It’s gameday, and on South Stadium, the Krewe of Old School has been tailgating since 7 a.m.
The Krewe’s tailgate, which stretches from the road and onto the steps of the Frey Computing Services Building, is laden with a variety of food and drinks that will make your head spin.
The Krewe, which is in its 21st year, is comprised of “a really neat mix of people,” Krewe member, Hardin Wells said, and is ready to welcome anyone who’d like to stop by. They’ve even had opposing fans come to their tent, Wells said.
A week in advance, the Krewe sits down, and decides its menu for the coming week. Overall, the members end up spending anywhere between $600 and $1,000 preparing for each week’s tailgate, Wells said. While this week was a classic mixture of tailgate favorites, Wells said they ensure to have some unique options for larger games – for Auburn, they roast a cochon du lait, and for Florida they bacon wrap gator bites and roast them over their Cajun microwave.
Today, the Krewe was roasting a few spice-injected chickens, preparing a mixture for their shrimp and mushroom quesadillas, hand wrapping their egg-rolls, and grilling macaroni and cheese sandwiches – complete with bacon bits.
One of their most famous items is the DigiDrink drink machine, created by Krewe member and engineer Pat LeBlanc. The remote-controlled machine is loaded with your favorite liquor and mixers, and with the push of a button, your drink is made. Like the food, the Krewe creates a drink menu that incorporates the colors of each team. This week, the Krewe offered the “British Bengal,” a mix of gin and grape soda.
With the smell of endless foods, the taste of a cold beer, and the sounds of good Louisiana themed music, the Krewe welcomes anyone ready to sit down and enjoy “true south Louisiana,” Wells said.
