Tailgating is the party before the big show and an important part in the fan’s guide to a day of football.

Sacramento State and UC Davis fans will flock to the parking lot of Hornet Stadium for the 52nd annual Causeway Classic on Saturday with mini-barbeques and plenty of beverages in tow, but a few changes have been implemented for tailgating than in years past.

Couches, an essential part of the past tailgating experience at Sac State, are now prohibited from the tailgating area.

“In the past the couches were left and we could have had a furniture showroom of them,” said Steve Tebbs, director of Operations/Facilities.

Large grills pulled by vehicles (on their own wheels) are also not permitted in the tailgating area unless approved by the athletic department. No requests for approval have been made to date according to Tebbs.

“The bigger barbeques can be a danger because it takes so long for coals to cool,” said Linda Scott Alumni Association coordinator.

Another staple to the tailgating culture is alcohol. Alcohol will only be permitted in the designated tailgating areas.

Tebbs said campus police will be patrolling the area and checking identification to ensure people drinking are of appropriate age.

Media relations director Brian Berger said other police will be on hand enforcing the “Avoid the 12” recovery program cracking down on drunk driving.

The program consists of local law enforcement agencies that setup DUI checkpoints to discourage driving under the influence.

As bitter a rivalry as the Causeway Classic is, it brings to the surface strong emotions by fans from each school and tailgating parties have been the perfect place to let those emotions go.

“There will be occasional trash talking,” said Charlie Davies, a senior and member of campus fraternity Kappa Sigma.

The two schools for that purpose have been placed away from each other in separate tailgating areas. Sac State fans can enjoy themselves in lot seven of the parking lot while Davis fans will be in lot four.

“It definitely helps being separated,” Davies said.

There will be some friends that attend the game together that go to opposing schools in this rivalry and that will not be a problem.

“You can interact with each other but just having the areas right next to each other once the alcohol gets flowing is not good,” Tebbs said.

The Alumni Association will be holding their own festivities called “The Hornet Experience” prior to the game, which will include the classic rock band Walkin’ the Dawg, face painting, games and giveaways.

“We expect a good crowd,” Scott said. “The Sac State community is invited but Davis is not because of problems in past years.

“They stole three real helmets off one of our tables in 2003,” Scott said.

Success has been tough to come by for the Hornets in the rivalry but this year’s game ?” which begins at 2 p.m. ?” may prove to be different.

“I think we have a chance,” Davies said. “Davis doesn’t look as good this year.”

Editor’s note: Mr. Davies’ interview took place before UCD beat Stanford 20-17 on Saturday night.