The smells of hot dogs and bratwursts roasting on the grill.

Masses of fans draped head-to-toe in cardinal and gold walking into Jack Trice Stadium.

The foam dripping from a beer cup.

All of these things are a part of the Cyclone tailgating tradition.

But this Saturday, along with the excitement of another year of ISU football, the day presents an unfortunate opportunity for ISU students to get their first public intoxication ticket.

We hope this Saturday when the football team kicks off their season against the University of Northern Iowa, ISU students will be smart and safe.

This means the student body will not be passed out when the game starts at 6:30 p.m., something quite possible after 12 hours of tailgating.

Instead of being in the parking lot drinking during the game, we would like to see the students screaming their lungs out in the student section.

But in the hours leading up to kickoff, students need to realize a public intoxication citation or underage alcohol possession charge is not a good way to start off the season, or your college career for you new students.

We all know underage beer guzzling seems like a great idea when you are tailgating in the parking lot. The frothy smell of a freshly-tapped Keystone Light can be quite tempting, we know.

But students need to be aware this is against the law and you could face the wrath of law enforcement officials who deal with this every weekend.

Think about the embarrassment when a Department of Public Safety officer asks to see your driver’s license.

Not to mention the ridicule from all your friends when they see your name in Monday’s DPS log or Ames police blotter.

And imagine the look on mommy and daddy’s face when you have to bum some cash to pay the fine.

Underage drinking isn’t the only event you’ll need to stay away from.

Don’t even think about a bonfire to start off the season with a blaze.

For the first time this year, tailgaters can not bring stuffed furniture, especially sofas, to the parking lot. So leave that tattered plaid orange sofa at home and find a lawn chair to take along.

After problems with fires for years, DPS said they are going to enforce this new rule. You have been warned.

A fine for torching your grandmother’s old couch can really put a damper on the pocketbook. Keep the fire in the grill.

And finally, don’t be stupid enough to try and sneak alcohol in the stadium.

Ames Police Department officers, Story County Sheriff’s Office officials or DPS officers can search anyone at any time.

Enough said.

Despite all the rules and regulations, tailgating is a great way to spend this Saturday.

Tailgating is a great college tradition that every ISU student needs to experience. Just do it right.

But we want every student to be in the proper condition to yell and cheer on the Cyclones.

editorialboard: Andrea Hauser, Tim Paluch, Michelle Kann, Zach Calef, Omar Tesdell