TCF Bank Stadium

I know as sports fans here in the Twin Cities we have been blessed with Williams Arena (the best basketball stadium in the country) since 1928 but as a huge Gopher fan I have been craving an outdoor stadium since my first experience outdoors in Iowa. There is nothing like outdoor football, and having the new stadium on campus makes it even better. This stadium is not just better though, it is the most beautiful man made thing I have ever seen! It is frickin amazing! The first time you see pictures of TCF Bank Stadium you just about cry. The first time you drive onto campus from any direction and you see the brick, the scoreboard and the rest of the stadium you do cry. I know most of us have been jacked since they broke ground, but I don't think anyone knows how great it will be until September 12th. I do believe that TCF Bank Stadium is one of, if not the, greatest college stadium!

Now that September 11th is approaching (I don't think 1 day of tailgating will be enough, so me and some friends are starting a day before the home opener) the most important subject to now approach is what to eat? The single MOST important food item to have is of course shelled peanuts, I suggest Fischer's, the best of the best. Sure the bulk ones in grocery stores are cheaper, but they are not served at the Dome (the one thing they did right) and the bulk ones always seem a little stale. If you crave candy, you can't go wrong with Sugar Babies; they taste great, last long, and are fun to throw and spit at your friends. Of course you also need some real food.
Here is what you want:

Brats
-The best you can get are from your local meat shop. If you are lucky, they will have Wild Rice brats
-Try the Jalapeno and cheddar brats if you go to the store
-You can never go wrong with beer brats - any brand

Hot Dogs
-Do I really need to tell you......NATHAN'S NATHAN'S NATHAN'S
No questions asked

MAKE SURE you get the brat buns - the big ones

If you like spicy mustard, try Jack Daniels Old no. 7

Burgers
-You can't go wrong with fresh ground beef
-Try the Rancher's Preferred frozen burgers. The Mushroom and Swiss are the best, bacon and Cheddar are great too

Others:
-Chicken is always good
-guys, go with the giant turkey legs if you want to impress the ladies....well the kind of ladies who don't care how and what you eat
-CORN ON THE COB - cook it with the husks on - it is amazing

Beverages: Beer, Beer and more beer....and some water for hydration
The best of each class of beers:

Cheap Beer:
-Lacrosse Light ($14 per 30)
-Red Dog
-Mountain Crest (its just plain cheap)

Middle of the Road
-Bud - its the King of beers for a reason
-Mich Golden Light (Does anyone out of Minnesota realize how good this beer is?)
-Michelob Amber Bock (5.0% alcohol, light on calories)

Expensive
-Fat Tire - The best of the best, an Amber beer with an amazing flavor
-New Castle - Worth every cent
-Corona - when its hot out this is possibly the best beer around (try it light too, and don't forget the lime)

See you the 11th (or 12th for those of you who don't feel like taking a day off work)