Terrapins vs. Blue Hens

College Park, MD - August 30, 2008.

The "Bourbon Street" tailgaters eased into the fall campaign at the University of Maryland (UMCP Terrapins football season opener against the University of Delaware Blue Hens. With champion organizer Brenda Sherer out for a Labor Day office move, the tailgate was successful despite the three-quarter strength output, mirroring the Terps rather weak 14-7 victory over the Blue Hens. Notable exceptions were Da'Rel Scott and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

The core strengths of the tailgating team were represented in blocking out our traditional location early; proudly flying the string of Maryland flags; establishing the core infrastructure of tents chairs and grills; and wide-ranging contributions. As a result, our tailgaters enjoyed a strong assortment of food, including pulled pork, chicken skewers, fajitas, sausage, and more, not even counting Carolyn's new Strawberry Patch cocktail, and all the chips, dips, and desserts. The hefty menu of entrees is a core value of these tailgaters.

We were later visted by surprise guests Greivis Vasquez and his Venezuala Basketball teammate to chat for a while. Bob Lovell, shown left with Vasquez, also attended his first Maryland football game and tailgate. While the team warmed up, Bob practiced throwing and catching, rested up, fueled up on hot dogs. Despite the heat and bright sun, Bob enjoyed both the game and the mascots. Ben and Dave, however, were left speachless when the Terps scored but the Flag crew ran clockwise spelling out T-E-R-P-S instead of S-P-R-E-T as they always had in the past.

A good time was had by all, but there was a bit missing. Brenda' s enthusiasm , direction, and full kitchen left even long time participants to think on their feet and practice long forgotten skills. Also missing was about a six-foot strip of land, usurped by the competing tailgate to our south. The formerly friendly competition became more aggressive as neighboring tailgaters sported matching "tailgate champion" t-shirts and prominently displayed their trophy. At least one Bourbon Street tailgater suspected it may have actually been junior high bowling trophy.

The Bourbon Street tailgaters - 2005 Champions - are preparing to step it up a notch, when they appear in full strength for the September 13th noon game against the University of California Golden Bears, and David Lovell brings in a few friendly bears to help celebrate his birthday.

More pictures from this tailgate on Picasa and Facebook.