Tailgate Pilot Program

There is no atmosphere on campus that rivals the excitement and anticipation of a college football tailgate. For students across the country, this Saturday tradition has become an integral part of their college experience. As students from all walks of life gather in a shared sense of school spirit, there is an exciting opportunity for College Republicans to engage and recruit in an entirely new way. 

The College Republican National Committee is excited to pilot a tailgate sponsorship program. Selected chapters will receive on-the-ground support from the CRNC ranging from logistics coordination to tailgate essentials. With CRNC resources, chapters will increase their capacity to host and engage with prospective members on game day

The goal of this program is to expand exposure for the chapter to recruit a new group of students who wouldn’t normally seek out joining a political club or walk up to a College Republicans’ table on campus.

Interested? Apply below or contact us with questions.

FAQs

Is there a cost to my chapter?

During the pilot, there’s no financial cost to the chapter. The chapter is expected to support the event with volunteers and to facilitate the coordination of some details, but the CRNC will directly provide the food/drinks/tangible materials.

Can my chapter use this to raise money/as a fundraiser?

No, this is an outreach event only.

Which dates should I list?

Any home game dates where you think there will be both good turn out among the general student body and where you can get volunteers. Homecoming might be a lot of fun, but if your chapter leaders and members have other commitments (or simply don’t want to be committed to volunteering), it might not be the best game day to list.

Is this just for football games?

No, but there must be an well-established tailgate culture at your school around the sport’s game for which you are applying.

Who is eligible?

Chartered chapters at schools with a long-standing tailgate practice that are interested in reaching out to the campus community without the expectation of immediate chapter growth.

What’s the deadline?

Instead of a deadline, applications are considered on a rolling basis, and there will be no more than 5 sponsored tailgates during the pilot. Please allow at least 2 weeks before your soonest preferred dates.