Bearcats Tailgating with The Den
The tailgate scene at UC is unique, to say the least. We’re all well aware of the challenges of setting up a solid tailgate spot in Clifton; parking, logistics, environment, etc. For almost ten seasons, The Grid Tailgate on Sigma Sigma Commons has been the agreed upon and promoted spot for Bearcats tailgating. On game day if you venture towards the north end of the commons near the glass dorms, you’ll find The Den Tailgate.
The Den has been an organized group since 2015 and merged with the famous “Bearcat Tailgater” group in 2017. Settled on alley spot #5 on The Grid, this is the first tailgate group that the team passes during the “Catwalk” tradition. The Den’s spot on the commons is next to a large grassy area down from the middle stairs of Morgans & Scioto Hall. The Bearcat Tailgater trailer (with TV and speakers) anchors the setup along with corn hole, a community drink cooler, and the famous “Drinko” board.
Along with the location and setup, what makes The Den unique to other tailgate groups or plots on The Grid?
An open community structure. Each season membership is open to anyone that wants to come and have a good time. This season, a “season pass” is $20 with all money raised going back into the tailgate fund. Someone that joins The Den can expect as much food and drink to supply the group, while supplies last that day. For the most part, its BYOB and all are encouraged to add to the community drink cooler. Supplied are the essentials (ice, cups, plates, tables, etc), and we add on as much food/drink as we can afford.
For this season, the tailgate theme is “A Better Way to Tailgate”, which is a play on Blue Apron’s slogan “a better way to cook”. Each tailgate will feature a food spread inspired by the team/school/mascot that the Bearcats play that day. Also, we are partnering with the campus food/supplies charity called the Bearcat Pantry. We are asking tailgaters to bring a donation to the tailgate and toss it in the Bearcat Pantry’s bin. Food, school supplies, and any other essentials that college students may need are what the pantry accepts.
Our biggest draw for this season is our partnership with Taft’s Brewing Company. We are working with the awesome people at Taft’s to host watch parties at the Brewpourium, feature Taft’s beer at the tailgate, and to offer our tailgaters fun promotions and giveaways all season! These are a few features of The Den Tailgate, but we are only scratching the surface. We invite all Bearcats fans to come and tailgate with us this season. You can stay up to date with all Den happenings by going to TheDenUC.com and signing up for the weekly email newsletter. Then, get your season pass!
You can find The Den on twitter and instagram @TheDenUC
Remember, in 2018 The Den is “a better way to tailgate”.