To many, tailgating is a must before a football game and Family Weekend is no exception.

Before the football game on Saturday, there will be different options for tailgating.

One tailgate is the Football Game Pick-Up-and-Go-Lunch, which is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It will be at the O’Brien Field Tailgate Area.

Tickets are $6.50 per person and can be purchased online.

The lunch will consist of a turkey club brioche, Miss Vicki’s chips, a fresh apple, a toffee crunch blondie bar and a choice of soft drink.

Billy’s Backyard will also be available to the game goers.

This runs from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the tailgate area.

There will be face painting, a mechanical bull and the EIU Parents Club will be selling various items.

Ashley Bohdan, a freshman elementary education major, plans to attend Billy’s Backyard with her parents.

“It sounds fun and should be a good time,” Bohdan said.

Everyone is welcome to join Billy Panther for a fun time in his backyard and the cost is free.

Greek life is also hosting a tailgate.

Ed Hotwagner, a senior mathematics education major and President of the Inter-fraternity Council, explained more about this tailgate.

It starts at 11:30 a.m. in the O’Brien Field Tailgate Area.

Within the tailgate area, there will be a separate section fenced off for the members of Greek organizations.

Due to alcohol consumption, the Greek representatives will be monitoring who is allowed within the area of this tailgate to avoid minors from entering.

At the Greek tailgate, there will be music, food, drinks and games.

Panther Nation is not hosting a tailgate during Family Weekend this year.

Student Body President Michelle Murphy, a senior rhetoric and public advocacy major, is in charge of Panther Nation.

“I want people to go out and enjoy the other tailgates,” Murphy said.

Along with public tailgate events, there are also private tailgates going on.

Sarah Lueken, a freshman art education major, hopes to use her car to tailgate with her parents on Saturday.

“I just want to have a good time with family and friends,” Lueken said.

Erin Riedl can be reached at 581-7942 or at edriedl@eiu.edu.