Tailgating

This was my first experience of watching an American Football game.

After getting up at the crack of dawn and driving friends 3 hours to Bloomington, Indiana we arrived at the Memorial Stadium.

Before watching the 12pm Indiana ("The Hoosiers") vs. Iowa ("The Hawkeyes") game, we joined in the tailgating. I've never heard of tailgating, but this is where people drive to the ground and set up BBQs, tables/chairs, drink beer and just generally have fun before the game (note: not match, as I was continually reminded!).

I couldn't believe the size of the stadium and number of people attending the college game. It is amateur and people travel hundreds of miles to see their college teams. The stadium can house over 50,000 people (attendance for the game was around 42,000)!!

The game started with fireworks and lasted 3 hours (for a game that consists of 15 minute quarters.... go figure!). I saw two touchdowns and "The Hawkeyes" won (which was good, as one of the friends I was with came from Iowa college).

After the game, we walked through the Indianna college campus and found an Irish pub to warm up and eat. Didn't get back home until 10pm!

A fantastic day out.