This year we celebrate the 25th(!) anniversary of the launch of UMTailgate.com, a crappy and often abandoned website that follows the Greatest Tailgate in the World through pictures, trash talking of rivals, and general shitposting. Ah yes, “a life’s work.”
Saturday, August 30, 2025: New Mexico State, 7:30 p.m.
Theme: The Luau
What better way to kick things off than under the lights? No longer hamstrung by time rules, all tailgates can start in the morning. Four meals? Don’t mind if I do. Extra decorations because I don’t have to jam them in a trailer? YES. Roast pig because I can start it the day before? HELL YES. Expect a season opener spam hash and typical luau fare throughout.
Saturday, September 13, 2025: Central Michigan, Noon
Theme: The Bacon
Noon kick means breakfast — and maybe a quick pre-game slider. On-site ovens mean we can bake fresh biscuits! Lots of bacon and bacon-related things… and God-willing, John U. Bacon.
Saturday, October 4, 2025: Wisconsin, Noon or 3:30 p.m.
Theme: The German
Fingers crossed for a 3:30 here, but we’ll do some waffles, bratwurst hash, schnitzel sliders, and hot pretzels. And we’ll cover our lederhosen-clad selves in various mustards.
Saturday, October 18, 2025: Washington, TBD
Theme: The Carnival
Subject to change based on kickoff time, but if it’s not noon, we are a go. It’s been a long time since we had a carnival. There will be games. There will be elephant ears. There will be a slip-and-slide on the stairs into the tailgate basement.
Saturday, November 1, 2025: Purdue, TBD
Theme: The BBQ
Again, subject to change if time isn’t conducive to a full smoked menu, but I’d like to fire up enough smokers to have the neighbors complain — and knock out some competition-level brisket, chicken, ribs, and sides.
Saturday, November 29, 2025: THE GAME, Noon
Theme: The Steakhouse
You know the drill. Filet, tomahawks, steakhouse sides, and Michigan’s fifth straight victory over Ohio.
