Sober tailgate program begins

The Red Tailgate lot was filled with cream- and crimson-clad students.

Most tents covered ping-pong tables and cases of beer, except for one white tent with red and white balloons.

The Union Board, the Office of Alternative Screening and Intervention Services, the IU Health Center and the Student Alumni Association co-sponsored a sober tailgate to offer students free food, drinks, games and prizes.

Union Board service director Lexy Parrill said she estimated more than 400 students passed through the tailgate’s white tent.

“We thought it was important to provide food and water to the students, even if they were drinking,” Parrill said. “We want to give back to build a stronger community at IU.”

Union Board Assistant Director DeAnthony Nelson said students received a free cup, water bottle and many other giveaways.

“We’ve been told by a lot of students that they don’t have a place to go without drinking,” said Barbara Moss, health educator at IU Health Center. “But here they don’t have to feel the pressure, but they’re still in all the action.”

The organizers wanted to provide an open environment that all students could participate in to further build a strong community, Parrill said.

This weekend’s tailgate served as a test run for the idea of a sober tailgate for students, Perrill said.

She said after this weekend the organizations plan to continue to put these tailgates on at other football games.

“It’s definitely in the works,” Parrill said.

Moss said she was asked by students where the tent was going to be at the next game.

“People can come and have something to do,” Nelson said. “I can come here and enjoy myself and have fun without having to drink.”