A few student organizations are looking to stir things up Saturday by adding a twist to the normal traditions of game-day tailgates.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal will stop by the Gators for McCain tailgate at about 3:30 p.m. to mingle with students and share some remarks before UF takes on Louisiana State University later that night, said Joshua Simmons, chairman of the organization.
Jindal is the youngest governor in the U.S. and the only Indian-American ever to have been elected in the position.
After confirming Jindal's planned visit earlier this week, there has been a rush to prepare, Simmons said, adding that hurried efforts are natural when it comes to the business of politics.
"Every political event ever is organized in the 48 hours before it's supposed to happen," he said.
The event, sponsored by the Alachua County Republican Party, will be held in the front lawn of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity house, which is located across from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on University Avenue.
"It's going to be your big typical tailgate," he said. "And then it's going to stay a tailgate, just with Bobby Jindal."
U.S. Congressman Cliff Stearns is also expected to stop by.
Simmons said Jindal would not be able to stay for the game because he has prior commitments.
"It would have been nice to see the look on his face when his state team gets creamed," Simmons said.
Eric Conrad, chapter coordinator of UF Students for Barack Obama, said the organization has no speaker planned for the weekend's tailgating festivities, but he did not feel this showed a lack of representation.
"There's probably not a single day you wouldn't find an Obama event going on around the University of Florida," Conrad said, who added they had registered during tailgating and have invited several speakers throughout the semester.
This weekend, the Chili's Tailgate Tour will also make its first stop at UF this Saturday, searching for Gator fans who have worked the restaurant's food or logo into the theme of their tailgates.
Only fans at tailgates by Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will be judged on location, but tailgating Gators from other campus locations can submit photos of their efforts online.
"If people want to paint a chili on their chest, just be creative," said Chili's spokeswoman Maureen Locus.
Participants will win prizes such as T-shirts and gift cards, and one group will receive two tickets to a Bowl Championship Series game.
