And The Verdict Is....

You have all waited long enough, but before I reveal my decision, I still have to throw out some thoughts on liquor. Now, I can agree with some of you when I say that liquor can hit pretty hard and fast. You have the ability to get really drunk really fast, which could be a curse or blessing. If it's a marathon tailgate, meaning you start tailgating at 8 a.m. for a 8 p.m. game, liquor probably isn't the best idea. You will find yourself hunched over behind cars feeling like you just got hit by Casey Hampton. However, if you show up late to a tailgate because the traffic in the North Shore was worse than trying to get through the Squirrel Hill Tunnel on a Friday, then I suggest you grab a bottle of your choice and get to work. Also, when the end of the regular season nears and the beginning of playoffs start, liquor is the only way to go. The weather starts to become nasty and you need something to warm you up. A cold beverage is not a good choice, and despite all efforts, there is no way to make warm beer good. This is when liquor is used to enhance ciders, hot chocolate, and coffee. Warms you up all over, while keeping you warm throughout the game. Finally, the absolute best thing about liquor is that it is so easy to sneak into the stadium. On a cold night, I'm wrapped up in about 2 coats, boots, and a hoodie, making it simple to pass through security at the gate with a few hidden flasks.

And here is the moment you have been so patiently awaiting. I have to go out on a limb and admit that I actually prefer to tailgate with liquor. Don't hate me yet, because during the warm games there is nothing that can take the place of beer, but if you really think about it, the regular season doesn't begin until September and look at it now, it is the last days of September and it is freezing outside. If the NFL season began in June, there is no doubt in my mind that I would of sided with beer, but until that happens, it's liquor for me.

Funny story about beer though. A few years ago I was at a ridiculously cold game with my brother. He bought us beer. We would go for a sip and right after we took the cup away from our mouths, a thin layer of "beer ice" would form. This is the reason I now smuggle 3 flasks into the stadium for every game.

Beer, Beer, Beer

I loved all the input everyone had. I have been struggling with this question for a while . I gathered some research from a group of Penn Staters this weekend at the PSU vs. Iowa game. They never gave me a direct answer, but they did provide a ton of valid reasons for why both liquor and beer are a staple at every tailgate.

When it comes to beer, it's always a good time. It will never let you down. It is perfect for pong, shotguns, and of course, beer bongs. I think it is more social than liquor too. It's easier to go ask someone to bum a beer than it is to ask someone if they can go whip up a Captain and Coke for you. The thing I find annoying about beer though, is that once I start drinking it I constantly find myself needing to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes, and let's face it, no one wants to use a port-a-potty, regardless of how drunk you are. The other downfall to this is beer comes in a can, bottle, or keg, and contrary to belief I rarely see a lot of kegs at tailgates. That leaves you with a can or beer. That's fun for those that are of age, but, until recently I was under 21 and it can be pretty risky holding one of those in broad daylight. So let's recap, port-a-potties (I am not sure how to pluralize that because I've never been faced to do so) are dirty, and under ages are bad. And lastly, when it is 18 degrees out, the furthest thing i want from me is a ice cold beer. I'd prefer something that would keep my lips from turning bluer than they already are.

I received a decent amount of feedback from students, alumni, and random people I found on the street concerning liquor too. If you're curious to read about that or hear my verdict, just be patient, it's coming.

Beer or Liquor

O.k. I've been to my fair share of tailgates and have seen a lot go down. As you can imagine, it is usually is aided by some form of alcohol. Here is where a huge debate of mine begins, is it better to tailgate with beer or some hard booze? Beer is usually the drink of choice at college tailgates because it's cheap, can be shared easily, and is great for various games. However, when I go to tailgates with my parents (lame, I know...but when I go with them it's a day of free food and drinks), their friends are pretty classy for the most part and have a table set up full of any kind of liquor and mixers you can think up. I have a few good and bad things to say about both of these that might even have you questioning which is better. But, before I give my verdict, I want to hear what you think. I'm sure you all have something to say on this, even if it doesn't have to do with tailgating. Overall, which do you prefer to party with? It's not as simple as it seems.

A Lil' History Lesson

I've been googling and researching for the past few days about how beer bonging and tailgating came to be. I would like to tell you that the tradition of beer bonging began long, long ago, in some respectable manner, back when drinking beer one sip at a time was just not efficient enough. However, the truth is, it probably started when some college kid showed up to a party late and everyone else was too wasted. So, to get on the same level, he poured his beer in a funnel causing him to be drunk faster than we all ever thought possible. I'm going to keep trying to find a legitimate story about the history of either of these topics and hopefully I find more than a few drunken stories.

Tailgating, however, I got a little dirt on. All the research I did can be traced back to this one website, AmericanHeritage.com. Apparently, it started in Jersey (last place i would have guessed), in 1869. Of course, the invention of the automobile greatly enhanced the tailgate. Actually, it wasn't until the 1980 that tailgating started shaping up to what we recognize it to be today. This was when grills, flags, and coolers came onto the scene. It all turned very social.

If you get the chance, check the website out. It's pretty cool. They make a comparison about how a good tailgate can be compared to a parade float, and also say 30% of fans never step foot inside the stadium. http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/ah/2005/5/2005_5_11.shtml

Is it wrong to bong?

O.k. try to follow me on this one. Don't get me wrong, if you see me at a tailgate, or any party for that matter, I will most likely have a beer bong in hand, but that's not what I'm talking about. See, last week my friend and I were stumbling back to our tailgate from the port-a-potty when we passed a glorious 8 person beer bong (it was like an octopus wanting us to get drunk). The construction of it all was pretty amazing. We stopped and stared for a little while and apparently caught the eye of the person who made it. Like a true Steeler fan he asked us if we wanted to try it out. By ask, I mean he shouted "Fill it up, you gotta try this out!". My friend jumped right in. However, when i declined, everyone in the tailgate seemed to take notice, and then started pushing me to do it. I nicely used the excuse that I simply am horrible at doing beer bongs (which is completely a lie). I really do love doing beer bongs. Let's face it, they are an awesome way to chug a whole beer in a matter of seconds. Great invention. But when outside of my personal tailgate, eh, not so much. I just find it hard to put my mouth on something that probably has been in the mouths of 20 people I don't know. It's a Steeler tailgate, those mouths could have been anywhere, literally.

Am I in the wrong here? I love beer bongs, but do not like the risk of getting herpes. I almost felt un-American, or at the least un-Pittsburghian, because as we all know, in Pittsburgh, you just do not pass up a free beer.

Fun Fact: That 8 person beer bong held 11 beers. Pretty impressive, don't you agree?

Incase you didn't already know...

If you really do not get what this blog is going to be about, there is something wrong with you. If you've ever been to Pittsburgh, PA, you know that it is a football city. Our world revolves around the Steelers because, let's face it, they're the holders of 6 Superbowl titles (What other team can say that? Exactly.). The fans are one of a kind, especially when it comes to celebrating our beloved team. This blog is dedicated to the art form that is, Steeler's tailgating, because when it comes to an eight person beer bong or relentlessly harassing anyone wearing colors other than black and gold, we are number one.

My love for the Steelers is on and off the field, and parking lot i guess. In case you lived under a rock the past week, you should know that the Steelers played in the NFL opener against the Titans (pause for boos). Of course we won, but more went into preparing for the victory than ESPN or any other broadcasters would like you to think. It all begins with a solid foundation.

Now everyone is most likely under the impression that all our fans went to the concert before, and then made it over to the parking lot at Heinz Field to get a decent buzz so they could avoid the $30 beers inside the stadium. This is false. If you're like me and need to soak up all the tailgates have to offer, there is no point in going to a concert that has nothing to do with our wonderful team. Instead, wake up and email your professor, and tell her how sick you are so there is no way you can make it to your 9 a.m. class. Now, get decked out in any article of clothing that includes, but is not limited to, black, gold (yellow is acceptable), or have any mention of how amazing the Steelers truly are.

Next step, the 'pre-tailgate'. This is what i think really sets apart Steeler fans from any other fans, because it is not enough to get drunk and obnoxious at the tailgate, you must arrive there in this state already (as long as you have a safe way of travel of course...DUI's do not help you enjoy a tailgate).

Once you arrive at a Steelers tailgate and set up your 'kitchen' (the cooler for beverages, grill and table for food/ beer pong, and who can forget the lawn chairs) your in business. This is the stage in the tailgate that things start getting intense. Throw on some 'Renegade' and look around. You should feel like you are at a family reunion, no judging or someone saying, "Is that man wearing a black and gold cape saying he's a Super Steeler?". Everyone is there to accomplish the same goal, get drunk, eat delicious food, and cheer on the Steelers. With a little liquid courage, you'll be surprised of the words of encouragement you can give the Steelers, along with some pretty derogatory ones for the other team.

If you can really think of a better way to support a team, please let me know, because I am almost positive that not only will a good tailgate give your team the support they need to win, but it also maximizes your good time as a fan. Just make sure to stay out of jail, and don't throw up on the person next to you, because they will throw you out.