Our Opinion: Tailgating is a staple of the N.C. State culture and should be restored to its former glory.

The sun slowly rises on a cool autumn morning. Across the dew-soaked grass of a rolling hill, a caravan of travelers steadily makes its way toward a towering structure in the distance.

From their vehicles adorned with pennants and posters, these men and women emerge, setting up a homefront comprised of a big grill, a couple of folding chairs, a radio and sometimes beer. Before the sun has even finished its ascent over Carter- Finley stadium, the smell of grilled sausage and barbecue fills the air.

This day is made for football.

Unfortunately, this day is one that, as of late, is limited to our imaginations. The glory days of N.C. State tailgating are gone, replaced by time limits, traffic nightmares and more stringent rules.

The tailgating restrictions that have been imposed since a double homicide at our season opener in 2004 are nothing new. Since their inception, our publication and countless other tailgating fans have rallied against a time limit on our fun. The arguments have been made, the rules have been changed and what is done is done.

Yet, we still cannot help but feel a sense of loss for our campus community. A sense of loss for one of the greatest traditions our school has ever enjoyed; a tradition that set us apart from rival schools and put us on a national stage; a tradition that has encouraged school pride and a sense of community.

A tradition that once was, but is no more.

Sure, tailgating still exists on Saturday mornings at N.C. State. Sure, you’ll still find enough fans to fill the arbitrary four-hour time slot with food and fellowship. Sure, you’ll still find enough people that will squeeze every ounce of fun they can into their Saturday afternoons, even amidst new rules and regulations.

Sure, tailgating exists, but it’s been cut down, cleaned up and placed into a convenient four hour block.

Here’s to tradition at N.C. State.