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

Sacramento State and UC Davis fans will flock to parking lots near Hornet Stadium for the Causeway Classic on Saturday with mini-barbecues and plenty of beverages in tow.

But a few changes have been implemented for tailgating from previous years.Couches 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 athletic operations and facilities.

Large grills pulled by vehicles are also not permitted in the tailgating area unless approved by the Athletic Department.

No requests for approval have been made, Tebbs said.

“The bigger barbecues 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 doing so legally.

Media Relations Director Brian Berger said other police will be on hand to crack down on drunk driving. The program consists of local law enforcement agencies that setup DUI checkpoints to discourage illegal driving.

The bitter rivalry of the Causeway Classic brings to the surface strong emotions by fans from each school and tailgating parties have historically been the perfect place to let those emotions go.

“There will be occasional trash talking,” said senior Charlie Davies.

The two schools have been placed away from each other in separate tailgating areas. Sac State fans can enjoy themselves in Parking Lot 7 while Davis fans will be in Parking Lot 4.

“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 its 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.

The tailgate festivities all lead up to the 52nd installment of the Causeway Classic. Success has been tough to come by for the Hornets in the rivalry.

Matt Vevoda can be reached at [email protected]