The
word “tailgating” conjures up thoughts of enthusiastic
football
fans gathered in a parking lot to eat, drink, and get excited
about
the upcoming game.
I had heard about these raucous parties, and I could picture them
in my mind; but in the early 1990s, I had never tailgated---
for football, basketball, or any type of sport.
However,
the setting seemed perfect for trying a tailgate party when Obie
and I found ourselves in Rock Hill, South Carolina at our first
ACC Tournament.
We
didn’t know many Rebounders at that time, but a few familiar
faces---like Helen and Ed Pickens and Debbie Cooley---were willing
to join us before the Maryland game in the parking
lot of Winthrop Coliseum.
About
ten people gathered under a gray and gloomy sky for my first tailgate
party. It was
far from rowdy, but the event was fun and Obie and I met some
enthusiastic basketball fans.
The
tradition has endured! The Rebounder tailgate parties at the ACC
Tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina are attended by fans
old and new. We often have about 50 Maryland fans gathered near
the Rebounder banner in the parking lot of the Greensboro Coliseum.
As
far as I know, we are the only school hosting tailgate parties.
