Cedar City, Utah – As part of the football tradition, the Southern Utah University Thunderbird Club hosts tailgate parties two hours prior to each home football game. Thunderbird fans, students, alumni and community members are all encouraged to come participate.

The first tailgate of the season will take place this Saturday at 4:00 p.m., prior to the SUU home-opener against Northern Colorado at 6:00 p.m. Free bratwursts will be provided by the Thunderbird Club.

 “These tailgates are going to be the biggest and best we've ever had,” said past president of the Thunderbird Club, Jared Wilcken. “Every week we will provide food, fun, entertainment and games.”

Tailgate entertainment is open to the general public. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy live music and dance performances, traditional tailgating games, photo booths and face painting. Fans will also have the opportunity to lead the

Thunder Charge, and cheer on the Thunderbird football team as they take the field.

Wilcken stressed the importance of getting the community involved, “We have put a lot of work into building up the tailgates so more people can enjoy the game-day atmosphere. In the past, a lot of the community members thought that this was a Thunderbird Club-only event. That couldn't be further from the truth and we want everyone possible to be there.”

Tailgate Information