I spent four hours outside in the snow, and despite the numerous pairs of socks I wore, I still couldn’t feel my feet. But it was completely worth it.

Wednesday’s game against Ball State University was my last home game as a student.

I was disappointed with the loss, especially after believing there was still a chance when the interception was overturned. In my mind, though, it’s one more memory of a good time at a game.

I became a football fan my freshman year at Central Michigan University. During those first few games, I didn’t know the difference between a first down and field goal. After lots of questions and having people explain things to me, I now know enough to have intelligent conversations about football. Sometimes I even get to explain things to people.

It’s not just about the sport, though. College football is an experience.

Tailgating has been one my favorite college activities. Whenever I’m in the tailgating lot, I always run into an old friend or classmate I haven’t seen in a while. It’s an atmosphere where just about everyone seems to be happy and having fun, which might have something to do with the massive amounts of alcohol consumed.

There are a lot of non-alcohol related tailgating activities, too. I remember getting free pancakes and sausage before a game one year. Plus, I love any excuse to wear the CMU clothes and accessories I’ve collected in my four and a half years here. I’m not sure when I’ll ever need maroon and gold mardi gras beads again, but I’m not ready to get rid of them.

Sitting in the student section makes me feel like I am part of a common cause. We’re all standing and cheering together, hoping for the same thing. I think we’re pretty lucky too-we have a good football team, but students still get to go to games for free.

Football games have given me a lot of interesting memories. My friends and I ran most of the way to the stadium one Saturday to see other friends in the band play before the game. Last year I took the bus to Detroit to watch CMU beat Miami University in the Mid-American Conference championship game.

Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s worth checking out at least one game before you leave CMU.

This may have been my last home football game as a student, but I don’t think this will be my last CMU home game.

E-mail the author: Beth Kieda