Once the leaves change colors and the autumn breeze kicks in, grab your buddies, a pig skin, kick back and grill.  Football season is here, and you need to make sure that you have the best tailgating experience possible.

Getting to the stadium can be a drag, with traffic and road construction, but once you reach your destination, the ultimate fan needs to find a spot to settle down and tailgate.  The regulars, like me, usually go to the same spot every time.  Whether it’s in a crowded location where the party is hopping, or a quieter area a couple blocks from the stadium, settle down wherever you feel the most comfortable.

The most essential part to tailgating is having the proper grill.  Don’t go out and buy a large gas grill.  A small grill, which you can fill up with match-lit charcoal, is the best way to go. 

When you have your grill situation down, next you must master the art of grilling.  Senior Matt Zielonko goes tailgating at the Edward Jones Dome before every Rams home game and grills with his buddies. “Just hours and hours of practice, research and observation is how you become an expert griller,” Zielonko said.  “Along with the research, all you need is the right equipment for grilling and a positive attitude, that’s all there is to it.”

But what meat should you grill? “There’s nothing better than grilling a nice brat or chicken,” Zielonko said. 

Doesn’t matter if it’s chicken, pork or beef you have to have your spatula, buns, condiments, plates, napkins, forks and a table.

While you have the food aspect of the party, you also have to have the entertainment part as well.

While the food’s on the grill, it’s time for you and the crew to toss the pig skin around the lot and let the bean bags fly on the board.

 “Bags is such a great game because anyone can win,” senior Aaron Jackson said. “It’s a simple game that anyone can play and it gets you in the mood for Rams football.”

Most importantly, if you want to have the best tailgating experience possible, you have to maintain a positive attitude and a winning mentality.  Don’t be afraid to make friends with the people around you because deep down we are all football fans at heart.