Secrets of Good Tailgating

A s E. M. Statler, the first hotel czar, used to say, the most important consideration when building a new hotel is location, location, location. Planning a successful tailgate gathering encompasses the same principle. Make it easy lor friends; classmates, and your own child to find you.

From my experience, the best location is beside and in front of The Sphinx tomb. The parking is free and you can spot friends walking down to the stadium on Wheelock Street,Most important for the females in your group, is access-to the rest room facilities of Alumni Gym, which are always clean and ample (as compared to "facilities" of Alpha Delta or Chi Phi—yuk!). I like to beat die crowd so I park the car early, like 8 a.m., so no one can block my retreat. There are a number of trees in key spots that help absorb a light rain or snow showers (depending when the game is being played). A couple of folding chairs are always welcome for extra comfort.

If you don't have time to prepare a lot of food at home, or suddenly your Dartmouth child wants to bring a date plus six friends to your pregame party, I would try the following for picnic supplies: Alice's Bakery, Main Street, Norwich; (802) 649-2846. Molly's Delicatessen, Main Street; 643-2570 McGuiness A & BMarketon the Lyme Road; 643-1941 Village Butcher Shop, Woodstock; (802) 457-2756

Hot soup or a chowder/bisque is always welcome for late October and November games. Another time saver is to order your sandwiches the afternoon-before the game so you will avoid waiting around on Saturday morning. .Don't forget a bunch of Wet Naps, which are great when you can't wash your hands.

If you plan to tailgate in 1997, Dartmouth plays five home games, including the last two of the regular season (Brown and Princeton) so bring warm clothing and footwear since you will be standing around on chilly soil before those last two games. (Maybe even snow.) Cheers!!

"Plan ahead," says John Gillespie '54, the James Beard of tailgating.