In the vibrant atmosphere of Duke University’s Wallace Wade Stadium, a unique tailgating experience unfolds under the banner of the Bayou Blue Devil. This initiative, led by Ben Thomason, a native of Bastrop, Louisiana, infuses the spirit of Southern hospitality into the Duke Blue Zone Collective Tailgate, creating a lively gathering that goes beyond just football.
Thomason, who has spent 14 years at Duke after earning his MBA from the university, has always viewed tailgating as a celebration of community and culture. In 2023, he decided to bring a piece of his Louisiana heritage to Duke, setting up the Bayou Blue Devil tailgate with the mission of sharing Louisiana's famed hospitality with fellow Blue Devil fans.
As the Duke football team prepared for its season opener against Tulane, the Bayou Blue Devil tailgate was in full swing. With a pot of jambalaya simmering nearby and Mardi Gras beads adorning attendees, the atmosphere was reminiscent of a traditional Louisiana gathering. "We want to bring Louisiana hospitality to the Duke tailgate scene," Thomason expressed, highlighting the essence of what the Bayou Blue Devil represents.
Thomason's roots in Louisiana run deep, with his hometown just 160 miles north of Baton Rouge, where LSU football reigns supreme. He recalls the significance of football in his upbringing, not just as a game but as a community event filled with food, camaraderie, and celebration. "Growing up, people definitely cared about the football, but it was a whole event around the football," he noted, emphasizing the importance of the tailgating culture.
To foster this sense of community at Duke, Thomason invited friends and family to join him at the tailgate, which quickly evolved into a collaborative effort with other local fan groups, including the Hard Hat Guys and the Boo Crew. Together, they established the Blue Zone Collective Tailgate in the B-3 parking lot, where each group contributes its unique flair to the festivities. The Hard Hat Guys kick off the day with breakfast, while Rocket Man prepares lunch with a creatively modified rocket cooker, and the Bayou Blue Devil crew focuses on providing refreshing beverages.
Open to all, the tailgate encourages fans to mingle and enjoy the full experience of game day. Donations are welcomed but not required, with contributors affectionately dubbed the “Krewe of Wallace Wade,” a nod to Thomason's Louisiana heritage. The primary goal remains clear: to build a sense of community among fans and create an inviting atmosphere for everyone.
The Louisiana influence permeates the tailgate, from the signature jambalaya and Hurricanes to the colorful Mardi Gras beads that Thomason distributes. He has even initiated a tradition of tossing beads into the student section during games, a gesture that adds to the festive spirit. Each week, the Bayou Blue Devil tailgate also honors a “Grand Guest,” a special individual associated with Duke or its football program, who is presented with a chain and signs the Bayou Blue Devil flag.
This week’s Grand Guest, Willie Sheppard, father of Duke running back Nate Sheppard, adds another layer of Louisiana connection, having played football at Louisiana Tech. While the Bayou Blue Devil tailgate originated with football, Thomason has extended the concept to Duke baseball and basketball games, ensuring that the spirit of Louisiana hospitality continues throughout the athletic calendar.
Ultimately, for Thomason, the Bayou Blue Devil is about more than just food and drink; it’s about fostering connections and creating memorable experiences. He encapsulates this philosophy with a Cajun phrase: “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” which translates to “Let the good times roll.” And at the Bayou Blue Devil tailgate, that’s precisely what happens, as fans gather to celebrate not only Duke football but also the rich culture of Louisiana.
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