Tailgating for Virginia Tech football games has become big time in the last decade as Frank Beamer has developed the program to national prominence, and the fan following with it. The sales of Virginia Tech apparel has grown as Virginia Tech sports have grown, and Saturdays (and sometimes Thursdays or other days of the week) in Blacksburg are full of fans wearing a Virginia Tech sweatshirt, Virginia Tech t-shirt, or Virginia Tech jersey. Virginia Tech football tickets are valuable items.

The right tailgating for Hokie games takes proper gear and methods. To start with, you need your tailgating spot. Parking spot is key. This many times comes down to being or knowing a Hokie Club member with good ranking that has a good parking spot. The Hokie Club utilizes a whole variety of parking lots on campus close (and some not very close) to Lane Stadium to assign tailgate spots, and you want to make sure you get a good one. Buy a Virginia Tech football parking pass from an on the internet auction site like eBay if necessary.

Next, make sure you are decked out for the occasion. It all depends on the weather, but an authentic Virginia Tech jersey (either maroon or white) works great. If it’s a clear fall day, get your favorite Virginia Tech sweatshirt. If it’s early in the season and warm, slip on a Virginia Tech t-shirt, possibly a long sleeve t-shirt if you want to stay cool. A fleece, pullover, shell, or sleek Virginia Tech golf polo are also possibilities. I always try to wear maroon – we are a maroon school. Orange, white, and other colors reduce the stadium effect.

Hokie tailgates are primarily about food and drinks, so this should be top focus. I like to get there early so that the grill can be set up and given ample time to smoke a variety of meat for hours, maybe ribs, Boston butt, or marinated whole chickens. But grilling in general should be the main attention of your tailgate. Burgers, sausages, chicken, beef, or fish can all make great tailgate food. Hokie country is bar-b-que country, so offer a sauce that compliments what you are grilling and will ensure your tailgate guest happy. Complement your grilled stuff with whatever sides and extras you or your tailgate partners can bring.

Food is a priority, but drinks are the lifeblood of your tailgate. Personally, I equate Hokie tailgating with ‘brown water’, aka bourbon. There’s nothing like a excellent Kentucky bourbon or Tennessee whisky to get you ready for game day. However, this is my thing, and you need to have a variety of beverages, 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 locate your spot? Get a bright Virginia Tech Flag , personalize it some and fly it above your tailgate. Also, accessorize your Hokie tailgate out with Virginia Tech chairs, coolers, and blankets. Everyone should be drinking out of Hokie cups and mugs too.

While the Hokie game is obviously the most important game of the day, there will be lots of other great college games on. Attendees at your tailgate are going to want to watch other games (or they’ll head somewhere else). Do what many tailgaters do and get a portable satellite TV dish you hook up to a receiver and Televisions you can swiftly scramble to set up in the morning. A blow up Virginia Tech couch right in front is also a nice
touch.

To me, the sign of a great tailgate is one that everyone wants to return to after the game.

Getting prepared for gameday in Blacksburg? Have a Hokie fan that needs a gift? You can find great gear like a Virginia Tech Sweatshirt or other Virginia Tech Apparel at VirginiaTechFan.com, the Hokie Sports Blog and Fan Store.

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