Tailgating has become the unofficial foundation of college football games.

It seems like everyone is getting into it. But why?

“I tailgate because I love to see and be a part of the Huskie Nation,” said Taylor Alperin, a junior who has tailgated every home game since the 2006 season. “Getting all geared up before the game with fellow Huskies is a feeling that can’t be beat.”

Alperin added that the best part of tailgating is the combination of food, friends and football. College students are always looking for food and friends, so combining football with the two just makes sense.

Alperin normally tailgates with specific organizations that have already purchased lot passes and have gone through the tailgating process. However, for students who want to create their own tailgate area, other options are available.

According to the Red Riot Web site (NIURedRiot.com), students can purchase tailgating passes for $60. In order to purchase the pass, students must register on the group’s Web site and become a member.

This isn’t a bad option for students. The $60 pass gets you access to the area east of Huskie Stadium for every home game during the 2008 season.

For those not ready to cough up $60 to guarantee a lot, I recommend tailgating with a student organization. Every year different fraternities and organizations, social and business, tailgate around the stadium. It’s one of the quickest ways to meet people who share similar interests.

Once the location is hashed out, students and tailgate organizers must figure out a way to bring food to the party. Tailgating is nothing without good food.

Hot dogs and hamburgers usually work the best, as they are easy to throw on the grill and most fans enjoy them. And, if you’re up to a challenge on the grill, you can change things up in your menu. BBQ ribs are my all-time tailgate favorite.

But if you want to bring food to your tailgate and can’t find a grill, sandwiches also make a great before-the-game meal. They’re easy to set up so that fellow tailgaters can treat themselves. I’ve also seen tailgate organizers use packaged sides such as macaroni salad and chips to help boost their outing.

The last thing on the to-do list is bring a favorite game to pass the time. Out in front of the stadium’s student entrance I always see students throwing a football around. There’s nothing like getting ready to watch the big game like running for a deep pass from a best friend.

Though football is fun for some, Alperin said bags are her favorite tailgate game.

“It’s so competitive,” she said. “Everyone gets really into it and it comes with bragging rights.”

Bags are the mascot of tailgating. Though some students opt to create their own set, customized sets are also available at sports stores and online. It’s an easy game that most fans can learn quickly and enjoy.

With a ton of options to make your tailgate experience perfect, there’s no excuse not to be at Huskie Stadium this Saturday before the game.

Like I said before, tailgating is the unofficial foundation of college football games. If you’re not there, you’re missing out on a great campus activity.