Primeaux’s Adventure

I love college football. When my alma mater McNeese State University announced it was headed to Gainesville to play the Florida Gators in The Swamp, I knew I was going to attend. I secured an Airbnb within walking distance to the stadium, invited a few brothers that travel well, and planned a long road trip in a short amount of time. We left out on Friday, 720 miles, 10.5 hours, crossing through 4 states and one time zone change we arrived. Once unpacked we went out to frolic with the locals. It’s a beautiful college town. The first establishment was The Rowdy Reptile We were definitely well older than the crowd of college kids. Ordered up a round and a local student came over to chat us up as were were wearing the visiting team gear. She gave us some suggestions of bars that may be up our alley. Off we went to the Salty Dog Saloon…which had a line out the door. Not wanting to feel like sardines we walked next door to a dive bar called Balls. My kind of place. Scribble writing on the walls, friendly bartenders, couple open stools and we were set. Wasn’t long that the local student found her way over to us with a few more of her friends. We cut up and shot the night away. Best part of college town was college prices…every drink was $3. We had so much fun at Balls that we never left till midnight. Called up an Uber and headed safely back while ordering Dominos pizza. The next day I took a brisk exercising walk around the stadium and campus. Beautiful scenery everywhere. Old buildings, moss in trees, and tailgaters setting up for the evening game. We grabbed us some brunch breakfast, watched football at condo and prepared to support our team. Dressed in visiting team cowboy gear we walked down towards stadium. Some fans chanted jeers to us but most invited us over to their tailgates and shared beverages. College fans are some of the most passionate and welcoming people around. We continued and found some of our fans at a local spot called The Social at Midtown. Once again we were greeted with open arms and a few friendly taunts. Everyone was just excited to see we had made the trip over and for football. We got word of a McNeese tailgate spot and took off to find it. There we found several local boosters celebrating the day and again we were treated to hospitality and beverages. Finally it was game time. What an amazing atmosphere in The Swamp. The fans are loud, passionate, and they packed the stands. Our team played strong but the outcome is what we expected. We were just happy to have made the trip and attended the game. Next day loaded up to make same 720 mile, 10.5 hour drive. We stopped at The Shed in Ocean Springs Mississippi for delicious BBQ. I am hoping to attend more away games at stadiums that I have never seen. I love supporting my alma mater, the students, and meeting locals. Travel and socializing is in my blood. Looking forward to planning the next trip. Geaux Pokes! 🤠🏈