Feature Photo by Christiana Long
Story by Christiana Long
Middle Tennessee State University’s Party in the Grove pregame tailgate unfolded between Peck Hall and the Cope Administration Building for the first time on Saturday. The party provided a new space for students, faculty and families to enjoy fun activities before the Blue Raider kickoff game against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.
Eager Blue Raiders gathered around Walnut Grove to indulge in giveaways, sponsors, food trucks and live music. Classic pregame traditions, like alumni tailgating and MTSU sorority and fraternity tents, were represented along with the new activities.
The party brought a moment of reprieve for students during the beginning of a hectic school year, offering an amusing on-campus environment and a sense of connectedness to the Blue Raider community.
“It’s been really cool. Everyone here is so nice,” freshman Madison Hicks said. “People are offering free merch, which is nice because I noticed this morning I didn’t have any MTSU merch. I had to go and buy some… so it’s nice you can go to your first game and be prepared.”
The activities began at 2:30 p.m., with B Real and The Real Ones performing at 3 p.m. and the MTSU cheerleaders, dance team, band and football players taking part in the traditional Raider Walk at 3:45 p.m.
Party in the Grove’s first headliner, Legendary Nedge, hopped on stage at 4:15 p.m., showcasing his talent and creating a carefree atmosphere. Nedge turned the Grove into a full-out concert, hyping up the crowd and encouraging the audience to dance along.
“It’s been pretty good. Probably I could say next level compared to the tailgate I went to at the University of Memphis,” transfer student Kameron Scott said. “I’ve met more friendly people here.”
The party began to wind down about an hour before kickoff with the “Follow Me to Floyd” parade. The MTSU Raider Walk crew returned to hype up the crowd before the trek to Floyd Stadium, and Blue Raiders smiled, laughed and socialized as they migrated from the Grove to the kickoff game.
Excitement and good energy were tangible in the Grove atmosphere, with the Party creating a social event for eager football fans and ramping up the excitement and Blue Raider fever hours before the main event.
Party in the Grove will return for the home game against Western Kentucky University on Sept. 14, with MTSU alumna HunterGirl set to headline.
Christiana Long is a contributing writer for MTSU Sidelines.
To contact the Lifestyles Editor and Assistant Lifestyles Editor, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
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