Your 2010 UMTailgate.com Home Game Tailgate Themes

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We're less than 8 weeks from embarking on the most important season in the storied history of Michigan Football.  Okay, okay, maybe that's going a little too far.  Isn't the most important season for any team the next season?.  Of course, our situation is a bit different, as the future of our coach and a system that I desperately want to have work hangs in the balance.

But let's not lose site of what we're doing here....tailgating.  Our crew is on the move for the second year in a row, hoping to find a stable home in the shadows of Pioneer High School.  The spot is a little further from the playing field than last year, but it is also orders of magnitude larger, as we hope to spread out and breathe a little easier.  Again, if you are someone that thinks they are worthy of getting an invite or directions to our spot, be sure to email me as we approach the showdown with UCONN on 9/4.  And if you're stopping by, be sure to follow the theme for that week.  Without further ado...

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September 4th, 2010, Michigan vs. UCONN:  The Caddyshack Theme

Last year's first game started what might just end up being a tradition of first games with movie themes.  Last year it was the Step Brothers inspired "Boats, Ho's, and the Catalina WIne Mixer."  This time, we're taking it back 30 years, celebrating the classic film "Caddyshack."  What does that mean?  No idea.  But some light brainstorming brought me visions of goofy golf gear, deep fried baby ruths, and the Godfather "stepping on a few ducks."

September 18th, 2010, Michigan vs. UMASS: The Christmas (or Festivus) in September

Hopefully a little cooler temperature-wise than Christmas in July, this theme is fairly self explanatory...though I'm not real excited about the color scheme.  They do sell Michigan Santa Hats at MDen if you are so inclined.  Can't wait to decorate the trees in "the cove."

September 25th, 2010, Michigan vs. Bowling Green:  The Bacon

This tailgate will center around the finest cut of meat you can purchase, smoke, and cure...pork belly.  And while this theme is food centric, don't hesitate to snag yourselfsome bacon gear to wear.

October 9th, 2010, Michigan vs. Michigan State:  The Urban / BBQ / Grafitti

This theme seems to pop up every season, combining soul food and southern BBQ with 40's of malt liquor.  Grafitti T-shirts are also rumored for this event.  More on that later.

October 16th, 2010, Michigan vs. Iowa:  The Carnival (Homecoming)

After disappearing in the 2009 season, the carnival returns with elephant ears, cheesesteaks, games, and prizes.  Plus, it's homecoming.

October 23rd, 2010, BYE WEEK....Vegas

November 6th, 2010, Michigan vs. Illinois:  The Thanksgiving Tailgate

Traditional Thanksgiving fare will be on the menu, only the turkey will (of course) be deep fried.  Dressing, green bean casserole...and I really want to get a turducken.

November 20th, 2010, Michigan vs. Wisconsin:  The German

We welcome the Badgers by celebrating their culture of meats in casings and giant beers in das boot.  Bonus points if you show up in liderhosen.

Reminder: How to Tailgate

#1: Bring Something. I don't care if it's a steaming bowl of poop, although bonus points go to those who surprise us with unique cuisine, unique drinks, unique outfits, unique decorations, or unique personalities. Bringing something is your pass to enjoy everything we have to offer at the tailgate.

#2: Eat Something.

 Dual reasons for this. First, we've got too much food, I promise.  Just stay out of Godmother's cheesy potatoes. Second, you'll need something of substance in your gullet if you want to follow tip #3

#3: Drink Something. The tailgate is BYOB, though occasionally a specialty drink makes it's way onto the menu for all to enjoy.  Bring a giant mug and fill it with a cocktail of your choosing. Bring a cooler of beer and empty it into your belly before kickoff. Take a tug on the bowl of Yucca. When it gets cold, sip a mug of spiked coffee. In short, get drunk, because you're a lot cooler when you're drunk. And let's not forget, the best tailgating stories always seem to include (insert person here) had a lot to drink, and then he/she fell down (into the bushes / on the stadium steps / into that girl's chest). Later (he / she) groped the (daughter / son) of (insert former tailgater here). We found (him / her) passed out (on the grass outside the stadium / in their car / under their car).

#4: Hug the Godfather. Why? Because we said so. Especially if you have no idea who he is. Because the Godfather loves to get himself some "strange."  Even better, if you liked it, you can do it again the following week because the Godfather never remembers you the first time.

#5: Respect the Hall. The members of the UMTailgate.com Hall of Fame. Recognize them, respect them, honor them. Don't know who they are? Check the flag.  We've got people here that have not missed a home or away game this century...seriously.

#6: Learn to Love. Respect all of the tailgaters, even those from the opposing team that are visiting us and wallowing in our dynasty and tradition. This applies to everyone except...

#7: Learn to Hate: Michigan State and Ohio State.  Don't mistakenly wear their T-shirts, their hats, and in most cases, their colors. This applies to tailgating and gamedays only...however, big bonus points if you apply this rule in your daily life, like me.

#8: Go to the Game. And try to make it there before kickoff.

#9: Go to an Away Game. Ya, we tailgate there too. Some long drives are in store for this season, but there's nothing like Saturday Night Football on the road, so quit being a candy ass and put on a white jersey.

#10: Ask Goody To Show You His Tattoos. It's not imperative for your enjoyment, but it makes me laugh.

#11: Follow the Theme. Yes, each tailgate has a theme, and the theme is posted with each game on the season schedule.

Get Your Calendar Out: Tailgate Themes 2009

September 5th, Western Michigan, 3:30PM, Boats and Ho's and The Catalina Wine Mixer

• Are you ready to snap some necks and cash some checks?  Good.  This is the place to do it.  This nautically themed tailgate will christen our new spot.  We recommend donning sailor gear, and it couldn't be more appropriate as Ohio State takes on Navy that day.  Food will be somewhat seafood based, with a lot of appetizers and finger foods...like at a wine mixer...get it?  And wine.  Somebody should bring some wine.  It would also be advantageous to watch the movie Step Brothers before you come.

September 12th, Notre Dame, 3:30PM, 

The Luau

• The Luau is a theme favorite that sat out a season due to some issues with the Mountaineers  Leis, pineapples, fruity drinks, Hawaiian shirts, and all the pig you can eat.

September 19th, Eastern Michigan, Noon, 

Far-Eastern

• Our foreign exchange tailgater and official tailgate mascot will feel right at home for this Asian themed tailgate.  Egg rolls, fried rice, stir fry and the like will be on the menu.  And somebody should get some of those Chinese lanterns to hang all over the tents.

September 25th, Indiana, Noon, 

Mardi Gras

• Wow, a tough month of tailgating ends with a bang as the Mardi Gras theme adorns Michigan's Homecoming.  I'm expecting beads, boobs, and cajun catfish.

October 17th, Delaware State, TBD, 

The Urban

• Soul food, rap, 40-ounce beers, and the worst game we've ever scheduled.

October 24th, Penn State, TBD, 

Old School

• Bring your high school yearbook for this impromptu reunion.  Wear clothes from your high school era, and expect banquet hall style fare.

November 7th, Purdue, TBD, 

The Lumberjack

• I dream of this being an unlikely 3:30pm November kick because it's got all day cooking written all over it.  Likely fried turkeys at this one if time allows.  Otherwise, remember to wear your overalls.

November 21st, Ohio State, TBD, 

Soups, Stews and Chili

• Nothing like a hot bucket of soup on a cold fall day.  I'd tell you what to wear, but you will probably have a heavy coat on over it, so it won't matter.