There was a lot of energy on UCF’s campus as the Venezuelan, Puerto Rican, Columbian, and Argentine student associations tailgated under black tents before the Oct. 26 football game against BYU.
Juan Almonte, a senior biology major, said that tailgating is a free way for students to hang out with friends and make memories.
As a student, Almonte said, “I would say it definitely got me more into tailgating. Just being able to go to football games is really easy; you can enjoy the tailgates and go to the games pretty easily for free and just hang out with all your friends and just enjoy the game.”
Before the game, the Latin groups VENSA, PRSA, COLSA, and ARSA set up their tents near the Addition Arena for a day of music, food, and joy.
There are only three American football leagues in Central and South America, so the sport may not be very popular there. However, Hispanic students at UCF have taken up the custom of tailgating and made it an expression of cultural pride.
“I like the culture of college football and the parties that go along with it,” Emily Batres, a senior at UCF and a marketing major, said. “So I am always ready to take part.”
Santiago Romero, who is in charge of marketing for VENSA, said that the tailgate made him love football even more.
Romero said, “Well I can tell you that it is a one-of-a-kind experience.” “From the moment you leave the tailgate, and then you go to the game and watch how they warm up.”
Batres said that tailgating is a fun way to feel like you are part of the UCF community. Romero said it is never been done before.
Romero said, “I think everyone should try it at least once.”
