So you don’t have plans for game day? Don’t fret!

If you haven’t noticed, Auburn's campus is covered with tailgates on game days. Crashing a tailgate or two (or three) is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it...

Find a friend who’s hosting a tailgate.

Chances are at least one of your friends (if not more) has a tailgate. It doesn’t have to be a best friend, just one who you feel comfortable enough with to stand around and eat their food.

Convince that friend to invite you to their tailgate.

I’ve always had the philosophy of “ask, and you shall receive.” Don’t be afraid to ask that person to let you come by. Tailgates are casual, and it’s not like you’re inviting yourself to live with them for two weeks. In fact, they’ll probably be flattered that you want to visit them. Not comfortable with being so blunt? Send them a casual but to-the-point text like, “What are you doing for game day?” You know the answer. They know you know the answer. Hopefully, an invitation will ensue.

So you didn’t convince that friend …

On game day, roam around with purpose, seeking that friend out. Conveniently walk right by them. They can’t not invite you over then.

What if you didn’t have a friend with a tailgate in the first place?

You can still roam with purpose. Look for someone you know. Every time you find someone, you have an opportunity to tailgate-crash. You might be surprised by how many people you run into.

Let’s say you don’t find anyone you know.

Here’s your prime example of a time to fake it till you make it. Pretend that you know people at a tailgate and just walk right in. Keep in mind: only do this at larger tailgates where you can tell the people hosting don’t know everyone involved. Walk in with confidence, send smiles all around, grab you a plate and get some food. In my opinion, you should never have to pay for a meal on game day; there’s too much free food to be enjoyed. Then you can make friends there. A simple “War Eagle” easily connects complete strangers.

At the end of the day, you shouldn’t feel bad about crashing. After all, we’re all members of the Auburn Family.

Be well, Auburn, and War Eagle.

Photography: Julia B.