Scenes from the Alamodome on Saturday, November 20 during UTSA's game against University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Football season is finally here, y'all. The University of Texas at San Antonio will begin its season against the Houston Cougars on Saturday, Sept. 3 at the Alamodome. The Roadrunners are returning from last fall's Cinderella season.
The UTSA football program ended its last season as Conference USA champions for the first time. The Roadrunners also finished the season with a program-best record of 12-2. For their success, they received their first Top 25 ranking in the AP Poll.
With last year's accomplishments, UTSA is hoping fans will pack the Dome for this year's home games. However, before the coin toss and the touchdowns, fans should join the huge Alamodome tailgate that occurs in the parking lot before the game. Not sure what that entails? Keep reading for some tips and tricks from UTSA football fans who have been there and done that.
Scenes from the Alamodome on Saturday, November 20 during UTSA's game against University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Monica Longoria and her family have been tailgating for UTSA since 2016. When they first started, they brought only a grill for the four at the tailgate. Now, they have tailgate equipment with canopies, kegerators, a popcorn machine and a DJ, as well as a trailer that looks like a birdhouse. Their spot is now known as The BirdHouse Tailgate.
"You're never going to be prepared for your first tailgate," Longoria said. "You're always going to forget something and then later tell your family member to bring it."
- Make a list of what you want to bring.
- Bring a lot of water because it's hot out there.
- Paper towels are always a must.
- Don't worry about hand sanitizer or trash bags as the city provides them in the parking lot.
- Restrooms with plenty of toilet paper are also provided while tailgating.
- The city also provides burnt barrels for those who are barbecuing.
- You will learn as you go.
Scenes from the Alamodome on Saturday, November 20 during UTSA's game against University of Alabama at Birmingham.
April Ancira, vice president of the Ancira Auto Group, told MySA she experienced her first real UTSA tailgate when the Roadrunners played the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the 2021 Conference Championship. As a first-timer, she said she had a blast tent hopping.
"It's like Fiesta," Ancira said. "You're visiting different tents and booths, and everybody is happy to see you. Everyone had their own unique approach. Someone was making chicken, another was making tacos. It was probably one of the most positive uplifting experiences I've ever had."
Gabby Garza, one of the biggest fans of the UTSA football team, told MySA people should check out The BirdHouse Tailgate and Los Dos Meeps Tailgate if they follow Ancria's tent-hopping lead.
- Don't drink and drive. Call an Uber or get a designated driver.
- Go with someone who knows what they're doing the first time.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Make friends and enjoy all the fun.
For those on the fence about tailgating, Ancira recommends trying it first. She said it's a different feeling when you cheer on a team inside the Dome with a bunch of other fans, from when you're yelling and screaming with new friends you made while tailgating.
"UTSA gives off that same vibe the Spurs do where it's about family and friends gathering together for a good time to cheer on your team," Ancira said. "You're not just sitting in your seat, you're sitting in your seat with like 50,000, hopefully, 60,000 of your closest friends you just met in a parking lot. All of a sudden, you're more invested. You were just with all these people outside laughing and smiling, and that's part of the whole inclusive, familia experience."
Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre.