Tailgating the W&M Way
The Historic Triangle’s back-to-school season signals the approach of favorite autumn pastimes, and among these is an annual rite adored by an ardent group of locals who love their hometown as much as they do their home team.
William & Mary football begins its 125th season this year, a long tradition that transcends punts and passes.Fans come in droves to show their team spirit long before kickoff. Pre-game tailgating has always been part of the warm-up for college football, but at a school like William & Mary, it’s something more—a chance to bond with neighbors who also understand what’s special about this historic college town.
Williamsburg city councilwoman and William & Mary alumna Barbara Ramsey has been tailgating for many years. On game day, Ramsey walks from her home near campus and makes the rounds among the regular tailgaters, which includes both locals and out-of-towners. “This is a chance to meet new people and reconnect with old friends,” she said.
The variety of the spreads always impresses Ramsey. There are ample burgers and dogs, sure, but there’s just as often pulled pork or clam chowder, she says.
And Ramsey is always sure to be in her seat by kickoff. “Tailgating takes a two-hour athletic event and makes it a six-hour day of socializing,” she said.
“Tailgating is geared around fellowship,” said Richard Long, Senior Associate Director of Development, Alumni Engagement and Corporate Sponsorship for the William & Mary Alumni Association. “It’s generally a mix of alumni, the school community, parents and supporters of the college.”
Tribe football tailgating is family-friendly, not a frat party, said Long. There are always as many good vibes as there are good eats. A roving pep band and cheerleaders prep revelers for kickoff, as do lawn games such as cornhole, even the occasional bounce house for the wee ones.
Long said that 2017 is the firstTribe football season that the Alumni Association is selling tailgating spaces on the lawn of the Alumni House, adjacent to Zable Stadium. That has expanded the numerous options for tailgating for the five home games William & Mary plays, said Pete Kresky, who directs sales and sponsorships for Tribe Athletics.
Community corporate partners often reserve spaces in prime locations—such as Zable Stadium’s flagpoles—and host lavish and well-attended tailgates. These have become increasingly popular in recent years, according to Kresky. When Chesapeake Bank began hosting tailgating more than 15 years ago, roughly 50 people attended. Now that number has grown to 450.
Individual fans often tackle game day by purchasing parking spots near the stadium and contributing their own little spin to the much larger block party. Space at these prime locations is at a premium, and sometimes difficult for a first-timer to secure, but there’s no need for the novice Tribe tailgater to despair. Greater Williamsburg is such a tight-knit community that most everyone has some personal or professional connection to the Tribe tailgating regulars. Just ask around.
Besides, Kresky said, “you can tailgate anywhere.” There are affordable and accessible options for everyone; it’s just ten bucks to park in the lot of William & Mary Hall.
For Long, game day is about much more than the gridiron. It’s about nurturing neighborly camaraderie.
“Tailgating is a way to bring the community together,” he said.
