BYU alumni host a charitable tailgate tradition ahead of the 32nd annual Valero Alamo Bowl

SAN ANTONIO – College football fans are no stranger to the excitement of hard hits and touchdowns, but pregame tailgating has a whole different meaning for the BYU Cougars alumni.

BYU Tailgates are about giving back to those in need, rather than the typical distribution of adult snacks, food and beverages.

Allison Bills, a BYU graduate, said her tailgate tradition is charity-focused, with fans bringing donations such as socks and diapers in lieu of typical tailgating costs.

“We are extremely unique in that instead of brats and beer, we bring socks, underwear and diapers in hopes of helping someone local,” Bills said.

This “pregame party with meaning” has become a BYU hallmark since 2019.

The team works with a local charity to hold a fundraiser at every away game.

The goal, Bills said, is simple: “Our goal is to blow them out of the water with generosity…We would just love for everyone to do their part, and whatever we get will be wonderful.”

As BYU prepares for the upcoming Alamo Bowl, which features a highly anticipated matchup against the Colorado Buffaloes on Dec. 28, Bills and other former players have teamed up with Haven for Hope.

“As soon as we heard about the tailgate, we contacted JustServe to help us foster the relationship with Haven for Hope,” Bills said. “They were the true force behind organizing this project for BYU alumni.”

According to JustServe, it is a website that “publishes the volunteer needs of organizations and volunteers look for opportunities to improve the quality of life in the community.”

Celeste Eggert, chief development officer of Haven for Hope, was surprised to learn about BYU’s unique tailgating tradition.

“I had no idea they did that at all their away games,” Eggert said. “You connect with a local charity and collect items for that organization, and I just think that’s remarkable.”

Haven for Hope serves over 1,700 people of all ages every day.

To make the donation process easier, the nonprofit created an Amazon wish list of essential items, including clothing, winter gear and hygiene products.

According to the Bills, having BYU fans show up with donations can get people talking.

“It’s actually hilarious; It’s so funny to see,” Bills said. “It’s a little shocking. They ask themselves, “Why do you have this and not: Where’s your beer?”

For those wishing to contribute, donations will be accepted at BYU San Antonio’s official tailgate event on Saturday, December 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Civic Park in Hemisfair. Online contributions are also welcome.

Eggert admits to being grateful to BYU for his efforts, adding, “Now I feel a responsibility to support BYU after they put on this incredible tailgating event for us.”

Anyone who would like to support BYU’s cause and donate to Haven for Hope can do so online.

The 17th-ranked BYU Cougars will face the 23rd-ranked Colorado Buffaloes at the Alamodome on December 28th at 6:30 p.m., broadcast live on KSAT 12.