Honorable Mention: Whitworth v. Azusa Pacific Oct. 20, Whitworth v. Willamette Oct. 27, Pacific Lutheran v. Willamette Nov. 10, St. Thomas v. St. John’s Oct. 27

Others Receiving Votes: Albany (Denne, Blackmore), Alexandria (Gearman, Luke), Brainerd (Zauhar, Gervais), Edina (McCambridge, Diley), Hastings (Wagner), Wayzata (Crees, Vanderheyden)

1. Patrick’s (St. Peter):  This place has the trifecta.  Great food, great beverages, and plenty of room.  This is a phenomenal joint to watch more games on a Saturday afternoon/evening or just unwind after the big game.
2. Mick’s Office (Moorhead):  Mick’s is steeped in tradition over generations of Cobbers.  Stop in for a tasty burger and some of the chips.  You won’t be disappointed by the friendly staff either.
3. Rueb ‘N’ Stein (Northfield): Close to both Carleton and St. Olaf, this place oozes character.  Bring the kids for the large game room, check out their extensive menu, and stay late for the live music.
4. The Nook (St. Paul):  Directly across the street from Cretin-Derham Hall, they have won best burger of the Twin Cities on several occasions.  Enjoy a Juicy Lucy with a pint of Nook Red and all is right in the world.  A classic neighborhood establishment.
5. Sally’s Saloon (Minneapolis): Located off Washington Avenue on the U of MN campus and near Augsburg sits this gem.  Loaded with college kids after the Gophers game and always a fun, energetic atmosphere.  Great people watching.
6. Sal’s (St. Joseph):  This quintessential college bar serves the world’s best patty melt with cheesy browns.  Play some pool or throw some darts.  All the TVs will have the big late afternoon football games on.
7. O’Gara’s (St. Paul): Down Snelling Ave. from Hamline, this Irish tavern has space for special events and is always accommodating to larger groups.  Live music, delicious stew, and a warm comfortable feeling for those chilly October afternoons.
8. Granite City (Roseville): Located near Rosedale Mall and of the same fame as the popular St. Cloud location.  Here you’ll find gigantic portions, plenty of microbrews to choose from, and a popular spot following games.
9. La Playette (St. Joseph): The most popular spot to gather following Johnnie football games.  Not much of a food selection, but lots of space and games (pool tables, video games, darts).  Don’t forget to grab a Gary’s Pizza across the street and bring it in they welcome it.
10. Tiffany’s (St. Paul): The Tommies’ students establishment of choice.  Good food, cool neighborhood, live music, and plenty of TVs for enjoying the games with your friends and family.

1. Walk: Take a stroll through the gorgeous woods that surround St. John’s.  The trees tower over you, the silence and tranquility are second to none, and the sheer beauty of the forest can take your breath away.
2. Johnnie Bread:  Make your way up to the Great Hall (directly adjacent to the Abbey Church) for this fresh, on-site, Monk-produced goodness that is a staple of campus life.  Take a couple loafs for the road.
3. Eat at the Refectory:  Grab a couple of friends or the entire family for the brunch at “The Reef” as it is affectionately referred to on campus.  Enjoy the plentiful food choices, share a table with a Monk, have a good laugh, and get some food in your belly before the big game.
4. Visit the Wood Shop:  Located in the “Industrial” compound, you will find a place run by the friendly Monks who will be glad to show you around.  Here they make many items used on a daily basis on campus instead of purchasing them from outside vendors.  You’ll be amazed at the quality and attention to detail.
5. Apple Orchard:  Is there a better place in the world each Fall than the Apple Orchard in Collegeville located off Fruit Farm Road as you enter campus.  Buy a dozen of the delicious apples, take a hayride, sip some apple cider, and soak in the surroundings.
6. Watab Island:  Arrive early on Gameday, pack a picnic lunch, the fishing poles, and head out to Watab for a little “getting in touch with nature”.  Throw a line in and maybe make it a shore lunch style picnic.  There is plenty of room to run around or play a little catch with the football.
7. Swim in the Sag:  Enjoy the cool waters of Lake Sagatagan with a refreshing swim.  The beach is a nice spot to rent a kayak for a little paddling around the Lake or to take in the scenery.
8. St. John’s Bible:  Visit the Hill Manuscript Library adjacent to the Alcuin Library.  See the 5 million dollar project replica in progress.  No matter your religious affiliation or lack thereof it is quite an amazing piece.  Do yourself a favor and be sure to check this out!
9. SJU Book Store:  Check out the extraordinary St. John’s book store in Sexton Commons.  Here you’ll find a little bit of everything for the cardinal and blue.  There is lots of apparel, interesting books, and a helpful staff to assist you.  Have fun and bring the credit card.
10. Pottery:  Go see world renown pottery artist, Richard Bresnahan, at his pottery studio.  You’ll be amazed at the attention to detail in his work.  Bring the art aficionado and they will surely be impressed.

1. Ice Cold Beverages: This is an absolute necessity.  Whether you are drinking Miller Lites, Diet Dr. Peppers, Olde Johnnie Ale, Fat Tire, Hamm’s, or Kool-aid you must have a thirst quenching Red Cup at all times.
2. Stiftungsfest Burger: The famous hamburger brought to Collegeville by Johnnie Red has reached iconic status.  The seasoned burger from Mackenthun and Wischnack Meats in Young America, MN is a delicious treat for even the most demanding Cheeseburger connoisseurs.
3. Wild Rice Bratwursts: Every tailgate party worth its weight in gold needs a tasty wild rice brat.  This Minnesota/Wisconsin favorite tastes especially grand with an ice cold libation.
4. Polish Sausages: Real aficionados will have their Polish flown in from the most authentic Polish meat markets in Chicago.  Once you have a good, hearty Polish you’ll never eat another hot dog.
5. Bathrooms:  You need facilities close if at all possible.  Nothing ruins a good tailgate more than having to walk 6 blocks and then wait in line for the eternal cleanliness of a Porta-Potty.  Do yourself a favor and scout out the location for best accessibility to restrooms.
6. Music/Radio:  Good tunes are essential to a great tailgating experience (Credence Clearwater Revival or Jimmy Buffett).  It is always nice to be able to listen to the Twins/Gophers/Various other good college football games while relaxing before the big game.  Take it from an experienced tailgater, it’s no fun without the BEAT!!
7. Proper Dress:  You can’t show up in your “Camp Counselor” Hawaiian shirt or your wing tips and be taken seriously.  Wear your team colors/apparel with pride and dress for the conditions.  If it is a scorching hot September day, don’t forget the sunscreen or you’ll be paying for it for days.
8. Good Friends:  Generally speaking, the folks who tailgate are friendly, salt of the earth people.  Don’t be afraid to join fans of the opposition and mix it up with a little pregame trash talking.  Good rivalries breed respect and long term friendships.
9. Charcoal Grills:  I can’t emphasize this enough.  The difference between cooking with propane vs. charcoal is huge.  The flavors and smells mean football is in the air.  Be sure to have plenty of grill space and extra charcoal.  It is critical to be able to cook lots of food as fast as possible when the crowds get big.
10. Games:  Don’t forget to bring a football to toss around in the parking lot.  Other tailgating favorites include Polish golf, Beanbag Toss, and a deck of cards for the impromptu game of poker.

1. St. John’s: There is not a better place on earth than The Natural Bowl on a crisp fall Saturday afternoon. The leaves, the rabid atmosphere, the 8K+ fans
2. St. Thomas: O’Shaughnessy Stadium is a classic, time-tested, gorgeous venue smack dab in the middle of a picturesque neighborhood. Only drawback is having grandstands on just one side of the field. The FieldTurf brings the playing surface into the upper echelon of the MIAC
3. Hamline: Klas Field is simply a state-of-the-art facility. They did a terrific job with the remodel and it shows
4. Gustavus Adolphus: Stunning new construction on the hill in St. Peter. Beautiful synthetic surface field, exquisite press box, and clearly a much needed new addition for recruiting at GAC
5. Concordia: Jake Christiansen Stadium is the Frozen Tundra in Minnesota. Rabid fans, perennially loud and proud of their Cobbers, make this a difficult place to play. Real tangible home-field advantage
6. St. Olaf: Picturesque field. Not the best of the MIAC but certainly nothing to be ashamed of
7. Bethel: Loud student body makes this a tough place to play. Always a packed house, but lacking in any real long term “character”. Use of the aluminum bleachers to jump up and down while chanting De-Fense, De-Fense is the most obnoxious feature
8. Carleton: Nothing noteworthy to oooh and aaah over. But definitely a step above the facility at Augsburg
9. Augsburg: Squeezed into one city block that leaves much to be desired. No distinguishing features, definitely belongs in the cellar. Only saving grace is the SprinTurf