Jenna Crowe

Staff Writer

Whether a sports fanatic or an athletic novice, new students will surely enjoy themselves at the tailgate party at the first soccer game on Aug. 21.

The soccer game starts at 1 p.m., so students wishing to participate in the tailgate should arrive around 12:30 pm. Students attending the tailgate will need to come to the Student Union Parking Lot and show their New Student Orientation (NSO) wristbands in order to get in.

All food at the tailgate will be provided. While the tailgate is part of NSO, all fans are encouraged to attend the soccer game to show their support for the Idaho State University soccer team.

“I went to a tailgate my freshman year where the soccer team had their own area, and we had fun hanging out as a team and playing a ton of games,” said junior, Shauna Hennings, a defense player for the ISU soccer team.

Tailgate parties offer great opportunities, including a chance to meet new people.

“My sophomore year I went to a tailgate party at the first home football game,” said senior, Kat Roberts, who plays center midfield. “We actually hung out with a few basketball players that showed up.”

This is also a great opportunity to get involved with the sports offered at ISU.

“We want as many fans as we can get,” Hennings said. “The fans give the team so much energy.”

When watching a game on the television at home, it can get a bit boring because there’s no real energy coming through to the at-home audience. This is where seeing games in person has the upper hand.

Live games might not put the team’s stats on the screen, but they offer an energy that can turn a new fan into a lifelong supporter.

“Creating a positive energy around athletics creates a sense of belonging and a sense of Bengal pride,” said Brooke Barber, the director of Orientation, Leadership and Service at ISU’s LEAD Center.

Students will have an opportunity to enjoy a great game of soccer, meet new friends, and see what life can be like for them at ISU.