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Tricks of the tailgaiting trade

Poor Middle Tennessee State.

Not only will the first-year Division I-A football program have to face the No. 19 Wildcats at Arizona Stadium, but also a horde of crazy, possibly drunken fans.

The second part of that equation depends on how well those fans tailgate before the game Saturday.

Take it from KNST Marketing Manager Terry Daniels, who is organizing a barrage of tailgating hoopla for Saturday's game.

"It's a great way to get fired up for the game," he said. "Come out and enjoy free food and fun prior to the game."

For first-time tailgaters, or those who have forgotten, here's a quick rundown of what you need to know logistics-wise before the game.

Parking

Unless you have some kind of VIP pass, you need to face the stark reality that you're not going to park right by the stadium. Parking is usually available in the peripheral areas for about $5.

For cheapskates, the best-kept parking secret lies in the lot, just west of Kaibab-Huachuca Residence Hall. That's the only large lot that offers free parking on campus. It's a good 15-minute walk from the stadium, but hey - you get what you pay for.

Policies

To get into the student section, you not only need a game ticket, but also a CatCard - your own.

They've got old people that check for that kind of thing.

While we're on the subject of the student section, here are some quick pointers:

- Sure, you've got a seat number on your ticket and UA officials said they will enforce seating assignments. But nobody listens. No one sits in their actual seats, so park it wherever you please.

- Don't expect to be able to sit down during the game unless it's ridiculously boring. Against a mediocre opponent like the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee, Arizona should be scoring regularly.

- Take out your keys and rattle 'em only before Arizona's kickoffs, not after Middle Tennessee scores. (Exception: the opening kickoff of either half.)

Also, no containers are allowed in the stadium. UAPD officers are constantly scanning the crowd for unruly drunks. If they catch you, you're out of there faster than a Dennis Northcutt touchdown run.

Free Stuff

It's always an adventure to walk around the McKale lawn and UA Mall in the hours leading up to game time. Look close enough, and you're bound to find some free food. On any given Saturday afternoon, free stuff from pizza to hamburgers to samples of Coca-Cola's newest beverage, can be had.

Those giveaways come and go. But for the last 10 years, there's been an old reliable that could always be counted on - the gigantic free food tent.

Sponsored jointly by Tucson radio stations KRQQ-FM, KNST-AM, KWFM (KOOL-FM) and KCEE-AM.

Starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, radio station representatives will hand out free food from Carl's Jr., beverages from Safeway and Saguaro brand chips. They'll serve until they're out of food. They usually bring enough to fill the greedy stomachs of 2,000 people.

"There's usually a line that goes around the Optical Science building full of people waiting for food," Daniels said.

It's usually a long wait in line, but KNST helps you pass the time by broadcasting the pregame show over loudspeakers.

Each station will also set up its own tent from which it will stage promotional giveaways.

Kickin' it Old-School

For those who wish to take part in old-fashioned tailgating in which the feeding frenzy is set up on an actual tailgate of a pickup truck, spots on the McKale lawn can be rented for $45.

To buy a spot for your 30-foot-or-smaller vehicle, call the Wildcat Club at 621-8083. If your boat is longer than 30 feet, expect to shell out $60.

One more note: If anyone on campus can kick a 40-yard field goal, forget the tailgating and report immediately to coach Tomey.