The Tailgate Quest

IN SEPTEMBER OF 2004, I DESCENDED UPON THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION TO CATCH THREE MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE GAMES IN THREE DAYS. 

- Dan Donnelly

I was joined by my brother and avid college football fan Brian as we attended games at the Air Force Academy, Wyoming, and Colorado State in a 52-hour period. Later that season, we caught three games in less than 24 hours at Fresno State, San Jose State, and Stanford.

Thus my quest began to attend a game and pre-game ritual at all 129 Division I FBS schools, as well as see rivalry games and classic matchups in lower divisions. I’m still going.

College football to me is the greatest spectator sport on earth. The game itself is only a fraction of the overall event. Absorbing the pageantry, school traditions, tailgates, fight songs, slogans, and passion completes my obsession. Throughout the last fourteen seasons, I have attended close to 200 games and visited some 90 different venues. Many people have become my friends for life based on our enthusiasm for college football and, of course, tailgating.

My journey has taken me to the meccas of college football and its hallowed cathedrals. My preference is to start the Friday night before a big Saturday game soaking in the overall environment of the college town by meeting people and learning all I can about the school and their traditions.