Like Hulk-a-mania in the ’80s, Red Pride runs rampant in town, and the Newton Athletic Booster Club wants to ensure it stays that way. One way they are going about it is selling designated spots to tailgate in for $10 this season before home football games. NABC members can reserve a spot for just $5.
NABC Fundraising Chair Wendy Jenkins said Newton Senior High School Athletic Director Scott Garvis came up with the idea, and all proceeds will go to a good cause.
“Funds go to our annual donation to the athletic department at the end of the school year,” Jenkins said. “Each sport submits requests to the AD for equipment, uniforms, etc. The AD decides how much of our donation to the athletic department each sport gets, based on requests and amounts received in prior years.”
Jenkins said other factors also take part in the distribution of funds.
NABC raised more than $55,000 for Newton Athletics last year and has a goal of $75,000 this year. Some of those funds went towards strength and conditioning coaches, new warm-ups, balls, nets and even a new Cardinal mascot.
The parking lot opens at 4 p.m. before home games and a Jenkins said various vendors will be available.
“We don’t really have themes this year, but we will have a different food vendor each home game,” Jenkins said. Papa Wolfies is the first one (Sept. 6), then Hy-Vee (Sept. 13), then Streets of Europe for Sept. 27, and Pizza Ranch will be there Oct. 11. The last game is still being finalized. We are planning a Red Pride contest for the homecoming game. The tailgaters showing the most Red Pride will receive a prize. We are also hoping to have a few fun activities for the kids who are tailgating with their families.”
While spreading Red Pride is the primary cause of the tailgates, NABC won’t discriminate against the Cardinal’s opponents.
“We are hoping our Cardinal fans will show their support and fill out all of the spots, but if spots are available and a visiting teams fan wants to purchase one for $10, we would let them,” Jenkins said.
With the first home game at H.A. Lynn Stadium taking place this Friday, now is the time to reserve a spot. Fans can go to www.newtoncardinals.bigteams.com and click on the "Tailgate Parking Reservations" tab to chose and reserve a spot.
Jenkins has high hope for the initiative.
“We are working to bring Red Pride back to our fans and students,” Jenkins said.
Staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 426, or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.