Cheering on the Huskers is such a fun way to connect with people. These fall weekends are full of sporting events of all kinds from football to volleyball. Cheering on the Huskers is a perfect way to celebrate with family and friends. It is a tradition for many people to tailgate on the gamedays, but there are some things that faculty and staff should keep in mind. Jon Gayer, the Assistant Director of Alcohol and Other Drug Education, offers some great reminders to be aware of.
- First, tailgates are not an opportunity for staff and faculty to relive their college days. Even on game days, we represent the university, and our behavior reflects on its brand, whether good or bad. We do not get a free pass just because it is a Saturday game day.
- Second, balance is key. Tailgating is about camaraderie, meeting new people, cheering on the team, and having fun. If you choose to drink alcohol, make sure to bring snacks and plenty of water. If you are hosting, keep an eye on who's consuming alcohol and ensure everyone is of legal age.
- Finally, it is okay to let your hair down a little—celebrate, cheer, and show your school spirit! Whether you work here, graduated from here, or now teach here, having passion for your school is part of the fun.
There are plenty of ways to have a good time while also being responsible and safe while still participating in gameday activities. Many tailgates have alcoholic beverages which is not a bad thing. As Jon said above balance is key as well as being able to pace yourself, remembering to eat, and staying hydrated. It is recommended not to have more than one standard drink per hour (Foundation, Cenikor). Some examples of what a standard drink is includes a 12 oz regular beer, 8-10 oz hard seltzer, 5 oz glass of table wine, and a 1.5 oz shot of distilled spirits (“What is a Standard Drink?”). A way to stay mindful of this is by counting your drinks and keeping track of how much you are consuming. This can be valuable information to be aware of while drinking to avoid being overserved. Gameday is an exciting day to spend time with people, all the information and advice in this post is to help you have the best day and keep you safe. Please feel free to reach out to Jon Gayer at jon@unl.edu if you have any questions.
Foundation, Cenikor. “Drinking Responsibly at Sporting Events and Tailgates.” Cenikor, 22 Nov. 2023, www.cenikor.org/resources/tailgate-responsibility/.
“What Is a Standard Drink?” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024.
