Across the river, the Arkansas State University Red Wolves faced the Memphis Tigers over the hot Labor Day weekend. The heat and away game didn’t stop Red Wolves fans from supporting their team.

In Memphis’ territory, surrounded by a sea of blue, some red stood out at the Arkansas State Alumni tailgate. Alumni and students alike took a timeout from their busy schedules to support their Red Wolves in the rivalry game. 

Jackson McGinnis, a sophomore accounting and business economics double major from Marion, attended, along with multiple members of his fraternity Phi Delta Theta. 

“I believe everyone should make an appearance at every game as best as they can, and that I’m trying my best to show my support for A-State,” McGinnis said. “I hope to tailgate at every single game, home and away, and just be a good presence in the stands and cheer them on.”

During the tailgate, the A-State band and spirit squads performed for the fans, playing the fight song and other game day songs in preparation for kickoff. 

Angela Austin, an A-State double alumni was an undergrad from 1996 to 2000 and a graduate student from 2000 to 2003, has attended many A-State tailgates and away games over the years.

Austin said she attended several big games over the years, including the Red Wolves’ game against the Razorbacks and the last Memphis vs A-State game in Tiger territory. She also attended multiple bowl games including one against Bowling Green and another in New Orleans. 

Austin said she really enjoyed participating in the Memphis tailgate.

“All of the alums coming from around the world,” Austin said. “Just seeing the camaraderie among the fans, and we’re excited to cheer on our Red Wolves.”

A-State fans gathered around tables to eat, drink and socialize, while others played Connect Four or watched the television that was set up at the tailgate.

Mark Wiggins, a 2007 A-State graduate attended the tailgate and the game with his family. He said his favorite part of tailgating is the atmosphere. 

“The music, the food, the friends, the laughter, the band. It’s just a great day to be a Red Wolf,” Wiggins said. 

While the result of the game wasn’t what these A-State fans were looking for, Wiggins said he thinks the team has improved since the last time the Red Wolves played the Tigers. 

“I think we’ve done a really good job bringing in quality talent from the portal and retaining as much as we had from last year. I’m looking forward to another bowl-winning season,” Wiggins said.

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