Tailgating for Virginia Tech football games has become big time in the last decade as Frank Beamer has established the program to national prominence, and the fan following with it. The sales of Virginia Tech apparel has expanded as Virginia Tech sports have grown, and Saturdays (and periodically Thursdays or other days of the week) in Blacksburg are full of people wearing a Virginia Tech sweatshirt, Virginia Tech t-shirt, or Virginia Tech jersey. Virginia Tech football tickets are tough to get.

Appropriate tailgating for Hokie games takes proper gear and methods. First of all, you need your tailgating spot. Parking spot is key. This usually comes down to being or knowing a Hokie Club member with sufficient ranking that has a great parking spot. The Hokie Club utilizes a bunch of parking lots on campus close (and some actually pretty far) to Lane Stadium to assign tailgate spots, and you want to be sure you get a the best you can get. Buy a Virginia Tech football parking pass from online store site like eBay if necessary.

Next, make sure you are sported out for the occasion. A lot depends on the weather, but an authentic Virginia Tech jersey (either maroon or white) works great. If it’s a crisp fall day, get your favorite Virginia Tech sweatshirt. If it’s early in the season and warm, slip on a Virginia Tech t-shirt, possibly a long sleeve t-shirt if you want to stay cool. A fleece, pullover, shell, or sleek Virginia Tech golf polo are also options. I always try to wear maroon – we are a maroon school. Orange, white, and other colors dilute the stadium effect.

Hokie tailgates are all about food and beverage, so this should be primary focus. I like getting there early so that the grill can be set up and given ample time to smoke some sort of meat for hours, maybe ribs, Boston butt, or marinated whole chickens. But grilling in general should be the focus of your tailgate. Burgers, sausages, chicken, beef, or fish can all make great tailgate food. Hokie country is bar-b-que country, so select a sauce that fits what you are grilling and will ensure your tailgate guest fulfilled. Complement your meat with whatever sides and extras you or your tailgate partners can bring.

Food is a priority, but beverages are the lifeblood of your tailgate. Personally, I equate Hokie tailgating with ‘brown water’, aka bourbon. There’s nothing like a good Kentucky bourbon or Tennessee whisky to get you ready for the game. However, this is my thing, and you need to have a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to satisfy your guest (or have them bring their own).

Other important components of your tailgate: How are people going to locate your spot? Get a tall Virginia Tech Flag , personalize it some and fly it above your site. Also, deck your Hokie tailgate out with Virginia Tech chairs, coolers, and blankets. Everyone should be drinking out of Hokie cups and mugs too.

While the Hokie matchup is obviously the most important game of the day, there will be lots of other great college football on. People at your tailgate are going to want to watch other games (or they’ll head somewhere else). Do what many tailgaters do and get a portable satellite TV dish you hook up to a receiver and TVs you can quickly scramble to set up in the morning. A blow up Virginia Tech sofa right in front is also a nice
touch.

To me, the sign of a great tailgate is one that everyone wants to go back to after the game.

Getting set for gameday in Blacksburg? Have a Virginia Tech fan that needs a gift? You can find great gear like a Virginia Tech Sweatshirt or other Virginia Tech Apparel at VirginiaTechFan.com, the Hokie Sports Blog and Fan Store.