Tailgating with Sun Devil nation
Joseph Starkloff
A sea of bright gold t-shirts swamped the ASU Wells Fargo stadium parking lot hours before the Sun Devils’ match with the Oregon Ducks.With the game anticipated to commence in mere hours, ASU fans relaxed by grilling several different kinds of meats, drinking all manners of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and playing games such as Corn Hole and Latter Ball.
This phenomenon has been commonly referred to as tailgating, and for many fans, it’s the best way to enjoy a football game.
James Dexter, who set up camp in the very south end of the parking lot, had a unique food selection on the menu.
“We got (bratwursts) and hamburgers. Over here we have bacon wrapped, I’m not sure what’s in them, but they’re called man candy,” Dexter said.
Joe Wilson, another ASU fan who participated in tailgating, created a canopy by attaching a tarp to the roof of his van, and wrapping it around three poles.
He also installed modifications in the van so he could have several electronic conveniences.
Wilson was confident on ASU’s ability to defeat Oregon.
“I think (ASU’s chances of winning) are pretty good. They looked strong last week. We’re confident, not cocky, but confident.”
Jeff Dissen, a tailgater who supported Oregon, stated that there was little chance for ASU to win the game.
“I think the stats speak for themselves. (We’re) number five in the country, (going against) someone’s who’s not even ranked,” Dissen said.
Shawn Henry, whose tailgating set-up took up four parking spaces, stated that ASU had a good possibility to win.
“I think Oregon is vulnerable. It’s going to be a tight game, but in the end it’s going to come down to speed, and ASUs got greater speed than Oregon, ” Henry said.
Henry’s canopy was carpeted, and had several pairs of lawn furniture for his family to sit in after they picked what they wanted to eat from his buffet.
The grill was located behind the canopy, and a generator to the very right of the set-up provided power for the television Henry had placed in the dining area.
“It’s about a 15 minute setup, but (the design) has been a three year process. We’ve added stuff over the years,” Henry said.
Manuel Dominguez, an ASU season ticket holder, stated that the tailgating environment was sociable.
“Everybody is friendly. If we forget something we borrow it from the neighbor,” Dominguez said.
Dominguez also had a food selection that went beyond hamburgers and hotdogs.
“We’ve got some carne asada, pollo asado, beans, and some ribs and potato salad. The regular fixings,” Dominguez said.
