The Zona Zoo Crew is setting up a free tailgate before every home game to get the UA fired up for football this year.

David Roost, Zona Zoo Crew executive director, said the goal of increasing the amount of tailgates, up from only two in past years, is to provide a tailgate where everyone is welcome.

“”It’s one more thing to be a part of,”” Roost said.

The tailgate, located on the UA Mall at North Cherry Street, is open to all UA students, said Allison Macur, Zona Zoo Crew program director.

At this Saturday’s tailgate, Zona Zoo will be providing free BBQ food, a DJ starting at 3 p.m. and paid Zona Zoo members will be able to pick up their T-shirts at the event, she added.

“”It’s going to be a traditional fun tailgate that really gets everybody excited for the game,”” Macur said.

Stephenie Evanuska, Zona Zoo member and East Asian studies freshman, said she plans on stopping by the tailgate before this Saturday’s game.

“”I think it’s a good idea,”” Evanuska said, about the open tailgate. “”People shouldn’t be so cliquey.””

The Zona Zoo Crew will also be continuing the Bear Down Fridays block party tradition they started last year.

The event goes from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on University Boulevard, every Friday before a home football game with a pep rally beginning at 6 p.m. Roost said that through the events, the Zona Zoo Crew are trying to create a pre-game tradition that is unique to the UA.

“”We want to create a magnetic atmosphere that is just electric with spirit,”” Roost said.

The Crew are also hoping to increase student participation at Bear Down Fridays this year with more live music, events and speakers.

Zona Zoo is has grown very fast since its creation in 2002, Roost said.

Last year it had approximately 12,000 members, he said. About one in every three UA students were Zona Zoo members.

“”Each year we are multiplying leaps and bounds,”” Roost said. “”We’re giving back to community and increasing spirit.””