For some Michigan State University fans, the lead-up to game day begins with a grill, a tent and a crew of friends. For others, it means home-cooked meals, loved ones gathering and decades-old traditions.

Pre-game tailgaters convene around campus before every kickoff for a chance to enjoy a feast and make new memories with fellow Spartans. Every tailgate has its own identity, but it's the bonds among friends, family and alumni that keep many fans tailgating all season.

For political theory and constitutional democracy junior Natalie Marinik, tailgating is an opportunity to catch up with friends she might not be able to see during the week.

Marinik has been tailgating at MSU since her freshman year. Her group gathers at Adams Field, where they can watch the Spartan Marching Band practice and visit the Sparty Alumni tailgate nearby.

“It's a nice setup,” Marinik said. “It's really nice to see each other, especially (friends from) our hometown, which is great because I don't see all of them throughout the week.”

Kinesiology junior Kennedy Thurlow said her parents host the tailgate and prepare a different menu each week. One week, they might bring a pizza oven for homemade mini pizzas. Another week, the spread might include a taco and nacho bar.

Thurlow said the weekly meet-ups have given her family a chance to come together more often, especially because she and her brother both attend MSU.

“My mom went to Michigan State, and so we always grew up coming to campus,” Thurlow said. “It's definitely made my family a lot closer because it's nice that my brother and I are both at Michigan State.”

While some tailgates center on students and their families, others bring together Spartans whose connections to the university stretch back decades.

Scott Ferry, a former Sparty from 2005 to 2007, said he has been tailgating for about 25 years. He now gathers with other former mascots through the Sparty alumni group, where the friendships built during their time at MSU continue long after graduation.