Amidst the chaos and blaring music of the student section of the boulevard, the Sober Tailgate tent welcomed with open arms all members of the community to a safe place for a calm tailgate Saturday.

The Sober Tailgate is a tent sponsored by Twelfth Step Ministry and La Hacienda Treatment Center that provides food and fun for those in recovery as well as allies. Located right in the action on the Dallas Hall lawn, the Sober Tailgate makes its presence known and its services available to students, faculty, and administration alike.

“We also reach out to the community of the visiting university,” said Marie Krebs, the executive director of Twelfth Step Ministry. “We invited UNT’s recovery program to come and participate, to demonstrate we’re taking recovery seriously at SMU.”

Krebs admits there tends to be an air of hostility on college campuses towards people who decide to opt out of the partying lifestyle.

“There are some people I think at SMU who don’t particularly like the idea of having a sober tailgate,” said Krebs.

But on Saturday, as leaders of the Sober Tailgate engaged with those passing through, it appeared to be a very enthusiastic and positive environment.

“I like to think that there would be a safe place for students who want to come and enjoy having a party before a football game that doesn’t involve getting drunk or getting high,” remarked Krebs. And that place is spot number 171 on The Boulevard, complete with snacks, support, and an open seat for anyone interested in tailgating the alcohol-free way.