College football is more than just going to the games and touchdowns. It’s about meeting people, tailgates, playing games, and having the overall Saturday football experience. It gives a chance for the students to show their pride for their school. However, it’s not just the students making this football experience happen, it’s the alumni and community members, all coming together to achieve one thing. That one thing is, a good experience for everyone participating in this football experience.
Indiana University is no different. The atmosphere at IU on game days is amazing. From the tailgates and the smell of burgers and hot dogs, to the chanting of the fight song in the background. Hoosiers take Saturdays very seriously only dressing in white and red to show school spirit. Some don’t even go to the games, the atmosphere for them is enough for them to be satisfied.
“These events definitely bring together the student body as it gives us a common cause and shared experiences,” said Nial Gillen, a past NC student, now an IU student who regularly goes to the games. To Gillen, IU football represents both competition and community.
“The best part about football games is the community coming together to celebrate. People come from all over the state to come together,” Gillen said.
This community does not just extend to the locals and students that attend IU, but high schoolers too.
“The energy and fun you get from the game is unmatched,” Daniel Pascal said.
While he is not yet an IU student he attends as many home games as possible. He goes for the sense of community and it gives him an opportunity to see what college is like.
“My favorite part about going to the games is the people I meet and the amazing food,” Pascal said.
For Pascal IU games are just as much about tailgating and being with friends as much as being on the field and watching his favorite team.
Even as the Hoosiers face tough competition while being in the big ten they never lose hope. As the marching band leads the fight song and it echoes throughout Memorial stadium. Keeping fans in the game until the final tackle.
While tailgates may set the mood, it’s the students, alumni, and locals making it happen and showing their pride for the game and community. They are the backbone of the whole operation in making what we know today as College Football.
