Tailgaters try to start new Firebirds Tradition
Joe Thoms
Tuesday May 1, 2001
Led by Dave Tilton and his wife, Sheila, “Johnny B” and his wife Jeanette, Laren Zeeck and Rita Hartman all arrived before the Firebirds vs. Orlando Predators game so that they could tailgate. Tilton’s van came equipped with a flagpole sporting a Firebirds flag. The flag actually looked more like a scuba “diver down” flag, but it still added a nice touch to the festivities.
All six of the tailgaters wore Firebirds’ colors of orange and black. The paper plates and napkins were also orange and black. Clearly, these people came prepared. Hotdogs and bratwursts were cooked on a small grill tucked safely away from any potential fire hazard. Chips, salsa, cheese, and Girl Scout cookies rounded out the menu. A trash bag hanging from Tilton’s van made sure that all were reminded to police the area.
The tailgaters were initially wary of being asked for an interview. However, this leeriness soon passed and onlookers were welcomed with a beer and a brat. Even the two security guards that approached were offered the chance to partake in the tailgaters’ hospitality. Unfortunately, the guards informed the six tailgaters that the parking lot rooftop was not the place to have a gathering. Vague mutterings about “fire codes” and “city ordinances” were given as the excuses. The guards seemed embarrassed about performing this duty. They did wait until it was almost time for the game to start. A young man on a golf cart reiterated the guards’ order to break up the party. By then, it was game time and the tailgaters had already cleaned up the area and were heading across the street to enjoy the game.
Indiana Firebirds Director of Media Relations Justin Campbell was asked about where fans could tailgate before games. He said he was “looking into it”. Hopefully, this situation can be resolved so that the tailgaters can have a place to congregate before Firebirds games. This is a tradition that is enjoyed at college and NFL games, why should Arena League games be any different?
Joe Thoms was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2001 season.
