I see a lot of potential in tailgating for Union Omaha games. We have a well-established following that continues to expand year after year, a front-office support system that listens to supporters organizations and incorporates their input into decision-making, and I see a region with a wonderful tailgating scene. We only need to go 40 minutes southwest to find the answers we need.
I began going to Nebraska football games when I was about 5 or 6 years old. However, I didn’t begin tailgating until I was about 21 years old. That’s when I fell in love with the idea of a group of fans getting together to talk shop about the team and upcoming games while also enjoying an adult beverage. Let me set the scenario for those of you who haven’t or won’t attend a Nebraska football tailgate. You arrive at the parking lot around 4 hours before the game and are never the first ones there.
Someone is always there before you set up the grill and get the lawn games out. Everyone in your immediate vicinity is dressed in Scarlet and Cream (and black but that is a different discussion). There are also spaces where rival fans can gather and discuss the sport that we all love. Despite the fact that there is no “formal” march to the game, everyone seems to know when it is time to enter the stadium. You’ll pass by tens of thousands of other people along the route.
With a few adjustments, we can accomplish the same thing with our clubs and supporters groups. This is a rough outline of my dream scenario:
- As you drive into the parking lot, you’ll see signs pointing to the “tailgate section,” where you’ll see rows of tents and people sitting around coolers and fold out chairs.
- Soccer tennis nets and small goals are strewn throughout the grassy spaces behind the vehicles that aren’t in use.
- As you pull into the parking lot and begin unloading your belongings, a member of the front office greets you, thanks you for coming and offering to answer any questions you may have regarding the game or the gameday experience.
- They point out the different supporters groups in the area and tell you that all are welcome here and they’re happy to have your support.
- You’re meeting up with some old friends to speak about the upcoming match when you notice a team bus going down the lane, notice the opposing team’s logo on the side of the bus, then hear our fans’ drumlines start up and see smoke billowing from the side of the road. “We’ll conquer all of League one!, We’re never going to stop!” chants everyone in the region as they line the sides of the main thoroughfare. This certainly provides the opposition team a taste of what they’re in for over the next few hours.
- Everyone returns to their vehicles as soon as the buses pass, to enjoy what is left of the tailgate.
- The bullhorn suddenly sounds, announcing that the march into the stadium is about to begin, and that everyone should gather behind the “Welcome to tailgate row” sign above the entrance to the parking area.
- Hundreds of people marching into the stadium, accompanied by drums, chants, and smoke.
- And we’re all watching Union Omaha romp to a 6-0 win.
It’s the ideal setting for a gameday outing. Together, we can make that dream a reality. We’ve started putting that dream together as a team. Another excellent team like Union Omaha can and will be supported in this state. And the tailgate scene can be the make-or-break sense of community that such individuals require.
While the outcomes are promising, the last two games haven’t been what we expected. However, Werner (and, hopefully, our own stadium) can be turned into a fortress. Take a look at what Liverpool accomplished at Anfield from 2017 to 2021. At home, the team had gone 68 games without losing. This is owing to Liverpool’s superiority, as well as the support of its fans. That is something we can and will do here.
Who Gives A Hoot? 