Let the Games Begin!!!

 

The achievements of a well run tailgate organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual. Winning is not everything - but making the effort to win is. Success demands singleness of purpose. We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible. Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.  Being a fan of Rutgers Football is like life - it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.

I now have the great honor to declare open the Rutgers 2026 tailgating season!

Several of us have already committed to getting to our usual corner black lot spot by 3 PM on game day. I know of a few here are also getting extra ticket giveaways for this game so getting a head count early will help nail things down tremendously. If you are expecting to not go to the tailgate, just give a heads up (Bill already told me they he expects to go to the game only). I also know that Sam & Beth are not joining us this week.

With the formalities out of the way, we need to put together our September tailgate. Andy and Anna are throwing out the idea of doing a hot dog bar, and in talking with others, doing a relatively simple tailgate. We will need people to bring the following (I will try to update as people step up):

Grill, propane table, and grill utensils: (Andy and Anna)

Barbeque spare Ribs (about 30): (BREP)

Barbecue Chicken: leg, thighs, etc.: (Andrea and Eric)

Hot dogs (Quantity; 3 packs of 8): (Andy/Anna)

Hot dog rolls (Quantity: 3 packs of 8): (Andy/Anna)

Hot Dog Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Onions, etc.): (Andy/Anna)

Tray of Macaroni and Cheese (PETE)

18 Hamburgers (Al and Joanne)

4 Veggie Burgers ((John/Christine))

22 Hamburger rolls (Pete’s sister Mary)

12 Cheese slices (Al and Joanne)

 Hamburger toppings: (Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Mayo, pickles, etc.)   (Al and Joanne)

Pasta or Green Salad: (John/Christine)

Plates, Papers towels, utensils, and garbage bags (Pete)

Dessert (Pete’s Sister Carol)

Brownies (Pete’s sister Mary)

Watermelon (Glenn)

Coookies (Glenn)  

30 Pack of Bottled Water (Glenn)

Seltzers (Glenn)

Regular Soda: 2 six packs (Jim W)

Diet Soda: 2 six packs (Jim W)

HEAD COUNT SO FAR (22): Andy & Anna (2), Pete +3 (4), Andrea & Eric (2), John & Christine (+1) (3), BREP, Jim W, and Tom R  (3), Al & Joanne (2). JC & Dana (2), Glenn +2 (3), Pat Cotter (1)

OUT FOR TAILGATE BUT GOING TO GAME: Bill, Logan +2, Dave & Jen 

Out: Sam & Beth, Tom L, Steve M and Tall Guy from Wales, Dana Cotter

Possible Additions (1) Glenn+1

After feedback from last year, we will again bring our own alcohol this season (BYOB), and leave it out of the tailgate assignments. Most people do this already, and saying “I’ll bring beer” doesn’t really help with the tailgate since we usually have way too much, and end up taking it back home.

Similarly, we need to reduce the amount of desert type items (cookies, cakes, muffins, donuts, etc.) to just a couple as most of these don’t get eaten. So please try to limit these kinds of things. It’s better to throw a few dollars towards the people bringing the main courses and making large outlays if they are buying for a group of 25-30 people.

Let the tailgating begin!!!

 Remember to wear RED to the Game!!!!