For the past three years, Jamie Riggle, an attendence clerk, her family and friends have used the back parking lot as their official hangout spot. Every home football game, the Riggles gas up their Marcus-themed trailer, fire up the grill and prepare for a night of cheering. However, this year due to construction and lack of parking spaces, their spot was taken away.
“When we first heard the news, we were scared that we weren’t going to be able to tailgate anymore,” Riggle said. “Then we heard that we could either go to the front parking lot or to one of the surrounding churches.”
The Riggles decided to set up shop next to the school in Trietsch parking lot. They quickly noticed the part of the parking lot they were in had many students and parents from the opposing schools surrounding them. Jaime said they felt a little uncomfortable at first, fearing that someone might vandalize their trailer. However, they then moved closer to the street and to more Marcus supporters, and Jaime said that they feel more secure.
After seeing other families tailgating before a game, it inspired the Riggles to try it out for themselves. They noticed that some of the families brought their mobile homes and were grilling and cooking out of them. That made them want to have their own trailer.
“I just thought it was such a great idea,” Riggle said. “It looked like so much fun to come out and have a lot of fellowship before the game.”
Their marauder-themed trailer is decked out with red and black and covered with action shots of Marauder football players. Underneath a flap, sits the TV and stereo system. Inside, they keep the grills and store the food.
To prepare, the Riggles usually start on a Wednesday by planning out the food. They always grill tailgating staples such as hotdogs or hamburgers. On Fridays, her husband Darryl and family friend show up at around 4:00 p.m. with the trailer. Grills are fired up, and they cook that night’s meal. Until the game starts, they eat, watch tv, listen to music and hang out with friends and family. Thirty minutes before the game, they pack everything up and head towards the stadium.
Now, the Riggles are carrying on with their normal Friday night routines. As a self-proclaimed football family, Jaime said they certainly know how to tailgate in style. She welcomes anyone to join if they feel so inclined.
“There’s a lot of people who come by and see us and say that we’re really doing tailgating right,” Jaime said. “We always invite anyone who wants to join in because we really enjoy the fellowship with everyone before the games.”
