To kick off the new hockey season against Utah State University, the Weber State University Student Association held a tailgate to set the energy right before the game.

The tailgate showcased various attractions and activities, such as spikeball, an inflatable sword fighting game and nine square. The tailgate also offered free J. Dawgs hot dogs, face painting and music.

Every guest was offered a raffle ticket on entry, giving them an opportunity to earn the prize of a Weber State T-shirt. Attendees were also able to participate in the tailgate cornhole tournament.

Although the turnout started slow, students and hockey fans in the community eventually made their way to the Ice Sheet parking lot in preparation for a long-awaited return of WSU hockey. Despite the slow start, fan numbers soared at the tailgate, even selling out the J. Dawgs truck less than an hour and a half after the event started.

As the game doors opened, dozens of people swarmed from the tailgate into the Ice Sheet in a rush to grab their seats. The first game of the season was anticipated to be highly attended.

Many students who attended claimed they were jumping at the opportunity to get free food, while also intermingling with fellow classmates and getting the vibe ready for puck drop.

“My favorite thing about the tailgate was just being around other people that are here to just come watch hockey,” Weber State University sophomore Everett Page said.

Weber State hockey celebrates its 30th year as a team and something noticeable at the tailgate was the diversity among the attendees. At the tailgate, individuals could find students and community members who were attending their first-ever hockey game, those who have attended for years and those who grew up coming to games.

“My dad is who got me into hockey … when I was younger, we went to hockey games here,” WSU alumni Kenidy Miller stated. Even continuing into WSU hockey’s 30th anniversary season, this team continues to encourage an inclusive, loud and proud fanbase.

Whether individuals are new fans or old fans, Weber’s hockey fans are encouraged to attend future games. If the hockey crowd’s liveliness proved anything, the tailgate turnout was an astounding success in setting the mood for the season.