On October 5, Kean University held its annual Tailgate and Homecoming game events. Students, staff, faculty, and guests were welcome to celebrate homecoming week and cheer on the football team from the bleachers at Alumni Stadium.
The tailgate was held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it was full of fun and interactive activities, including carnival games like ring toss, water blaster, and hoop shot, which rewarded players with stuffed prizes after winning. There was music, giveaways, and tailgating from Kean’s various social organizations, which had their own exciting music and activities for attendees to enjoy.
“I love the fact that everyone’s out here having a good time,” said Jayden Rivera, a freshman Business Management major who participated in volunteering as a game attendant and enjoyed the festivities himself after his shift.
Rivera, along with many other students, was enthusiastic about all the giveaways available, like the Kean2K goodie bags that were given to attendees free of charge. The goodie bag included a small blue football, frisbee, and a Kean2K Homecoming shirt.
“I am enjoying [myself] very much, I love the food, I love the energy, I love the music,” said Gabriela Rivera, a freshman Education major.
The tailgate crowd received various food options such as tacos, milkshakes and ice cream, Ritas, fried Oreos, and other hot foods like chicken tenders, pizza, fries, and so much more. The lines were long; however, all attendees who found themselves in the Harwood Arena parking lot to grab food were satisfied with the choices. Tickets were given out to all guests to select any food or dessert item.
“I got some tacos [earlier], and am going to play a game now,” said Majorie Call, a junior Marketing major. “I’m enjoying myself right now, everything is good.”
The event was a great time for all ages. There was face painting, a kids zone in the Harwood Arena gym, and special guests like Elsa, Bluey, and Marshall from Paw Patrol, who took pictures with kids and adults alike.
Kean’s Tailgate was a wonderful display of Kean’s unified community, people danced together, ate together, played games, and laughed with one another, all in the name of celebration.
As the Tailgate simmered down, the Homecoming game began, the Kean Cougars vs the William Paterson Pioneers. It was a close game, both teams going head to head with a confident and competitive spirit. As the game neared its end, the stands were tense with anticipation, holding their breath and yelling encouraging words all at once. In the end, the Kean Cougars rose to the occasion with a huge comeback and landed a win for Kean University, 25-18.
Kean’s Tailgate and Homecoming Game was a total triumph. The students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the Cougar football team's big win was a testament to Saturday’s victory.
Read about the Homecoming Concert with Flo'Ridaand Kean 2K Homecoming 2024.
