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A College Girl’s Guide to Throwing the Ultimate At-Home Tailgate

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at OSU chapter.

This past week, the Big Ten voted to resume its college football season starting the weekend of Oct. 24. This means we finally get to throw on our cute game day outfits and watch our Buckeyes do what they do best. However, the football season is going to look a little different this year as we can’t all gather inside the Shoe together or go crazy at the tailgate before the games. That doesn’t mean this football season can’t be fun though. Here are 4 easy ways to throw a (socially distant) tailgate party that will be almost as fun as being at the game.

Look the part.

It’s time to dust off those cheer skirts, jerseys, and scarlet and gray tube tops and bring them back into your weekly wardrobe. Even though you may not be able to show off your game day style in front of one hundred thousand or so of your closest friends and family in Ohio Stadium, you can definitely still post all of the cute football fit pics to your Instagram to show off your home team pride.

Decorate your living room to display your team spirit.

While watching the game on your living room TV may not be quite the same as seeing it in person, you don’t have to sacrifice the game-day atmosphere entirely. Bring out the OSU flags, banners and team-colored streamers so everyone knows exactly who you’re rooting for. If you really want to get into it, paint your own sheet banners to let the opposing team know who’s boss.

Make some typical tailgating snacks (and drinks)!

One perk of watching the game at home is that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on stadium food. Instead, you can whip up some of your favorite tailgating foods from the comfort of your own kitchen and at a fraction of the cost. Don’t forget party staples like buffalo chicken dip, nachos, pigs in a blanket, and chips and salsa. If you really want to go the extra mile, try making this Ohio State themed cocktail. And, obviously, don’t forget the peanut butter and chocolate buckeyes!

Create your own crowd (of 10 people or less).

Even though you may not be able to watch the game shoulder to shoulder with your fellow Buckeyes in the Shoe, you definitely don’t have to watch the game alone. Encourage all of your roommates to join in on the fun and maybe invite a couple of friends over to cheer on the Bucks alongside you. As long as you don’t let your guest list surpass 10 people and you’re good to go.

Even though this football season looks a little differently than expected, it’s still exciting to be able to watch our team play every Saturday. Fall would not truly be fall without Saturday football, after all. If you go into game days this year with the right attitude, you can still have a good time celebrating a good old Buckeye win with your closest friends, even if it is from the comfort of your own couch.

Jenna is a senior at The Ohio State University (go bucks!!) double majoring in English and Communications. She is from Cincinnati, Ohio. When she isn't writing, reading, or studying, Jenna likes to spend her time eating Skyline Chili and playing with her dogs, Dixie and Dexter.