Tailgating: Carolina Style

Text by William Emerson

As we walked through the tunnel, the sound of our cleats echoed off the walls; a roaring, thundering, herd of 105 young men ready for battle. Tearing through the paper banners onto the field, lights beaming down on us, and the crowd deafening our arrival. The fans roared with full stomachs and a few too many beverages. Cheering every play, the crowd spent their Saturday with a community of their peers to participate in an American sporting pastime. 

In all the years I played football, I never had the opportunity to enjoy tailgating. Now, I return to my alma mater for the cherished American tradition of tailgating, football, and comradery. Before the teams bear down on the gridiron, the parking lot is filled with fanatics donning school colors, the company of their friends, food, and drink. A ritual repeated every weekend of a home game.

National Tailgating Day is the first Saturday in September, so prep your grill and your team jersey to kick off the season right. Carrying on with American traditions; I encourage you to bring it Carolina-style.

(Left) Weber 22 in. Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill Crimson | $239 | Available Online Only at blackhawkhardware.com. (Right) South Carolina Gamecocks Day Off Side Split Pullover | $56 | and Clemson Tigers Mineral Wash Slouchy V-Neck | $46.99 | Gameday Couture.

Appalachian State Mountaineers Switch It Up Button Down Shacket | $48 | Gameday Couture

Yellow Gear available at blackhawkhardware.com

Clemson Tigers Day Off Side Split Pullover | $56 | Gameday Couture

Orange Gear available at blackhawkhardware.com

South Carolina Gamecocks Fan Favorite Leopard Standard Fit Crew Neck Tee | $42 | Gameday Couture

Red Gear available at blackhawkhardware.com

North Carolina Tarheels Endless Style Thermal Waffle-Knit Colorblock Cardigan | $45 | Gameday Couture 

Blue Gear available at blackhawkhardware.com

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A team of staff writers at The Mill Magazine work closely together to provide fresh content on topics we find interesting and hope you do, too.