By: Amanda Nusbaum, MUTigers.com Correspondent
COLUMBIA, Mo. - For college football fans across the nation, the countdown to their favorite team's first game begins months in advance. However, for many female fans right here in Columbia, Mo., their countdown only extends to the weekend before the Tigers' first game.
At Mizzou, female fans have been invited to join together at the Football X's and O's Clinic over the past several years. The clinic is specifically designed for the female football fan base in order to get an inside look into the upcoming season. Attendees can participate in fun interactive activities, get an exclusive tour of Faurot Field, and even hear from members of this year's football team.
Going strong in its 14th year of existence, last Saturday's X's and O's Clinic was led by Rockie Alden and the Mizzou football wives. With the additional help of Lorraine Rodriguez, Assistant Director of External Engagement and Special Events, the clinic leaders coordinate events and prizes in order to appeal to the female fan base and get them geared up for the upcoming season.
Saturday's event began with brunch, a silent auction, prize giveaways and introductions of the Mizzou football wives. New to this year's event, the collection of attendees were then split into two groups (black and gold) in order to give two unique experiences for the day.
The beneficiary of this event is "Send-A-Kid" - a program designed to provide tickets to children who may not otherwise be able to attend a game. The proceeds of the X's and O's Clinic go towards paying the reduced rate that the department offers these tickets for.
"We decided that the Send-A-Kid program would go along well with what we're doing here," Alden said. "It's something that benefits local kids, because they are able to come see a Mizzou football game."
One incredible part of this event is that you can go back year after year and it will always be a different experience. With new speakers and different activities to participate in, the event continues to rise in popularity each year.
Some women also say they look forward to going to the clinic, because it gets them ready for the upcoming football tailgating season as well.
"For as much as men think they like the football tailgates, it's really the women who do," said an X's and O's Clinic guest. "You know once this event happens that it's only a week until tailgating starts so we're ready to run the show!"
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