Quick heads‑up: We’re scaling back the usual Dead MBA Tailgate for the Texas A&M vs. Miami College Football Playoff game on Dec. 20, but we want to be there together even if the logistics force us to simplify the tailgate. Instead of a full production tailgate we’ll do an old‑school morning hangout starting around 8:00 AM before the 11:00 AM kickoff; bring your own drinks, food, and chairs, and consider a year‑end donation to our scholarship fund.

What we’re doing: rather than trying to run our usual full setup for an early kickoff, we’re keeping things simple and social. Expect a handful of coolers, folding chairs, a little music, and good conversation — the kind of old‑school hangout that started this whole thing. We’ll be on site around 8:00 AM to claim a spot and catch up before the 11:00 AM kickoff. Bring what you need: BYOB, BYO food/snacks, chairs, blankets, and anything that makes your morning comfortable. The vibe will be casual, friendly, and focused on community and the game.

Why this matters beyond the scoreboard: the tailgate has always been about more than food and music, it’s a way to bring Aggies together and to raise scholarship money for kids who need it. If you’ve been planning to support that mission, donations made before the end of the year help us close the season strong and send more students to school. Even a small gift makes a real difference in how many students we can impact.

How you can help: bring extra coolers or a portable speaker if you can, share a tray of breakfast tacos or snacks, and cleanup as we go so there isn’t anything to do after the game other than celebrate the win! Anyone is welcome, so invite friends to join the hangout if you are inclined, but set expectations that it won’t be the full tailgate setup.

This is a different kind of tailgate, not a downgrade, just a return to the roots: friends, stories, and the game. Come early, bring your gear, and let’s make a morning of it before we cheer the Aggies on at Kyle Field.