Students, alumni and university and local organizations gathered in the parking lot of Shea Stadium for free food and activities at the Homecoming soccer game tailgate Oct. 18.
Bratwursts, T-shirts and koozies were among items passed out at the tailgate before the Bradley versus Central Arkansas game at 7 p.m.
Sophomore advertising major Jennie Hackinson represented SOcial NORming (SONOR) at the tailgate, one of the organizations passing out free items. SONOR was handing out T-shirts promoting the buddy system and the importance of having a designated driver when consuming alcohol.
“It was very successful,” Hackinson said. “We gave out all of our shirts at the campaign. We had actually planned to be there up until the game and hand out our shirts at the game, but it was so successful that we ended up giving them all out within two hours.”
According to Hackinson, SONOR had 200 T-shirts to give away, and running out quickly was an indication of the high attendance at the event.
“I thought the student turnout was great,” Hackinson said. “I heard that in the past we haven’t had a lot of students at games, so it was great to see that the parking lot was full.”
Along with SONOR, other organizations such as Catholic Braves and 98.5 KISS FM added to the tailgate experience.
According to Catholic Braves President Joe Muting, members grilled burgers and hot dogs and played bags.
“This was a great event to get people excited about homecoming and the soccer game,” Muting said.
Freshman academic exploration program major Adam Johnson said there were also many fraternity and sorority groups at the tailgate.
“I hung out with all of my fraternity brothers,” Sigma Chi new member Johnson said. “I had a good time. I can’t think of anything that would have made [the tailgate] better.”
