They built it and, this time, people came.
With Saturday’s evening start time helping to boost attendance, Associated Student Government’s first football tailgate of the academic year drew more students than in the past.
After last year’s ASG-sponsored tailgates brought few people and little excitement, the pregame party Saturday kept the beer flowing and allowed some students who arrived early to eat two hot dogs.
“This is something new at Northwestern that will have to continue because it’s a great atmosphere,” said Robyn Pettinger, a Weinberg senior.
ASG, along with Northwestern Class Alliance, set up the tailgates just south of Gate H at Ryan Field. The tailgate ran from 4 p.m. until the game’s 6 p.m. kickoff.
With a WildCARD and a driver’s license, students over 21 could receive up to three free drinks in the closed-off beer garden.
Anheuser-Busch, Inc. served four kinds of beer out of a refrigerated truck and cups of Bacardi Silver, a favorite among fans who do not enjoy beer. Although only one person was serving the alcohol to the dozens of thirsty tailgaters, most students said the alcohol was worth the wait.
“The line is going kind of slowly but the price is right,” said John Gainer, a McCormick senior.
The beer taps did not run dry until around 5:45 p.m.
“This definitely helps to get everyone’s spirits up,” said Eric Olivencia, a Communication senior. “The whole atmosphere of the city is better. (The tailgate) is a big plus.”
Students under 21 could drink free soda and eat hot dogs provided by Northwestern University Dining Services vendors. All 500 hot dogs were gone shortly after 5 p.m..
Joel Richlin, ASG campus public relations chairman, and Rachel Lopez, ASG president, said running out of food and drink indicates the tailgate was a success.
ASG will provide more food for future evening games, Richlin said.
As the 21-and-over crowd packed the beer garden, some students complained the beer garden was too small. But Richlin said the size was determined by last year’s low attendance, and the area will be larger at the next tailgate.
ASG also provided entertainment for students. WNUR-FM (89.3) spun records throughout the first hour, and the Lady Cats and a student band called Evanston performed in the second hour.
Although the next tailgate, before the Oct. 26 football game against Purdue University, will provide similar entertainment, Richlin said it will be another trial run because the game begin at 11 a.m. The food options will be geared toward the morning start, but Richlin said he is expecting a lower attendance and is unsure of how much food to buy.
Many students said they do not know if they will attend a morning tailgate, but said Saturday’s party certainly helped increase student spirit and turnout.
“I’ve never seen this much school spirit and it’s because of the tailgate,” said Ali Sharaf, a Weinberg senior.
