Always down for a party
HERSHEY — It was clearly not a home game. Heck, there was even an aroma of chocolate greeting fans late Thursday morning — something one isn’t going to get in the Coal Region.
For Mount Carmel fans, that didn’t matter any as nearly 100 people showed up early in the parking lot of the Giant Center to enjoy tailgating beverages and foods. And, of course, to support the Red Tornadoes’ girls basketball program as it vied to win the program’s first state championship.
The setting might be new, the sport might be different, but the people aren’t new to the act.
Fans of the football team are seen tailgating in surrounding parking lots and on a hill overlooking the pristine Silver Bowl for home games every fall.
“This wasn’t anything official, but word gets out and we’re all here to support the girls. It’s never too early for a tailgate,” Brian Shedleski said laughing.
With the PIAA and Giant Center limiting spectators, there was plenty of space for them to wander amongst themselves and take in the beautiful morning.
Short of people grilling, there was a variety of food to go around. Fans enjoyed baked goods, snacks and cold-cut sandwiches. And some threw a football to work off some of the carbohydrates.
A group of parents even rented a mini-bus to haul 20-25 people to the game.
They even got to enjoy the actual school bus that transported the basketball team.
“It actually drove around here and we got to show our support,” Shedleski said. “We’re just so proud of them.”
Only 1,500 people were allowed in the arena at one time, including employees. Because of that, families were spaced out around the arena — some even placed in the upper deck — with both schools creating a student section and great noise levels.
Chants of “goodbye” and “scoreboard” broke out with just over five minutes left, giving the Red Tornadoes and their fans the last say.
Just goes to show that you can limit the crowds, but not the excitement.
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