As the title of the post indicates, there are a lot of changes facing us this year in West Lafayette. (The title is a David Bowie reference for those of you that don't get it.) Just remember, that even though we're embracing change we are still "old school Boilermakers!" (Make sure you read to the bottom I've saved the biggest change for last.)
Changes on the field include all of the Offensive skill positions and a large portion of the coaching staff. Coach Danny Hope picks up the reigns of a program in need of a shot of energy. His recruiting of Florida has been fruitful, but many of those players are probably a couple of years away from being true impact players. This could be a tough year, but we're still determined to enjoy the full gameday experience!
As part of that gameday experience we're going to be doing "themed" tailgates again this year. This chart gives you and idea or what we've got in store:
Off of the field the biggest change closer to home is that our tailgate will be a 'romper room' of sorts. By my count we've welcomed at least 5 new "Future Boilermakers" (Pete Browand, Mary Kate Saam, Katie Bauer, Allison Wick, and Isaac Halsey) since last football season. We look forward to begining to train the next generation of Boilermaker fans!! For those of you interested in tailgating with the kids but not attending the game, the fall house will be available for you to use during the game.
Our tailgating lot has undergone a name change. Our location used to be called the "W" lot, but it is now an extension of the "S" lot. So we're in the same location, but the name has changed. Looking through the online information it doesn't say that there are going to be any differences, but I'm worried that they may want to fill one side of the S (on Slayter Hill) before they fill the other (where we usually park.) We will know more after the first game.
We are making a change to the "ID Badges" that we have issued each year. Instead of a card or name badge for each member, the Stone Cold Tailgating Club is joining the "modern age" and going with silicone bracelets. Here's a picture of the wristband you'll be issued with your membership fee.
Membership fees for tailgating are the same as last year. If you want to pay on the day of the first game or game by game that's fine. Please pay Paula at the tailgates. If you want to pay up front, please e-mail me and let me know so that we can work out your membership fees.
As mentioned above the fall house is available for either night of the weekend, first come first serve. The rates are the same as last year. Please e-mail me and let me know what weekends you need lodging and I'll arrange with Dawn and Brendan to see if there is availability.
Finally, the last big change off of the field is our tailgating vehicle. We have enjoyed the services of a hearse for the last 4 seasons, but I am putting it up for sale on Ebay as I have secured a replacement. We will now be using this 1983 Econoline conversion Ambulance for tailgating.
There are two main drivers for this replacement. Last year's "brake incident" with the hearse showed me that the maintenance was just going to continue to be an issue on a car with 80,000 miles. (The new ambulance has 35,000 and has been maintained to emergency readiness standards.) Additionally with all the new moms attending games, the back end of the ambulance gives a nice area for taking care of kids. The captains chair and the bench seats will provide a nice area for feeding and changing kids out of the elements.
We look forward to seeing everyone in West Lafayette, IN!!
GO BOILERS!
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