DU's Crimson & Gold Committee Hosts Tailgating Before Hockey Games

In todays DU Clarion Newspaper an article about school spirit & tailgating

DUPB's Crimson and Gold Committee held its first rally Friday, a tailgate event in which students over 21 were not discouraged to bring alcohol. The rally was the first pre-game tailgate held at Denver University for the homecoming hockey game. Crimson and Gold held the tailgate on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the W parking lot on University Boulevard between Jewell and Asbury.

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Kelsey Horine, Karen Yasumura, and Lindsay Kennedy, seniors, are the co-directors of Crimson and Gold, a committee founded to spread school spirit and community. "The purpose of the tailgate rally is to get more of a college feel as far as getting exited about the events that we're putting on and supporting our athletic teams," said Horine. Crimson and Gold held the tailgate because they have received feedback from students that there was not an event before major NCAA games to unite and excite the students. In the past, events were held in locations where no alcohol could be present, or in small venues such as the Pub that didn't appeal to the underage crowd.

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The University of Denver, with its back-to-back champion hockey team, has not held large events to promote school spirit similar to those of other universities. "It encourages a fun loving student body to come and participate," said Adam Henning, a graduate student at DU, on his thoughts about sport tailgates.

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"If alcohol were not allowed you'd get a lower turnout." Henning was a student at Tulane University where "tailgating was encouraged."

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Though not everyone was drinking, some students who were over 21 came to the tailgate and brought their own alcohol. One group brought a table and played beer pong with cans of Keystone Light. Still, students of all ages were present to participate in the music and free food at the event. The organizations involved in the event did not provide alcohol for the students. "Everyone that is involved in this event is not purchasing, buying or supplying any alcohol for students," said Horine. "In no way are we encouraging the purchasing of alcohol for this but we're not discouraging it for those who are 21 and up."

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"Different prominent employees on campus are aware of the event and do know that there might be alcohol there and consumption for those that are 21 and above," she continued. "Part of the idea behind the tailgate rally is to promote responsible drinking for those that are 21 and up and encourage school spirit."

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"I thought it was a great idea, it brings students together and promotes school spirit," said Carl Johnson. "It was a time to give students an opportunity to celebrate being a DU pioneer. Alcohol does not play a role in that."

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The tailgate had 20 available parking spots for students to bring their vehicles. Crimson and Gold proved free DU gift items, Spicy Pickle sandwiches, Cold Stone ice cream and several beverages. Crimson and Gold also provided red cups that the students who brought alcohol used for their drinks. Campus Safety showed up to the event, but left without incident.

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"Campus Safety left with a smile on their face and a homecoming T-shirt," said Kennedy.The students present, at one time around 45, expressed that they had a good time, but also wished for a larger turn out. The tailgate also provided a DJ, and Ruckus, the school mascot, showed up to join the event.