My tailgate rant

[bobcatmaniac]

So do young folks have no manners? In the past we have given young kids beer or food but they always visited a bit or asked at the very least. However lately the kids seem a little entitled. A few weeks ago a small group came by (with an adult) and the young adult male said “I sure am hungry” looking at our hamburgers. Sure he got one but I was mystified because I didn’t know if they were friends of friends or whatever. Then yesterday some young men were near our cooler and opened it. One kid took a beer. I asked if I could help him. He said he wanted a beer. I told them it was ours. What’s the deal with these kids. They don’t even ask they just take. I didn’t let him have one. He could ask or visit at the very least. Sorry end of rant. (I need to go yell at kids to get off my lawn now)

[BelligerentBobcat]

It’s a long post that really isn’t applicable to this board so I won’t do it, but you’re absolutely right and it comes from poor parenting.

[WalkOn79]

So far I haven’t experienced Andy of this, but we’re also on the RV side by the practice facility, so not as many kids around.

[grizzh8r]

There were a trio of college ladies that stopped by out tailgate to warm up/dry out by our tailgate, and they were very appreciative and thankful. One of the September games when it was so hot, a college guy stopped by asking for water, he was obviously parched. Was extremely gracious and thankful. I was impressed in both situations with manners - so it goes both ways, I guess.

[mslacatfan]

Ha. I don’t think it’s anything new, and I would just chalk it up to college kids being idiots…. Not that it makes it ok, but like I said it’s nothing new.

[the_cats_meow]

So far I haven’t experienced Andy of this, but we’re also on the RV side by the practice facility, so not as many kids around.

Don’t worry WalkOn79, I will continue to come over to eat your food and drink your beer as I have all the previous games I have been able to attend!

[Hi-Line Bobcat]

We have been dealing with this for years at my brother’s and I tailgate. Most of the time I don’t know 1/2 the people standing our tent, drinking, and eating. I guess most forget, we could just take our ball and go home and that spot wouldn’t be available for those folks every game. I guess they could pony up and buy their own spot, but most don’t even know the costs that go into getting a spot. Eventually I will say something and piss people off, but hell we got the spot for us and our family, not everybody else. Definitely our own doing for letting it go on for so long. Im getting closer to the “get off my lawn” scenario.

[AFCAT]

My brother was telling me how they raided tailgates all the time back in the 80s, especially at halftime. We always put our coolers and food away when we enter the games now.

[Bocephus]

Time to get a large bald friend as your tailgate bouncer.

I think most people would be open to sharing if people would engage, contribute, ask, say thank you, etc.

[bobcatmaniac]

We have been tailgating about 30 years give or take. I guess what surprises me is these kids don’t ask, don’t say hi, nothing. Just take. We shared our stuff for years and even then put the cooler inside when we went into the game. Oh well that won’t stop me and if any of you or anybody for that matter stopped by (which they do all the time) for a visit I would offer you food and drink. GO CATS!!

[BobcatDel]

Interesting comments…at least I know it wasn’t just us.

Two weeks ago someone helped themselves to a new Bobcat sweatshirt a lady had just bought and tucked under our table while she went in for second half.

Week before someone lifted a bottle of Crown Royal from our table. We caught a couple this week that seemed to be casing the place…fortunately one guy confronted them….like others mentioned, we get so many people wandering through and I can’t keep track who is who or whose friends they are. We enjoy people stopping to visit and welcome them but we can’t keep track of everything.

Two years ago we had all the tent walls up because it was a cold game and one of the wives was cold so she left the game to go to the tent to warm up. Found about a half dozen kids inside enjoying our heater and smoking pot.

Another friend left a twelve pack under our trailer as they ran into the game…well that probably lasted all of 5 minutes before it was gone. We’ve lost stadium chairs that were left out.

I mean these aren’t big things but it is annoying. We’ve become more wary and lock everything we can these days.

[Cats92]

For those of you with tailgates, what would be the best advice for an individual who doesn’t necessarily have a “home base” but would like to bop around meet other fans be to share in food and drink? Many times I’ve wandered the tailgates and just want to talk football but it can be intimidating.

[EchoSierraGolf]

So far I haven’t experienced Andy of this, but we’re also on the RV side by the practice facility, so not as many kids around.

Don’t worry WalkOn79, I will continue to come over to eat your food and drink your beer as I have all the previous games I have been able to attend!

See, this is the kind of brazen entitlement that needs to come to an end. The audacity to admit such wrongdoing behind a BN handle...

[110010110]

The other week a college age guy walked up and said "I hate to be that guy, but would you mind if grabbed a bag of chips?" and pointed to our box of assorted bags of different chip flavors. The ladies at our tailgate turned into a flock of mother hens and he left with a bag of chips, a plate of food, a couple of cookies, and a drink.

[Cataholic]

For those of you with tailgates, what would be the best advice for an individual who doesn’t necessarily have a “home base” but would like to bop around meet other fans be to share in food and drink? Many times I’ve wandered the tailgates and just want to talk football but it can be intimidating.

I think of you BYOB, everyone would be welcoming. My suggestion would be to pack a small cooler or backpack and find a group that is welcoming. If there is chemistry, ask if you can bring something next week or maybe offer some $$ for the food.

[lutecat]

For those of you with tailgates, what would be the best advice for an individual who doesn’t necessarily have a “home base” but would like to bop around meet other fans be to share in food and drink? Many times I’ve wandered the tailgates and just want to talk football but it can be intimidating.

Just say hi. Especially if someone makes eye contact as you walk by. Or go to a tailgate with a TV and ask if they mind if you watch the game thats on. You should be groovy then.

[lutecat]

The worst for us was the first game we played Idaho after they came back, there were 3 Idaho guys. Say in their 50s. They stopped and asked if they could have a drink. I knew the guy was eyeballing the bottle of jamison that we had. I offered them all Miller lite. You could tell he wasnt want that. They talked ****** and ended up taking a shot and then left soon afterwards...leaving unopened calls od Miller lite on my tailgate.

[AFCAT]

For those of you with tailgates, what would be the best advice for an individual who doesn’t necessarily have a “home base” but would like to bop around meet other fans be to share in food and drink? Many times I’ve wandered the tailgates and just want to talk football but it can be intimidating.

From the responses I've seen, wear a ratty old Bobcat hoodie and look like you are in need of a meal and drink.



I tell that OhioJayHawk guy in the out of towers thread that any tailgate would be welcoming and I guess that might not be the best advice.

[RockyBearCat]

We have a couple spots right on a main walkway. We often start the interaction with Cats fans and out of towners. If anyone stops by, we generally offer food. My suggestion is as someone said above, bring a little of your own drink just in case and stop and visit. If you don't have anything, we are happy to share and all we appreciate back is a thank you (within reason) . If you offer a few dollars for drinks/food, it is appreciated but not expected (within reason) .