University football games. They are more than just a series of athletic events featuring big men running around with a 15-ounce ball.
They are tradition -- they are irreplaceable events in University life.
Whether an avid football fan watching the game intently, a student who is there in spirit but doesn't really remember much of what happened, or even a non-American trying to figure out what on earth is happening on the field, University students view football games as a celebration of their school spirit and a fun time. However, many neglect to note a vital portion of that wild audience of orange and blue: The parents.
Every game day, they march onto Grounds having packed their portable barbeques, tables, chairs and iceboxes full of soda and that certain barley drink that University students fraternize with on weekends. Whether in the seats or suites, parents of the current students or the alumni have become regulars, sometimes even more fanatic than the students themselves.
Like many residents of the Charlottesville community, some University parents have bought season tickets in order not to miss any games. Steve Ball, father of first-year College student Courtney Ball, is one of them.
"We've been coming to the games for three years now, and we have made it to at least 75 percent of all the games," he said. "It takes two hours to drive from Williamsburg, where we live. That's a piece of cake for quality games like these."
In addition to the quality of the game, many parents also enjoy the atmosphere created by the students. "The enthusiasm of the students is dramatic. It makes the game even better," Ball said.
Taylor Cole, father of class of 2000 student Courtney Cole Bacci, agreed. "It is different when they participate in the Good Old Song -- they put their hearts into it," he said.
One of the things that makes a game day complete are tailgates and, of course, parents are some of the most enthusiastic participants. Stationed in the parking lots, they prepare meals for the family and friends behind heavily packed SUVs.
"I love the social gathering at tailgates. Everyone comes together after the game no matter what the result is," tailgating parent Alan Peer said. "It is just having a couple laughs and drinks with your friends."
In addition to the smell of barbequed food that gets everyone salivating, drinking is also popularat tailgates. Cole pointed out that for him, "Tailgating is bonding. The emphasis is on drinking but it's more the hanging out that matters."
But alcohol consumption at tailgates does come with a certain "craziness" that goes along with the buzz of parents drinking. "Oh, my dad is crazy, no doubt," Bacci said.
In a counter-argument against his daughter, Cole said, "I do enjoy having a good time at the tailgate, and that involves alcohol sometimes, but never too much."
First-year College student Sara Barton thinks the "craziness" is mild.
"I haven't seen any funny or excessive things, but maybe I am too used to frat parties now, so my standards are more outrageous," she said.
These parking lot invaders prove to be more of an enjoyment than nuisance to the students. Once a University student, Courtney Cole Bacci thinks that it would have been impossible to enjoy the games without parents being around.
"I don't think it would have been the same experience if my parents did not tailgate," she said. "My dad is a die hard U.Va. fan, more than me, so he always got me even more excited."
For Courtney Ball, her parents coming to the games is a chance for her to hang out with them and also integrate them into her new life. "I like sharing the experience of the game with them, and also they get to meet all my friends," she said.
Despite the large number of students whose parents are frequent visitors to the games, the number of parent-less students is still larger. Barton is saddened by the absence of her parents. "I wish my parents were around at the games. Football is such a family thing for us," she said. "So it is kind of upsetting not to be with them."
For most parents, one of the most exciting aspects of attending games is reliving their college days -- as first-year College student Caroline Hammond observed, "They have fun like they did at college."
For Cole, the U.Va. football experience is even better than his college days. "I went to VCU in Richmond. We only had basketball there. I was so disappointed with the lack of football," he said. "I was so glad that my daughter came here -- it is a great time here."
A graduate of William & Mary, Ball said "It is painful to say that I come to the football games here." With a grin he added, "With hindsight, I can see the positive aspects of U.Va. compared to William & Mary. If I had known about it in high school
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