Forget the jaunts to the Corner. Put the "Real World" marathon on hold. Certain weekend afternoons in autumn are reserved for legally sanctioned aggression toward our rivals: It's college football, baby!
But before you don your Saturday-best and head toward Scott Stadium, there are a few pit stops to make along the way.
Some call it tailgating, others call it pre-gaming. Whatever your preferred label, these eating and drinking rituals before kickoff are necessary preparation for the arduous task of cheering the team on for four full quarters.
Pre-gaming not only succeeds in mentally preparing fans for their duties, but it also breeds a sense of camaraderie.
The social atmosphere charges the air with excitement, creating a feeling of anticipation that lingers in those few hours before the game.
The home game against the South Carolina Gamecocks earlier this month was no exception.
Best kept secret
You may have seen the signs posted in front of Alumni Hall a week prior to the game, inviting alumni to "Tailgate here on game days!" and wondered why someone would choose to tailgate there instead of joining the masses closer to the stadium.
Perhaps Alumni Hall is the Martha's Vineyard of tailgating, a sophisticated hideaway where alums can mix and mingle without being bothered by obnoxious undergrads in high spirits.
If Scarlet O'Hara ever threw a garden party, it would have probably looked -- and sounded -- something like this.
Inside is elegantly decorated, the round tables draped in white linen. The occasional slurred southern accent buzzes through the hum of conversation.
One lady demurs when asked about why she chose to party here.
"Oh, I'm not really in the best state right now
" she says.
For all of its pomp and charm, Manning Unger, a '94 College graduate, says he comes to Alumni Hall for practicality's sake.
"It's just easier than setting up, and besides that, it's cheaper," Manning said.
Compared to renting a lot outside of the stadium, Alumni Hall is considerably less expensive.
Plus, you don't have to begin by getting an application after generously donating at least $1,000 to the Virginia Student Aid Foundation.
Free snacks and sodas, a cash bar
Outside in the parking lot there are a few who choose to fashion make-shift picnic sites out of their cars.
Even so, there are perks that make tailgating at Alumni Hall preferable to setting up outside the stadium.
Sallie Mayer, a '94 Commerce School graduate, talked about the benefits and facilities available at Alumni Hall.
"It's relatively close, it has a TV and there are bathrooms inside," Mayer said.
6:25 p.m.: The Lawn
Another pre-gaming locale students often frequent is the Lawn, where everything, including pre-gaming, is a little more historic.
One difference that stands out immediately is that the dress on the Lawn is considerably more formal compared to other tailgating sites. Instead of the summer dresses and feet-friendly flip-flops, cocktail dresses and heels are the norm. Guys tend to sport polos and botton-down oxfords paired with either the spirited blue-and-orange bow or necktie and a University belt with the gold buckle.
And just as you will find variation in the attire people choose to wear, the same is true of the opinions they hold on pre-gaming itself.
Not everyone decides to go out before a game. Some, like first-year College student Steve Kruger, participate in other activities. "I like to sleep before a game. I find it very relaxing," Kruger said.
But for most it remains a social activity.
"Pre-gaming is something you can do with a bunch of people before the game, and if U. Va. starts losing, at least you aren't too bummed out," second-year Engineering student Kevin Sproule said.
An element of pre-gaming that cannot be ignored, however, is the alcohol consumption. For many students pre-gaming has turned into an all-day happy hour.
First-year College student Richie Barber likes that "you don't have to wait in line for half an hour to get a beer," something very common at bars on a regular weekend evening. And while alcohol certainly is a common ingredient at pre-game gatherings, it is not required in order to have fun before the game.
Some, like third-year College student Will Vanhook, "prefer to remain sober during the game," and should U. Va. win, "go out and celebrate afterwards."
For those students who choose not to drink, there are many groups that sponsor dry pre-gaming events.
Student organizations like Chi Alpha occasionally hold barbecues where the focus is not on drinking.
Chi Alpha member and second-year College student Andrew McCormick feels that pre-gaming should be, "less about the game and more about the experience," McCormick said. "And at a school where self-governance is revered, it's good to have many options available to students."
All for the team
Let's face it -- football games at the University are a premiere event, and the pre-gaming festivities, no matter where you choose to spend your time, are just an appetizer of sorts.
Second-year college student Tiffany Meertins says having a good time and ultimately building team spirit is the goal of pre-gaming.
"When I go out and pre-game I feel like I can set aside my individual troubles from the week and become a Cavalier, one of many," Meertins said. "And so, regardless of where the day's diversions may have led you, it is when you arrive at the stadium that you realize that one common reason binds all fans.
It may not hit you until you first stand to sing the Good Ol' Song.
It is then that the atmosphere slowly descends and surrounds all those attending. As you link arms with those around you, you cannot ignore the strong sense of solidarity.
Because although the majority of fans can't join the athletes on the field, they are proud to empower the players by standing back and raising their red party cups and hot dogs in support -- whether we win or lose.
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