Where I Come From: Washington Tailgating Traditions
by John Berkowitz on Jul 7, 2010 4:10 AM PDT
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Husky Stadium is one of the most scenic sporting venues in the world. Located on the shores of Lake Washington and framed in by views of the Cascades to the East and the Olympics to the West the old girl has been consistently named one of the most scenic venues in college football.
Husky Stadium has a lot of options when it comes to tailgating. I have seen people arrive by yacht, seaplane, canoe, mass transit, bicycle, chartered bus, on foot, and that old stand by the automobile. By the end of the decade fans will also be able to arrive via a region wide light rail system which will relieve congestion considerably during game days.
To me the coolest way to tailgate at Husky Stadium is to do it on a yacht. I have had the good fortune to do it half a dozen of times. The most memorable being a surprise part my wife had for me on my 50th birthday. It is a great way to pre-function and avoid the traffic. Don't own a yacht, have rich friends, or a generous wife? No problem...for a smaller price you can take the party boat which departs from Chinooks on Salmon Bay to the game!
When on land I have always preferred the South side because of the scenery, proximity to parties I want to attend, people I wanted to run in to, the after game access to Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Downtown, and Lake Union. Long time season ticket holders have been partying here for generations. Select parking spots on this side of the stadium hold as much value as the seats inside the stadium.
Phrases such as meet you over at the climbing rock, see you by the tree's, or meet me in front of the crew house are the code words for finding your way around in this area. The South parking lot is framed by the remains of the old University of Washington golf course which is bordered by the Montlake Cut. It is a park like setting and one of the best tailgating venues I have seen around the country.
As far as personal traditions go I have never really had one as far as Husky tailgating goes. I have never personally had a parking spot in the main lot. I moved from Seattle approximately twenty years ago so I fly in for games. It never made much sense to pony up for a permanent parking spot. I guess I am a free agent type of tailgater. I go wherever I end up getting invited and always have a great time.
To me the most important thing on a Saturday before the game is running into old friends and making new one's.
What is your favorite Washington tailgating tradition?
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We didn't
get into serious tailgating until we started going to BigTDawg’s tailgate. John will remember we all used to chat at Dawgman…seems like most nights in the RN days. We stayed at the same hotel as Tom for the 2001 Rose Bowl, went to the tailgate he had at the Rose Bowl and have been tailgating with him since.
I’ve met quite a few players parents at Tom’s tailgate plus all of the Dawgman people come to the tailgate along with some ex-players and several long time Dawgman members.
We’re hoping Tom will be able to keep his spot in E12 and not lose it to the construction mess.
John, 2011 recruit question
Have you heard from any of your sources on the recruiting of Colt Lyerla, the OLB from Oregon. Does UW have any chance for him? He looks like a beast.
He has UW on his list
We could possibly get a visit. I would thing the two in state schools would be the leader for him.
by John Berkowitz on Jul 7, 2010 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions
For as long as I’ve been going to games, tailgating has never been a part of my family’s routine. That may start to change as we’ve finally bumped up to Tyee and we’ll have a parking pass – I’m trying to talk my parents into driving their RV out for a game or two.
That Is The...
…way to go Kirk! I’ve always walked by the people who had their RVs and just looked on with envy. That would be sweet!
by doubledeucedawg on Jul 7, 2010 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Tailgating
Last season I found my new tradition, the Ivar’s Salmon House Husky Brunch Cruise, it’s AMAZING!!! John’s right, the best way to get to a game is by boat. Ivar’s puts on a huge all you can eat seafood buffet, followed by a short boat ride to the stadium. If you want a “party” boat, go to Chinooks, if you want the same experience but a little more “grown up”, go with Ivar’s. Can’t wait for the season to get started!
P.S. – I’d much prefer a yacht and more time cruising around the lake, but I’ll take what I can get.
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"
Thanks!
I want to do that with my wife for the first game. Nebraska’s is probably sold out already. I better make plans now!
by doubledeucedawg on Jul 7, 2010 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I believe the term is "sailgaiting"
Part of what makes Husky Stadium such a unique venue is that it is the only stadium in the NCAA that you can boat right up to. I know you can boat to Volunteer Stadium in Tennesee but I think it’s a hike from dock to stadium, something like a mile or two, nothing like a few yards at husky stadium.
I have been pretty fortunate as my friend’s dad owns a 45+ yatch that he moves from it’s normal moorage spot out in Eliott Bay to lake washington for Husky Game days. I have never had a cooler tailgating experience that being able to sit back on the boat and tail gate. Plus I’ve been able to go on a lot of other even nicer yatchs. Sailgating is the only way I party before the games these days! :)
"I call the big one Bitey."-Homer J. Simpson
by Willie Mays Haze on Jul 7, 2010 3:29 PM PDT reply actions
Pretty Cool Too...
…that the Husky Crew will ferry you over to the dock. At least they used to do that. GO DAWGS!!
by doubledeucedawg on Jul 7, 2010 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Favorite Tradition
I absolutely have to have KJR on when we tailgate. To listen to Softy, Hugh Millen and Dick Baird is nirvana for a Husky fan!
KOMO
I was really bummed when KOMO lost the radio contract to KJR. I feel better about it today, I really enjoy the Husky Honks and softy. I wish somehow they could bring back some of those skits the KOMO crew would do, they were Hilarious! The post game show with Rondo and Dawgman calling in was priceless! Whoever the guy was, he was AWesome! He sounded just like Wolfman Jack and he would call Rondo “Bobby” when he’d talk to him. I really miss Dawgman.
Washington Husky Football-Undefeated 1991 National Champions 12-0!
KJR
KOMO was so traditional and classy in their coverage of Husky Football in general.
KJR is better because of Softy and the Honks. You get coverage almost every day. You get the Dawgman show for crying out loud on KJR. You get like 13 hours of coverage on game day! I mean how crazy is that?
by John Berkowitz on Jul 8, 2010 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions
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