Recently, Salisbury University has been starting up its tailgating initiative for this football season. Previous years have forgone tailgating due to pedestrian safety and parking space issues. However, a trial run is being implemented with the hope of increasing student engagement in athletic events. 

At a recent Student Government Association forum, SGA President Olivia Ingrao expressed her desire to support the football team and varsity athletics in general.

At the forum, Ingrao explained that the tailgate will be successful if there is a large student turnout from the very beginning.

“Like right from 11 [AM] we see a lot of people, a lot of organizations sign up to participate, we see people having fun, it’s a safe event and people go to the game after,” she said.

In particular, club engagement has been of utmost importance as they compose most of the student-related activities planned for Saturday, Oct. 19.

Earlier this month, a smaller pregame event was held before a football match. Based on the results, President Ingrao wants to track attendance by swiping gull cards and monitoring RSO participation.

Activities such as face painting, poster making, spike ball and kan jam were featured for this soft launch on Oct. 5. Other activities will be supplied for the Oct. 19 tailgate by clubs to further promote the student community.

These events not only serve to increase athletic support but also allow students to reach out to the greater Sea Gull Community. If you haven’t been to a single game this semester, you should show out with your school colors and become part of something bigger.

For any interested students, make sure to register your organization or save the date for the football game. Let’s see us beat Montclair- Go Gulls!

---

By PHILLIP NGUYEN

Editor

Featured image courtesy of Phillip Nguyen