Alumni, tailgating and college football: Washburn’s football season is officially underway and fans were eager to gather around Yager Stadium and cheer on the Ichabods. The 2022 football season began with the Washburn Ichabods taking on the Blue Tigers of Lincoln University.

The Washburn tailgating experience opened up the season by welcoming hundreds of football fans who were ready to cheer on their hometown team.

“It’s great reconnecting with our alumni and partners as we return to college athletics this fall,” said Matthew Hutchinson, associate athletic director and director of development of Washburn University. “We look forward to hosting fans, students and alumni throughout the season here at Yager Stadium.”

The Washburn Alumni tent was located on the Memorial Union Lawn. The Washburn Alumni tailgate experience includes food catered from Hy-Vee and refreshments provided by Strathman Sales Company. The tent is open to all Washburn Alumni Association members and $5 for others.

While the hype around a college football tailgate at a Division II school may not receive the same recognition as a Division I school, graduate student Ethan Hamilton believes the Washburn tailgating experience is just right for the school’s stature.

“A lot of people don’t know how big the tailgate is here,” said Hamilton. “It is a great place to come on a Thursday night or Saturday afternoon to experience the college football atmosphere.”

The next tailgating opportunity at Yager Stadium will be Saturday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. against the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Edited by Justin Shepard and LeSha’ Davis