Do we give out awards for tailgater of the game/year?
I think that’s an easy incentive to stoke tailgating at TDECU and try to get it back to Robertson vibes…
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My vote would go to the group that sets up in the corner of the garage with a big screen TV split between 2 or more games.
Do you have any feedback on anything UH is doing to get tailgating back to what it was pre-TDECU…?
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Hey Kyle. I can’t speak to the in-the-weeds details as I’m not part of those meetings right now. But I can confirm tailgating is among the “experience” elements that are being reviewed by our new Chief Branding Officer, Alexis Williams.
Always happy to share specific feedback with my teammates. Just send it over: jwmason2@uh.edu
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Kyle - Getting back the tailgating vibe we had pre TDECU is hampered, IMO, by some of the following:
- Party on the Plaza is the official UH Alumni tailgate party held three hours before every UH home football game. It is held right in front of the Athletics-Alumni Center, located at 3204 Cullen Blvd. Various Affiliated Alumni Association Foundation Networks and Groups will be set up so that you can enjoy food, fun and football camaraderie!
Pre TDECU - If I recall correctly, the Alumni Tailgate pavilions were located adjacent to the west side of The Rob. Easy access (convenient) from the parking lot surrounding The Rob, which helped create the vibe. Currently per the above the Alumni Tailgate is not convenient to TDECU.
The current parking that is convenient to TDECU - Red and Platinum lots, reserved for the Higher dollar donors. So the current average CP donor members, potential tailgaters, who could park close to the ROB are now in the Green and Blue Lots. I have seen some fairly good-sized tailgates in both of these lots, but now spread out. At the Rob these were close in proximity helping to create the “vibe.”
I believe currently all of the tents along the east side of TDECU from Wheeler to Holman are for the students Frat and Organizations. This creates a very good atmosphere for them. Maybe if the Alumni tailgate tents were located here and not at the Alumni center, might get some vibe back. I do believe the Alumni tents were in this location originally and it was decided by (??) to relocate to the Alumni Center.
Another issue hindering TDECU tailgate vibe are the premium seating locations in TDECU which offer, as part of the ticket price and required donations, unlimited free buffet food in air conditioning. Instead of tailgating these fans opt-in for the buffet in the A/C. My wife and I tailgated with the same group from 2006 until we purchased premium seats. Our tailgating days are now over as we now enjoy the premium seating perks, convenient parking next TDECU, and other.
Just my thoughts and I would be interested in seeing what Alexis Williams suggests.
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A lot of the tents you see on the grass around TDECU are put up by a tailgating company, and leased to folks during the season. The costs are very unreasonable ($1,900 for a 9x9 with ice chest, table, and chairs for example).
That’s per game. In other words, the seasonal cost for just one regular size setup can be more than season tics and parking. Frankly, that’s ludicrous, and chases away potential tailgaters (which is not in the school’s interest no matter how much it is paid by the tailgate company).
We set up across from the police station in the red lot under the big oak tree. Been chasing off the tailgate company for several years now. Any more of their bulls**t and they’ll find themselves in court.
Definitely not fun anymore. At this rate, it will be time to terminate season tics.
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