UA Mall a tail-gating paradise

Chris Richards Arizona Daily Wildcat David Bejarano (third from right) hosts a tailgate party last weekend with 20 or so of his closest friends in a full-size recreational vehicle, parked on the north lawn of McKale Center prior to the football game. The tradition of tailgating seems to attract bigger and bigger vehicles each year.

Winnebagos, tents and exhibits form a playful arena just beyond McKale Center, within earshot of the Arizona Stadium. A smorgasbord of goodies that would make Furr's Cafeterias jealous awaits all who choose to jump onto Arizona's boat tomorrow before the game against 12th-ranked Washington.

Tucson resident Cleo Jones will be there for sure, he hasn't missed a party on the far east side of the Mall in over 12 years.

"We got one kid here that is 84-years-old," said Jones, who still wears an Arizona hat he bought in the '70s. "He's been here since back when they used to park the cars along the fence of the field and watched the game on the hood."

Anyone is invited to show up and frankly it's encouraged.

"You tell them there is a slab a ribs and a heap of potato salad waiting for them," said Julie Williams, who always brings extra lawn chairs for unexpected guests.

Athletic Director Jim Livengood goes. So does a fleet of blow-up dolls dressed in pantyhose and the oppositions' colors.

Leigh-Anne Brown Arizona Daily Wildcat Eight-year-old Phillip Drachman takes a spin on the G-force machine, sponsored by a local radio station, at the football tail-gate party. The ride was one of the many fun and exciting activities to be found at the event.

But don't come asleep because footballs are whizzing in all directions and you might get induced to take a turn on the brain-matter-reducing G-force machine.

"It's real fun, just don't eat four hot dogs and two cokes before it," said a blonde-haired youngster named Jack. "Otherwise you are going to end up like my brother and hurl everywhere."

For $60, a 30 x 30-foot lot can be yours to decorate, but be early because the gates open at 7:30 a.m. and it's first come, first serve. Or, for a small fee, you can join the Wildcat Club party, which offers up live music and refreshments and the champion Wildcat basketball team to boot (call 621-8081 before 6 p.m. today to reserve a spot).

If free stuff is up your alley, local restaurants make sure no one is turned away unfed. There is UA garb to be bought and local radio stations to check out. There is even one of those ball-throwing dunking booths for the in-laws.

"I came when I was kid and when my kid's were little and now when my kid's kids are little," said Jessica Stephens. "If you call yourself a true fan, I can't see why anyone wouldn't want to come."

Maybe it's just the beautiful weather.

Kevin Clerici is the Daily Wildcat Sports Editor. He can be found tomorrow at the tail-gating festivities with his lawn chair and a six-pack.