re: tailgating opportunities for out-of-towners?

Second that. Get there early and just carry a small cooler. Maybe stop in a tent where a game is playing on TV and tell them your situation. Most will be happy to have you join them. If you want to see campus I would go around dalrymple and the parade grounds. Watch the band warm up around 3 near the Greek amok theatre and then follow the band down to the stadium.