Take tailgating to the next level with these tips from TCU Seniors and the TCU Wellness Center.

“We recommend that people get plenty of sleep the night before going to a major event,” said Brad Stewart the associate director of fitness & wellness education at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion Center. “Thinking through your plan for the day the night before can be helpful in having a successful game day experience.”

Whether tailgating or just going to the game, students can make a plan including everything from how to get to and from the game, food and hydration breaks and a system to look out for each other, Stewart said.

And, “You absolutely need a fully charged phone to get through the whole day,” said James Ross, senior supply chain value management major.

Must Haves

• TCU Student ID
• State ID
• Map out a plan. Get the location.
• Charged Phone

Next Level:

• Portable Charger
• Clear Bag

Shoes

“Have a go-to pair of shoes you don’t care about getting dirty or walking in,” said senior marketing major, Andrea Ordman.

• Cowboy boots
• Sneakers

Next level:

• Running socks with cushion

“Looking at the weather and understanding the effects that high heat or cold will have on your experience and wear clothes that will support this,” Stewart advised.

Surviving the Sun

Day games for the Frogs can also include hours in the Texas sun. Here are some ways that Horned Frogs can block out the rays:

• Sunglasses
• Cowboy Hat
• Sunscreen: The FDA recommends a SPF of 15 or higher
• Deodorant

Next Level:

• Hand Fan:
• Setting Spray/Oil Wipes
• Sweat rag

Drink Water & Eat (21+ tips too)

“Having a meal that will take a while to digest — for example, ones that contain complex carbohydrates and protein — can be helpful to manage the effects of alcohol,” said Stewart. “Specifically, drinking in higher temperatures will increase the speed of dehydration and compound the effects of alcohol on your system. Having food in your stomach slows the absorption rate of alcohol, and helps your body manage processing it.”

The TCU Wellness Center suggests alternating each alcoholic drink with 8 oz. of water and to keep track of the number of drinks throughout the day, by can tabs/bottle caps/pen marks on a wrist.

And “A post tailgate snack is a must,” said Andrea Ordman, a senior marketing major.

Where can students find assistance at the game for their mental/ physical wellness?

“Students can let any Police Officer or Game Day Security staff know and they will either be directed to the closest medical tent, or they will have medical staff radioed to the location of emergency,” Stewart said.