Before University of Northern Iowa trounced Northern Colorado in the homecoming football game, many Panthers  took to the C-Parking lot to the west of the Wellness and Recreation Center to participate in games, eating, drinking and chatting until kick-off.

Tailgating occurs before every home football game with students, alumni, children and Panther supporters donning purple and gold.

“I have been doing it every year since I was a freshman,” said Amy Peiffer, senior accounting and real estate double major. “Every year I have a blast.” 

Several hours before the game started, Panther fans mingled in the parking lot after the parade to enjoy karaoke, bean bag toss, ladder toss, a DJ and food on one of the last nice summer days of the year. 

The rain that had dampened mid-morning activities had long since dissipated leaving the crowd to enjoy a vibrant buzz of excitement in the tranquil blue skies. 

“I had a great time,” said Courtney Kalb, sophomore leisure youth and human services major, “We just got done with the parade and we came over here to go tailgating.”