The University of Nebraska at Kearney is taking its game day atmosphere to a whole new level, announcing the addition of a Tailgating Studies minor that turns parking lot traditions into hands-on learning.
Set to launch this fall, the program will focus on the strategy and execution behind a successful tailgate, combining coursework with real-world experience during football Saturdays.
Randy Pickles, a senior faculty member in applied fan studies, said the idea came after a pilot course filled up almost instantly.
“We had students from every major show up,” Pickles said. “Some came for the learning experience, others came because they heard there would be free food. Either way, it worked.”
The minor will feature courses such as Introduction to Grill Management, Advanced Lawn Chair Placement and Cooler Packing Theory, with required lab work taking place before kickoff.
Program coordinator Brock Hardcheese said the curriculum is designed to mirror real game day challenges.
“You’re dealing with timing, weather, limited resources,” Hardcheese said. “If the burgers aren’t ready by kickoff, that’s a failure. We treat that seriously.”
Students pursuing the minor will also complete a capstone project, organizing and hosting a full-scale tailgate from start to finish.
Junior sports communication major Chad Thunder said the program feels like a natural fit.
“I’ve been preparing for this my whole life,” Thunder said. “My dad didn’t teach me much, but he did teach me how to properly set up a folding table.”
The athletic department has already expressed interest in the program, seeing it might elevate the overall fan experience.
Athletic director Barc Mauer said students could play a key role in shaping game day energy.
“If they can bring organization and creativity to tailgating, that’s huge,” Mauer said. “Right now, it’s a little bit of controlled chaos. We’re aiming for slightly less chaos.”
Not everyone is sold on the idea, though.
Senior Brock Lee questioned whether tailgating should be taken into the classroom.
“I feel like adding homework to tailgating kind of defeats the purpose,” Lee said. “What’s next, a final exam on flipping burgers?”
Despite some skepticism, university officials believe the program is a perfect example of experiential learning in action.
“We’re meeting students where they are,” Pickles said. “And that’s out in the parking lot with the grill on and spatula in hand.”
Enrollment for the Tailgating Studies minor is expected to open later this semester, with early interest already building.
University officials have not ruled out expanding the program in the future, though rumors of a competitive tailgating varsity team remain unconfirmed.
“We’re not saying it’s happening,” Hardcheese said. “But we are saying we’ve already started recruiting.”
