When I feel that chill, smell that fresh-cut grass
I’m back in my helmet, cleats and shoulder pads
Standing in the huddle, listening to the call
Fans going crazy for the boys of fall
-Kenny Chesney
It’s that time again, minus the chill in the air …
FOOTBALL!
College Football started last weekend, and the NFL officially started this past weekend. My husband has already tailgated with some of his boys with his setup including a dish TV and a playstation 3 at Georgia Tech. But our whole family headed to Oxford Mississippi to experience a tailgating experience in the infamous Grove.

We had planned this excursion for about a year. My father graduated from Ole Miss many years ago but has not been back without his alumni association to tailgate. He wanted his whole family to experience the legendary Grove.

Some things looked very familiar.

But not THIS!!!
HOTTY TODDY!
The Grove is located in the center of the University of Mississippi on 10 acres of land filled with oaks, elms and magnolia trees. It’s been described as the Holy Grail of tailgating and the #2 top tailgating school according to ESPN. After my experience, my opinion is the South at it’s best. I have tailgated in several places in the south, but nothing compares to this scene.

Another ritual that I’ve been anxious to see is the “Walk of Champions”. How intimidating but exciting would it be to walk the length of the Grove lined with fans cheering and wanting to give you a high-five. We could tell who the freshmen were.

All of these traditions are steeped in grace and dripping in Southern Hospitality. Ole Miss is proud of their school and even prouder of their tailgating. My husband and I wanted to take the challenge of tailgating on steroids, so I copied an idea I saw on pinterest around the Superbowl this year.
The Snackadium……

We had some help with some construction possibilities, but in the end…it turned out exactly as I had pictured it.

This had to be a disposable structure.

This is a five layer mexican dip…refried beans, salsa, sour cream seasoned with taco seasoning, shredded cheddar and shredded lettuce. Sour cream represents the not proportionate yard lines while slim jims stand tall for the goal posts. Finally I’ve been told the olives are representing a 4-3 defense and a single back offense. (Sounds like someone plays NCAA Football too much)

I went the extra mile with some cut and paste. It turned out well and we were pleased. I hated to eat it, and it was even worse when we had to walk away from it. But it served it’s purpose, and we’ve already discussed future construction upgrades.

Farewell University of Mississippi.
Thank you for sharing your hospitality and unsurpassed tailgating. We have already talked about revisiting, but still have other schools on our list. Notre Dame and LSU…. you’re at the top.
Have a good week as we start the count down until next weekend;)
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