VSU Students Invited to Tailgate Before Home Football Games

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University is encouraging students to tailgate before home football games, and have established a designated area adjacent to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium (north side of the University Center) for the pregame festivities.
 
Current Valdosta State students may reserve space on the Tuesday prior to a scheduled home football game, and reservations are accepted through Thursday at 5 p.m. Reservations must be made in person in the Student Life Office, located on the third floor of the Student Union. Spaces not reserved by the Thursday deadline will be made available for university departments, faculty and staff to reserve.
 
According to John Wright, associate director of Student Life, this is the first time reserved tailgating spaces have been reserved for students near the stadium.
 
“We are trying to build some school spirit among our student body,” said Wright. “We want to try and provide the big ‘game day’ experience for the students. Also, I hope that tailgating will lead students into the games.”
 
Wright believes this will help establish a long-standing tradition for students to tailgate before home football games.
 
Each home game will have a special tailgating theme to encourage students to create a festive atmosphere around the stadium, as well as promote school spirit.
 
2014 Home Football Games (tailgate theme)
 
7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6, (Contest to name the tailgating area)
 
7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, (Cook-off featuring any type of tailgating food) 

2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, (Pink Out for breast cancer awareness)
 
3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, (Homecoming, tent decoration contest)
 
The student tailgating area is sponsored by Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Student Life and Athletics. Specific instructions regarding tailgating guidelines are available on the Student Life website, www.valdosta.edu/student/student-life/our-services/special-events/blazergate.php