Many Florida International University fans were excited to see the Panthers (0-1) play their first game of the season Thursday, September 1, 2016, against the Indiana University Hoosiers (1-0).  Filled with excitement and ready to soak up the game-day atmosphere, fans arrived at the Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium several hours before kickoff to tailgate in the stadium’s parking lots. Students, residents, and members of the Miami community participated in activities that consisted of having fun, and showing school spirit.

Tailgating has become a tradition for many colleges who have a football team to take part in. The event which occurs before, and during a game consists of a variety of people. Some of the people who can be found during tailgates are die-hard fans, students of the college, residents of the community, etc. There’s no requirement on who can come. People attend this social gathering to enjoy each other’s company, barbecues, games that are played, and to share each other’s excitement about game-day.

Although fans benefit the most from tailgates, tailgating can impact football teams in a positive way. Once people are done tailgating, they go inside their school’s stadium to cheer on their team. This creates more energy for players to feed off of.




“The best part of tailgating is having the whole community of FIU come together to support athletics. That really affects the players on the field, and makes them perform better,” said FIU sophomore and soccer player Inigo Sagarduy.

During the game against Indiana University the fans carried that atmosphere into the stadium as they cheered on their team.

However, the Hoosiers defeated the Panthers 34-13.