for the record 09.18.13

BEST NIGHT OUT

BEST DJ PICKS PG 3UC DRINKS SMART PG 4

TAILGATING TROUBLE PG 8

ISSUE NO. 18 • SEPT. 18 - 24, 2013 • BEST NIGHT ISSUE

BEST NIGHT OUT ISSUE / WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013 / PAGE 2

WHAT’S YOUR IDEA OF A GOOD NIGHT OUT?

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BEST PLACE TO GO TO IN CINCINNATI FOR A FUN TIME?

WHAT WAS THE WORST NIGHT YOU’VE EVER HAD?

At this point, any night that I don’t have to serve other people drinks is a really great night.

I don’t really have favorite places (maybe Japp’s in OTR) but I can tell you that the best times I’ve ever had we’re in Daniel’s Hall, Room 510, East Suite.

Well ... I once had my orbital bone bashed in pretty good.

But at least I’ve never gotten a ticket for jaywalking, Ryan.

Last Friday night I ate Indian food, watched Julia Roberts movies, and read old newspapers.

My porch. Or Django in Northside.

The tears I’ve cried ...

An expensive bottle of whiskey and a ZZ Top CD.

Anywhere with good people and cheap drinks. I recommend the Mud Slide in Carthage.

See Hamilton County Justice Center.

A good selection of local beers and being in bed by 11.

My favorites are Highland’s Co� ee House and Fries.

Hands down my 21st birthday. There were rolling brown outs throughout the evening.

Having a pint at the Winchester and waiting for all of this to blow over.

Neon’s in Over-the-Rhine. No quarters needed for the pool table, and there’s free giant Jenga outside. Also, dogs are welcome.

I hosted a “wine in a can” party that was inspired by It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Violent hand gestures are not recommended for this type of party.

Anywhere with live music and good beer.

See pg. 5, the Know Theatre or Kara’s apartment.

I studied abroad in Madrid in 2012. My friend was robbed and we went to the police station to fi le a report. Sadly, we were a little intoxicated and not fl uent enough to communicate properly.

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I literally have nothing to say. Not a thing. But if I have to say something, do the opposite of what I’m doing.

The Kool-Aid guy. An awesome catchphrase and he would make a perfect chaser.

Don’t lose or kill your phone, and look out for your friends.

Kara Driscoll.

It’s so simple. When your friends start chanting at you to do something, do not do that thing. Also drink lots of water.

Jon Benjamin, just so he could entertain me with his hilarious voice. Plus I really want him to rate my Archer impression.

Stay with your group of friends. Pay attention to people around you and try to look intimidating.

My mom. It’s hard to keep her awake after one beer, I’m working on it though.

But seriously, walk in a group and try to keep your wits about you, even after the drinks.If the gun is pointed at your head, cut your losses and pay for new IDs.

I bet that Greg Hand guy from all of the UC security emails knows a thing or two about having a good time.

Don’t walk alone. Keep your shoes on. Put your money in your socks and run like the wind back to your house.

Tupac ... or Margaret Mead.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR STUDENTS WHO WANT TO GO OUT BUT STAY SAFE?

WHO IS ONE PERSON YOU WOULD LOVE TO PARTY WITH?

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There are many reasons to stay home from parties, films provide opportunities to experience life without talking to peopleJAKE GRIECO ARTS EDITOR

Sometimes people suck, and going out is

the last thing that you want to do. Sometimes a whole day passes without anyone inviting you anywhere and you realize — I don’t have any friends.

There is a simple solution to both of these problems: watch more movies.

Movies can make you friends, make you feel like you went out and had the time of your life and even make you content with the fact that no one talks to you.

If you want to make friends, you’ll need to brush up on films with cult-followings.

A great place to start is with the one of the few white people to to get away with using the n-word on-screen, Quentin Tarentino.

Tarentino’s films have rich and quotable dialogue and his fans love to get together and run through the films line by line.

So the next time you find yourself alone on a Friday night watch “Pulp Fiction.”

Then go out the next night and speak softly so people keep saying, “What?”

Then appropriately respond with, “Say, ‘what’ again, say ‘what’ again I dare you.”

You have to deliver the line with the best Samuel L. Jackson impersonation you can muster.

If this is executed correctly, hopefully at least one person will stay and talk to you for a little bit.

Some films have the ability to make you feel like you partied so hard that you’ll wake up in the morning with a hangover.

A classic example of this is David Mkenna’s “Blow.”

This appropriately named movie — based on Bruce Porter’s 1993 novel — tells the story of George Jung (Johnny Depp) who is the biggest American cocaine dealer in the ’70s.

It doesn’t end on the most positive of notes but following Jung around on his rise to power is exhilarating.

By the time the movie comes to an end,

you’ll be coming down too and ready to go to bed.

Some Fridays you fail a quiz, the girl that sits behind you ate an entire bag of hot fries with her mouth open and you had to be part-

ners with the farty kid in Spanish class. These are the days you feel too lethal to

go out and have a good time, but apart from going to jail you need some form of outlet for your inner angst. Mary Harron’s “American Psycho” is the best option.

The film — based on Brett Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel — follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a New York investment banker with a constructed outer image to hide the fact that he’s a serial killer.

Bateman kills everyone from homeless people and their dogs to rival investment bankers — and a lot of expensive call girls. The angst that sometimes takes over a normal human being is the very things that drives Bateman. “I have all the characteris-tics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust.”

So put on “American Psycho” and purge yourself so you can function in society, or put on Huey Lewis and The News and invite over your biggest competitor.

For more opinion pieces from The News Record staff, pick up Thursday’s edition.

Guidelines for any party DJ to live by when trying to stay popular among strangersALEX BALBOA CONTRIBUTOR

It’s Friday night when you and your friends

decide to locate the speakers and connect the iPod to play a classic. Well-received, your choice of “Ignition (Remix)” by R. Kelly is a hit. You exchange high-fives with your buddies before they walk away to attend to some business. With the song winding down, you’re left with a vital task: choosing the next song.

Music can play a pivotal role in determin-ing the mood of a party. Left to decide which song to play next, the person in control of the iPod faces a tough decision. One wrong choice and you’ll be showered with disap-proval as the body of your get-together dis-perses. On the other hand, one terrific choice and you’ll be welcomed with praise.

The rise of digital media has lifted some of this burden with playlist-creating apps like Pandora and Songza.

Though convenient, these apps have their

shortcomings. Choosing the right keyword or artist to fully utilize the apps may be difficult and time consuming. Apps like Pandora of-ten create playlists too broad for the specific niche to which you’re catering. Instead, it’s best to remember the following guidelines when granted control of the party iPod.

Expand your selectionWhere Pandora and Songza fail, apps like

YouTube and Spotify pick up the slack. Offer-ing you a selection of nearly every song ever made, you’re guaranteed to find the right song to keep the party going.

The excuse, “There’s nothing to choose from,” no longer applies.

With the world’s musical history at your fingertips, expanding your selection is key to getting it just right.

Consider your audience, the moodYou’ll be hard-pressed to find “Raining

Blood” by Slayer blaring from the speakers of a Ford F150 during the hours leading up to the annual Dave Matthews Band concert at Riverbend. Keep your audience and their mood in mind when choosing the music for a party. The end of the night may not be the best time to play Avicii’s “Levels;” instead, consider a more mellow choice.

Cater to the interests of your party. After all, you’re primarily choosing music for the people — not for yourself.

When in doubt, stick to the classicsWhere one group of friends may applaud

you for choosing Ratatat’s “Wildcat,” another group may prefer you choose “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show.

In these tough situations, it’s best to stick to the classic party hits.

Think back to your dusty collection of “Now! That’s What I Call Music” CDs and your parents’ assortment of greatest hits CDs for inspiration.

Consider Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The U.S.A.” or Hall and Oates’ “Rich Girl” and “You Make My Dreams Come True.”

Protip: “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper never fails. Think cheesy and fun.

Some classics can be enjoyed by all and might even spark a laugh or goofy dancing. Played sarcastically, sentimentally or seri-ously, classic party hits are sure to whip your party into high spirits as they take a trip through nostalgia lane.

Keep these guidelines in mind and you’ll be sure to be the hero of your next party’s dance floor, backyard or living room.

BEST NIGHT OUT ISSUE WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18/ PAGE 3

Don’t feel like going out, stay in with great films

TNR teaches party-goers how to DJ, please crowd

PROVIDED

PROVIDED


UC students drink, rarely get caught on campusFewer alcohol-related arrests at UC than other Ohio universitiesALEXIS O’BRIEN CHIEF REPORTER

The University of Cincinnati ranks low in alcohol arrests per year compared to other Ohio universities, but that doesn’t mean students should disregard the potential consequences of drinking irresponsibly.

“The university has a zero tolerance policy on alcohol and drugs,” said Lance Long, UC police officer. “As long as it’s an arrest-able offense, that’s generally how we handle those situations.”

Although alcohol-related offenses haven’t been any worse in 2013 than they’ve been in the past, they are one of the offenses the department focuses on heavily, Long said.

So far in 2013, UCPD and the Cincinnati Police Department have made 14 alcohol-related arrests on UC’s campus — an 18 percent decrease from the same period in 2012.

UC seems to compare well to other major Ohio universities when it comes to alcohol-

related arrests on campus, but the numbers could be deceiving.

“I think one of the differentiators is that the other schools have a larger percentage of students in their residence halls,” said interim UC Police Chief Jeff Corcoran in an email.

“We have most of our students living off campus. They may, and I emphasize may, see more issues on the campus instead of off campus as a result.”

Ragan Johnson, UC Student Wellness Center director, said there are many short-term and long-term consequences of drinking consumers should consider before choosing to drink, particularly underage consumers.

“The consequences include academic problems, violence, legal problems, risky sexual behaviors, accidents and unintentional injuries, alcohol poisoning and suicide,” Johnson said in an email.

“Because your brain may continue to develop into your twenties, it’s not known how alcohol will affect the long-term memory and learning skills of people who use alcohol in adolescence and young adulthood.”

UCPD officers are making efforts to proactively patrol busy areas, especially on

weekend nights, and some UC students have noticed.

“Going out this past weekend, you can see an increase in police,” said Amish Patel, third-year biology student. “Not just in cars, but also on bicycles, Segways and some who are walking.”

Long said some of that presence is officers

on patrol, and that some of it is in response to calls and complaints.

“A loud party can lead to other things,” Long said. “If it’s a UC-related incident and the city gets a call, a lot of times we’ll respond as well.”

Johnson thinks that because there are so many things to do on campus and in the city, students shouldn’t have to drink to enjoy college.

She said approximately one in five UC students don’t drink.

“The perception of alcohol use in college is that everyone is doing it and drinking a lot, which is not the truth,” Johnson said. “The majority of our students actually do use low-risk drinking skills.”

Low-risk drinking includes behaviors like avoiding drinking on an empty stomach, drinking with reliable friends and keeping track of how many drinks are consumed, Johnson said.

“If you do decide to drink, be aware that there are consequences for doing so and you should be knowledgeable about how alcohol affects you,” she said.

“The perception of alcohol use in college is that everyone is doing

it and drinking a lot, which is not the truth.”RAGAN JOHNSON, UC STUDENT WELLNESS CENTER DIRECTOR

OHIO UNIVERSITY MIAMI UNIVERSITY

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

ALCOHOL-RELATED ARRESTS ON CAMPUS

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

(EACH MUG REPRESENTS .01 percent OF THE SCHOOLS’ POPULATION)

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of roughly 21,211 students

of roughly 64,077 students of roughly 41,970 students

of roughly 16,000 students

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Cincinnati arguably the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll; MOTR Pub does what it can to let everyone know KATIE GRIFFITH MANAGING EDITOR

MOTR Pub is not the stereotypical kind of bar. Much like the neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine, where it thrives, MOTR has a personality of its own and an unmistakable aesthetic. But the people, the mood and the environment are altered by what’s going on inside.

“They are all about the local scene,” said Sam Gregg, a 22-year-old regular at MOTR Pub. “I am here quite a bit. [The atmosphere] depends on what day you come, what time. When they first open up its pretty chill, low key, but get them on a good night and this place is packed.”

Even at 6 p.m. on a Monday, when there are only three people atop the many mahogany bar stools, MOTR feels lively. Framed, autographed, zombie-faced, collaged posters line the long, narrow front room and low light compliments the neutral colors, deep sienna hardwood floors and crown molding. A veiled retro vibe can be felt throughout, particularly as the jukebox shifts from song to song.

Judas Priest resonated out of the glowing jukebox and through the room as the famous guitar riff of “Breaking the Law” echoed its way to the lower level. Rob Halfords haunting voice reigned over sitting customers as they leaned closer to indulge in conversation.

But the Judas Priests and Black Sabbaths of the Juke Box don’t get nearly as loud as a live performance.

There is not an empty slot on MOTR’s September calendar. The bar hosts acts from Japan, New York, Denmark and various places in between. But the majority of talent comes from right here in Cincinnati.

“There are certain acts that you can’t book here on a Friday or Saturday because it gets so packed in here. So we just try to do stuff that’s just a rock show,” said Chris Schaedler,

one of four MOTR Pub owners. Cincinnati-natives The Sundresses

definitely fit the ‘rock show’ mold, but it’s much more complex than it sounds. The band made MOTR Pub-ers dance with its funky rock ‘n’ roll and energetic stage presence Sunday on the main stage.

The humble platform The Sundresses so often grace is catty-cornered across from the bar, but still very much a part of the action. It provides an up-close-and-personal concert experience and leaves ample room for a big crowd. A crowd that satisfies the pub’s motto: “Know your Cincinnati rock ‘n’ roll.” And that’s all you need to know, unless you’re interested in local brews, art, a private party room, pinball machines or an outside patio (with a fire pit).

Schaedler wants the motto to re-introduce Cincinnati’s deep-rooted history in music and make people aware of the music around them.

“Terry Stewart used to be the director of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he said there are only three cities that can legitimately claim to be the birthplace of rock and roll and Cincinnati was one of them. One of the others is Memphis. But there are music historians, many music historians who have evidence that actually Cincinnati’s rock and roll roots pre-date Memphis’ by seven or

eight years,” Schaedler said. “[Cincinnati] is one of two places that the American phenomenon, an invention called rock and roll music, started.”

Newspaper clips and photographs that document Cincinnati’s musical history hang everywhere in the bar — just one more way Schaedler emphasizes the importance and rarity of historical Cincinnati.

It’s hard to say what keeps the customers coming. If it’s not the symphonic sound of a band blaring from the double doors, it’s the smell of Sunday brunch or the sarcastic scat of a poet. A weekly Writer’s Night invites poets to share their work with cash rewards for the most promising performances, while MOTR MOUTH hosts stand-up comedians. With performance areas on the main and lower level, it’s not uncommon that both of these entertainment options can be seen in one night.

Whatever it is, MOTR is doing something right. It’s proving to be a main factor of putting Over-the-Rhine back on the map.

Free live music at least six days a week — and according to a promotional flyer — happy hour eight days a week, it’s not surprising so many flock to the pub.

“MOTR puts the pizazz in everything,” Gregg said. “It’s the place to go in Over-the-Rhine.”

Pub promotes local arts, hosts events seven days a week

KATIE GRIFFITH MANAGING EDITORBartender Nonta Perkins serves and socializes. She said a perk of being a MOTR bartender is the opportunity to meet different people every night.

“MOTR puts the pizazz in everything. It’s the place

to go in Over-the-Rhine.”SAM GREGG

ART ACADEMY STUDENT AND MOTR PUB REGULAR MOTR Pub owners recently bought a

building just across the street. Estimated to open in February, The Woodward Theater will host even bigger acts than MOTR.

Nonta Perkins has worked at MOTR as a bartender since it opened three years ago, and so have all the other employees, she said. The staff hasn’t changed since the bar opened.

Many of the posters that adorn the walls of MOTR Pub are from the original Southgate House. Schaedler was an original owner of Southgate and cites the posters as the Southgate’s “legacy.”

Now showing: Royal Plastics: King Records Album Art. The exhibit features vintage King Records album covers along with recreations of original album photos and songs from the albums on the jukebox.


Locations offer students new weekend plans close to campusALLISON REUTHER CONTRIBUTOR

Booze doesn’t make or break the best night out. Whether students are underage, don’t like the taste or are simply looking for something new, there is an array of alcohol-free hotspots at the University of Cincinnati and near campus for students to discover. The locations’ unique activities, which range from movies and music to hikes and hookah, can add a twist to any weekend schedule.

1) Main Street CinemaSlip behind the red velvet ropes of the Main

Street Cinema, grab a tasty treat from the snack counter and settle back to watch some of your favorite flicks. The cinema features new movies and classics alike. And around Halloween some heart-racing horrors guaranteed to put you in a deliciously fearful mood are shown. Marcus

Germany, a first-year medical student, has visited the Main Street Cinema several times throughout his undergrad career.

“The cinema doubles as a weekend hotspot, offering Bearcats a healthy and fun alternative to the party scene,” Germany said. Tickets for UC students are just $2, and all movies start at 7:30 p.m.

2) College-Conservatory of Music EventsPut that ridiculously good outfit taking up

space in your closet to good use by wearing it to one of CCM’s spectacular events. There are hundreds of events throughout the year, from simple solo performances to operas and full productions, and the majority of events are free.

3) Fairview ParkIn the mood for a hike or a drive? Wind up the

narrow, twisting road of Fairview Park, pause here and there to take goofy pictures or just take in the spectacular view of Cincinnati as it opens up in the distance.

“The view is awesome,” said Libby Moore, a fourth-year marketing student. “You can see the

whole skyline.” Those that make it to the top can hang out on

one of the low walls and take in the view.

4) Festival of LightsThe zoo puts up strands and strands of bright

lights during this seasonal activity, which kicks off Nov. 23. Grab a cup of delectable hot chocolate and enjoy carolers as they make their way through the masses singing holiday favorites.

5) Gypsy Cafe Hookah Lounge Don’t want to be inebriated, but still want the

party atmosphere? Give the Gypsy Hookah Cafe a chance. It’s a laid-back setting with different groups of people crowding around tables and cramming onto couches and chairs. Conversations carry across the close quarters to the next group over, so it’s easy to meet some fun people.

“I like that place,” said Samantha Lieberman, a third-year education student. “They play good music and it’s a good place to go and relax.”

Quick, inexpensive tips create perfect outfits for any occasion

To a UC Game: Just wear red. Certainly wearing the typical c-paw tee and jeans is acceptable to wear to the next battle at Nippert Stadium, but change it up once in a while. Opt for a red sweater, cream scarf and black jeans. Solid colors are always in style. A simple jersey-material red dress is perfect for evenings at the game. If you are still adamant about wearing a UC tee, find some that are tucked and hidden away at local bookstores. Rally House, one of the new shops at U-Square, is a great place to find unique UC tees with vintage graphics.

To a Party: Keep it classy. Looking stylish and different from the sea of sequin tops, short skirts and leggings is key when deciding what to wear to a party. Black on black has a certain level of elegance when you add a sparkly and chunky statement necklace. Adding a pop of color with your necklace or clutch is simple and sophisticated. If you want to really test the fashion waters, do the opposite and deck yourself out in a single shade of red or other color and use black as your accessory item. Rummage through vintage stores and antique shows to spot the perfect statement necklace.

To a Dinner Date: Blazer it. If you are on a first date, you certainly want to impress a potential significant other, but choose colors that are light or neutral and not too overwhelming. Keep it low key. Bright colors are sometimes distracting, so choose an earth tone colored top and save bright purple dresses and turquoise blouses for a few dates down the road. You can almost always find a simple black blazer at T.J. Maxx at a reasonable price and occasionally come across a fun one at Mustard Seed Boutique on Ludlow Avenue.

To Lunch with Friends: Stay whimsical. An afternoon at Findlay Market or Starbucks with friends is a fun and relaxing environment, so dress the part. A trend that seems to always linger is graphic sweaters. Choose a printed sweater with a French word, “bonjour,” or a polka dot pattern. Tuck into a solid color chiffon maxi skirt. If the sweater is bright, pair it with a neutral or black skirt; if the sweater is a neutral color, pair it with a bright colored skirt. This adds contrast and depth to your outfit. Gap and modcloth.com always have fun sweater choices, and Urban Outfitters is a great place to find solid color maxi skirts.

Alcohol-free destinations mix up mundane

SARAH MULLINS STAFF REPORTER

ALLISON REUTHER CONTRIBUTORCrowds and conversations fill the Gypsy Cafe Hookah Lounge, which is just one of many locations on or near campus that offer students memorable nights out that do not necessarily revolve around alcohol.


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UC lacks legitimate student tailgating options

“The lack of a student-tailgating

atmosphere can have farther-reaching

effects than on would think.”

Lack of space, organization deprives UC students of much-needed, unifying pre-game atmosphereJOSHUA MILLER SPORTS EDITOR

For as long as there’s been football, there have been drunken masses consuming poorly made light beer and throwing miniature burlap sacks full of corn at plywood doors in dimly lit parking lots all across America.

At the University of Cincinnati, however, those lots and a unified tailgating atmosphere as a whole are lacking. It’s not that we aren’t tailgating; it’s just that there’s no place large enough to form large, unified groups of tailgating masses.

Those that have been to a game at Ohio State, or even at a school much nearer to our size — Wake Forrest, for example — have seen the sheer scope of tailgating that takes place. Their advantage, which so happens to be our weakness, is space. Acres and acres of blacktop forged lots, that serve no purpose more important than hosting the drunken hoards before and after games.

In many ways, the void here is a matter of poor timing between UC’s recent efforts to become a national player in academia, and the unexpected rise of UC football in the late 2000s.

Some years ago, east campus was adorned with a multitude of blacktop parking lots, just waiting to be coated with flimsy tents and half-consumed red Solo Cups full of beer and other toxins.

But then, UC decided to be a beautiful place, where people actually want to be. Unfortunately for the tailgating masses of today, this meant the downfall of the aforementioned parking lots. In their place sits Sigma Sigma Commons, much of Lindner Varsity village, University Garage and the Sheakley Athletics Complex (The Bubble).

UC’s mass campus-remodeling was

envisioned and, for the most part, completed at a time when the football team wasn’t of any major significance to the future of the university. Basketball was still the big show in town, as the Bob Huggins vs. Nancy Zimpher battle had yet to erupt.

As such, little thought was given to a need for large parking lots or space to expand Nippert Stadium. Parking garages were already in place and they served their purpose just fine. Unfortunately, tailgating in a parking garage is not exactly an ideal atmosphere.

Another large hit to the UC tailgating atmosphere was the loss of the vacant lots on Calhoun Street. Although, U-Square @ the Loop has given UC a much needed lift in terms of eateries, bars and night life, it has eliminated a large gathering area that was once a popular rendezvous point for parents to re-unite with students and tailgate prior to games.

That’s not to say that the new Calhoun Street additions aren’t contributing to the pre-game atmosphere, as Adriatico’s and Keystone have been packed before, during and after each of UC’s home games this season. However, they do not provide the traditional unified tailgating atmosphere that students seek.

UC’s athletic department took a huge step in the right direction with the development of the grid, which utilized the vacant space at Sigma Sigma Commons to create a campus-housed tailgating area. It’s been wildly successful from a revenue standpoint, but it’s location on campus and security implications have made it hard to attract students.

“ [UC Athletics] are having a hard time getting students down there, because a huge thing about tailgating is the drinking aspect,” said Alex Schauer, President of RallyCats. “With security there and all of that stuff it’s hard for a UC student that’s under age to drink, not that drinking is the main aspect, but they’ve found it hard to find an activity or space to bring in a lot of students.”

The reality of the situation is that tailgating at UC has no choice but to be spaced out in small pockets throughout Corryville and the Heights. UC is already utilizing the entirety of the space it has remaining on campus. And that space, which is divided between an alumni-only area and plots of grass, chopped up and sold to prospective donors and ticket holders, isn’t the place most students want to be, or legally can be.

The other options around campus, which include three small parking lots on Short-Vine and new lots behind Uptown Rentals’ newly opened Views on Vine complex all cost money and they all have the same older, alumni feel.

There is no place for you, students.“On game days I’m usually at my house

or at a friend’s house a few hours before the game,” said Scott Krinsky, a fourth-year Sport Administration and Business student. “I think it would be cool if there was a place where everyone could go. I don’t know what or where, but I think it would be cool because everyone knows different people and

sometimes one or even two houses can’t fit together. It gets too crowded, but if there was a place students could go, that would be sweet.”

Students rarely tailgate in a traditional manner here. Without the larger social presence, charcoal-grilled food and outdoor games activities, indoor tailgating can quickly turn into nothing more than binge drinking — a dangerous game for those less adept at realizing their limits. This becomes an even bigger problem at the freshmen level, where few students have off campus connections.

Let’s be honest, freshmen drink in the dorms. We know it because we did it. However, assembling that many people to consume un-godly amounts of alcohol play beer-pong and likely blare music through some electrical device is a risk in more ways than one. As UC seemingly cracks down on dorm drinking harder each and every year, write-ups are certainly something to be avoided.

The lack of a student-tailgating atmosphere can have farther-reaching effects than one would think. Health and alcohol risks aside, it’s part of our culture. A culture that’s virtually non-existent here. There is a correlation between the enjoyment of athletic

events and the likelihood of an alumnus to donate to a school later in life. And those who donate to athletics in order to receive tickets and other sports related benefits are far more likely to start giving back to the university as well.

For that atmosphere to exist, somewhere, preferably off campus has to assume the risk on allowing students to assemble and drink in mass, while being safely monitored — not investigated.

“We [UC students] need to find somewhere that is willing to take on that kind of role as the student tailgating option,” Schauer said. “If we did eventually get that place, I think it would work very well but it really just takes some spot choosing to do it.”

Until then, there will continue to be a void between UC students and the unified tailgating atmosphere they continue to long for.

“Tailgating is a very very important for a lot of people, myself included,” Krinsky said. “It makes people feel like they belong to something when they tailgate together and then go to the games together.”

for the record 09.18.13

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