For Wendell Payne, long-time Tiger football fan and Highland Hundred booster, Saturday's festivities couldn't have been sweeter.
"Tailgating when the Tigers win," said Payne. That's what he likes best about football season, and that was his story of the weekend.
Row upon row of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles were backed into the tent-covered parking areas of Tiger Lane, which made its U of M debut during the season's home opener against Middle Tennessee State. Children played on the newly-sodded lawn as smoke rose from the grills, a deep contrast to the former tailgating area: abandoned fairgrounds and asphalt.
"I love the grass," Anita Tillery said, as she situated the drink in her coozie and looked over the field. "We're a little more spread out than we used to be, and that'll take some getting used to, but it's nice to be able to play. And it will be even better when it's actually football weather."
The 90-degree temperatures couldn't curb the enthusiasm of fans as The University of Memphis football team unloaded from the bus into Tiger Lane, making its monumental, if lengthy, first march into the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
"The Tiger Walk was special," coach Larry Porter said. "I think it has so much potential to grow into one of the best tailgating atmospheres in the country."
Many Tiger players, including senior linebacker Winston Bowens, expressed their gratitude to fans for coming out to support the first walk of their new tradition.
"Tiger Lane was great," Bowens said. "I felt the intensity going through the walk with the crowd. I love the scenery - it's great for the fans to really get out and come support us a little bit more."
"It was a little longer walk than I expected, but I like it," he added, cracking a smile.
The fans outside of the stadium also seemed appreciative to finally have a tradition they can call their own, adding that they see it as a way to motivate the team as well.
"I think this will help the team out - get them fired up," Highland Hundred member David Moore said.
"We love it," added Ronnie Spurlin. "We're very pleased to see the team come through, and this development is long overdo."
The $15-million development included 550 reserved parking spaces for tailgaters, with 10-by-10 square foot grass areas equipped with outlets for grilling. The spots, sold at $150 apiece, were fully occupied at Saturday's game.
"It's just wonderful out here," said Bill Ray. "This ties it all together. This gives the appropriate view of the entrance for the Tiger football team. It's a great improvement."
