This is the best time of the year for Ole Miss football fanatics and students. We can all rejoice because it’s finally Grove season, which means Trashcan Friday is in full swing. We kicked off the season with a win against South Alabama, but I want to make sure the rest of this season is a win for all of you. Tailgating is truly an exhilarating experience, especially if you know what you’re doing. For questions concerning game day preparedness, no worries – The Daily Mississippian has you covered.
- Wake up early.
You’ve probably heard the saying “the early bird gets the worm.” In this case, the early bird gets the best spot in the Grove. A football game is an all-day process, so wake up early and get ready for a day full of shenanigans and excitement. You have to carefully pick out what you’re going to wear, which we’ll get into later on. It’s always best to eat a sufficient amount of food for breakfast so you aren’t famished throughout the day.
- Dress in comfortable yet cute clothes.
The key to “Groving” successfully is to dress in comfortable yet cute clothes. You may want to dress to impress, but don’t forget the saying “less is more.” At the moment, we’re having 90 degree weather, so the last thing you want to do is dress like you’re going to a job interview. That doesn’t mean dressing like a slob – after all, it is the Grove. You never know who may pop up. Last year, everyone’s teen heartthrob Jesse McCartney made a cameo, and everyone lost it. Don’t forget that my comfortable-yet-cute rule still applies to your shoes. Many people make the mistake of wearing high heels, but you’ll thank me later when you’re frolicking in the Grove and your friends are somewhere sitting down regretting their shoe decision.
- Figure out who you’re Groving with.
Plan who you’re tailgating with ahead of time. If I were you, I’d pick someone with a tent and lots of game day goodies. Never walk away from your friends because the probability of finding them is slim to none. The worst thing ever is walking from tent to tent trying to find a potential Grove friend. Plan a week ahead so you all can get the necessities and proper transportation. Be responsible and have a designated driver.
- Have fun, but not too much fun.
There’s a thin line between having fun and looking like a complete fool. Yes, I’m looking at you. I understand that fun in the Grove is inevitable, but there’s always an extent to everything. It’s all fun and games until someone ends up on social media intoxicated and doing something inappropriate. Be respectful of others and their families because not only are you a reflection of yourself but also Ole Miss. Have fun, but also ask yourself: “Will my future employer see this?”
- Chant!
If you don’t know the Hotty Toddy chant, then are you even a Rebel? You’ll most likely hear the chant your entire four years of college, so you might as well memorize it and get used to having the phrase “Hotty Toddy” in your vocabulary.
Tailgating is all about having fun, but be prepared for the many ups and downs. It’s an exciting experience all people should take advantage of while they can. Have fun, and I’ll see you in the Grove. Hotty Toddy!
