMass, “After talking to a girl for a while the conversation might start to stall. Knowing that we both attended the game earlier that day is the perfect way to fight through it. The game becomes a back up conversation in your pocket to bring out when the going gets tough.”
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Last Chance at McGuirk Alumni Stadium
While the move up is exciting, the convenience for students to go catch a game is about to get more difficult. Starting next season, the UMass Minutemen will be crushing their competitors at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. Gillette, being almost an hour and a half away from Amherst, will make it tougher for students to go support their team. While you still can, take advantage of the short walk to the stadium and catch the fun before the big move.
Make sure to catch this Saturday’s home game against Central Connecticut at 6pm and check out http://www.umassathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/umas-m-footbl-body.html for future game times and scores!