Students have the chance to meet the University’s football players tonight at the annual “Tailgate with the Team” event.

The University Union student programming board is hosting the sixth annual tailgate today at 7 p.m. at Legion Field in an effort to rally school spirit before the game against the University of Florida.

Head football coach Mark Richt and the entire team will be at the event, which should draw at least 1,000 attendees, said Jessica May, president of the University Union Board of Governors.

“We always sell all of the T-shirts, so we always have at least 1,000 people,” May said, noting students need their UGA ID card for admittance. “It should be a great turnout.”

The first 1,000 students are guaranteed to receive free Chick-fil-A and a free T-shirt when they arrive at the event. As part of the tradition, the Redcoat Band Auxiliary, the University cheerleaders and Hairy Dawg are scheduled to perform, creating more of a game-day atmosphere. According to Union Vice President Danielle Davis, students will be able to eat and mingle until the football players make their appearance.

“When we bring out the football players, students can have them sign autographs and talk to them,” Davis said. “It’s basically a chance for students to meet the football team and get autographs on the T-shirts that we give out.”

Despite the free food and shirts, some students plan on attending because they want to meet and support their football team.

Rebecca Hampton, a freshman from Covington, said she will be there to tailgate and have a good time with her friends.

“It’s a good way to hang out with the football players and to get pumped before the game,” Hampton said.

Still, students don’t have to be a true fan to attend. May said anyone is welcome to take part in the school pride.

“The event is meant to foster team spirit and to let everyone meet the team that they watch every Saturday,” May said.