UOSA held one of its biggest events of the year at Saturday’s tailgating extravaganza.

UOSA joined the throngs of Sooner fans celebrating the much-anticipated first Sooner football home game by providing hot-dogs, cookies, chips and much-needed ice water for all OU students on the sunny afternoon.

“It’s definitely nice to grab some shade and food,” said Elliot Siebenaler, meteorology junior. “And it’s also really cool to see your representatives out here serving.”

This being the third consecutive year of tailgating for UOSA, last Saturday’s turnout was easily its largest, said Rainey Sewell, UOSA director of the interior.

“It’s been a really big turnout,” Sewell said. “It’s never been this busy before.”

Groups of students lined up under the three UOSA tents for free food but were also able to get acquainted with their representatives.

Sewell’s department took advantage of the great opportunity to connect with students.

“It’s hard to sometimes find students and attract attention,” Sewell said. “But game days provide a great way to do it. Especially today, it seems. Usually people just get a hot dog and leave, but today students are really just hanging out in this area.”

UOSA vice president Laura Bock volunteered at the event and also said the tailgate’s turnout was good.

“These tailgates are a great way to be visible,” Bock said. “And this is definitely bigger than previous years.”

Eight volunteers, all UOSA members, helped coordinate and put on the event directed by Sewell. Housing and Food Services provided UOSA with help cooking the hot dogs.

“It’s still early in the school year so we’re still getting schedules down,” Bock said about the UOSA members, “but this (tailgate) has turned out really well and we love it!”

UOSA plans to continue their tailgate event for every home game this season.

“It’s the one time students can really talk and get to know their representatives,” Sewell said, “so we plan on doing this for every home game this year.”

Sewell said she not only hopes to serve food during their tailgate events, but also provide a memorable college experience for all OU students.

“The tailgate is one of those must-have college experiences,” Sewell said, “If you haven’t had a tailgate then you really haven’t experienced college, you know? So, we also love to provide that for students.”