Have fun tailgating, but be sure to arrive at the game

Homer Simpson said it best: "We're not here for the game. The game is nothing. The game is crap. The game makes me sick. The real reason we Americans put up with sports is for this: Behold, the tailgate party, the pinnacle of human achievement. Since the dawn of parking lots, man has sought to fill his gut with food and alcohol in anticipation of watching others exercise."

It's been said that tailgating dates back to 1869, when fans traveled to games by horse-drawn carriages, grilling at the "tail-end" of the horse.

According to Brobible.com, 95 percent of tailgaters cook at the stadium, and the average American annually consumes 23.1 gallons of beer.

If you are looking for something to make or a drink to mix (if you're over 21, of course) for tailgating, try some of the recipes off drunkentailgate.com. The "Hop, Skip and Go Naked" punch recipe might be something to look forward to. The site also has a page that has the ultimate tailgating gear available, from beer koozies with built-in bottle openers to recyclable flasks (if you're into going green this semester).

One thing that is key to a good tailgate is making sure you're not one of the 30 percent of fans who never make it inside the stadium.

The UCF lottery is now open for the first game, and tickets are still available as well to see the Liberty Bowl champions take on Charleston Southern at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Parking passes for students can be picked up in the Student Union at the SGA Ticket Center with a valid student ID.

Now, let's get to the boring, not-so-fun, UCF tailgating rules.

You can start tailgating after 12 p.m. on game days if a game is after 6 p.m. If a game is before 6 p.m., then you are allowed to start at 8 a.m. No glass containers, funnels and kegs are permitted. Also, no partying in the parking garages – only in designated areas on campus.

Any type of drinking game is completely prohibited; you are still allowed to play certain games, though, like cornhole. That's right, no beer pong. Any other game that doesn't involve alcohol is acceptable.

If you are planning on tailgating with children, you might want to steer clear of Memory Mall; it gets a little rowdy. If you are looking to party, then Memory Mall and its surrounding areas is the place to set up shop.

The Student Union and all stores on campus are open for business on game day.

A few steps to prepare before heading to campus: Be prepared for weather. This is Florida and it does rain. Next, make sure you have a responsible driver. UCF Police are cracking down on drinking and will not put up with any nonsense this season. Finally, ice up the cooler and enjoy a great tailgate at UCF!