Asst. A&E editor 17

Emptying beer cans, devouring barbecue and just plain having fun before the Homecoming football game have been traditions for 11 years at SIUC. However, this year’s tailgating plans include more than filling tummies and getting drunk.

Greg Scott, director for public and alumni relations for the SIUC Alumni Association, said that because tailgating usually reaches an attendance of more than 3,000 people, the SIUC Alumni Association has expanded one of its tents by 2,200 square feet to increase student-alumni interaction.

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Right after the parade it gets crazy, but it’s fun, Scott said of Saturday’s events. Our primary goal is to give students the opportunity to mingle with distinguished alumni.

The Alumni Association has two tents, one tent for door prize registration and the larger tent, which is 80 feet by 140 feet, to accommodate tables for each academic college unit within the University. Tents will be located east of the McAndrew Stadium following the 9:30 a.m. Homecoming parade Saturday.

Each academic college in the alumni tent will be providing information about what the school has to offer.

This is a great tradition for this University because it’s grown every year, Scott said. You have alumni, students, friends and the community. And we want to provide a great atmosphere.

The atmosphere of the pre-game event is electric, with complimentary lunches, door prizes and University representation.

It’s a good place for all the alumni to gather prior to the game, Scott said. And it really generates support for the University because all colleges are represented.

Along with University representation, Scott said alcohol will be present, but he said under-age drinking problems are not expected because each person will be asked for identification.

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We’re very strict with I.D.’s, he said. But, we’ve never had any problems. There’s always the fear of having minor problems, but I’ve never known anyone to be staggering or anything. Besides, a lot of people may just want to drink a Pepsi.

Brian Johnson, a junior in radio-television from Los Angeles, said that during Homecoming he tailgates and visits the alumni tent before the football game.

I’ve participated in tailgating about three times, and everyone just shares their food and drinks, Johnson said. We just chill out and walk around to the different tents. It’s a lot of food.

And for $15, students are able to join the SIUC Alumni Association. An Alumni Association membership provides a 15-percent discount on University Bookstore textbooks and apparel.

Johnson anticipates becoming a member of the Alumni Association this year.

I will be an alumni pretty soon, so if it’s something that I can do, I will, he said.

Amy Shaw, assistant director for undergraduate admissions, said academic tables are set up to stimulate interest among students, but especially returning alumni.

We display promotional literature for the University, Shaw said. We like to update our alumni and attract prospective students. But, Homecoming is really for the alumni, so we like to put that interest back into them.

Scott said the alumni tent is a place for everyone to have fun before the football game.

Everyone just really has a wonderful time, he said. You can just sense the school spirit under this tent.

Tailgating activities began east of McAndrew Stadium after the 9:30 a.m. parade Saturday.

People can bring their own alcohol, but glass bottles and kegs are prohibited. Beer will be sold in the Alumni Association tent.