Tailgating at Home: Prepping for NCAA Football 13 Video Game Night

The first time I caught football fever was 1985 when the Bears dominated the season. Superbowl XX arrived and so many jerseys packed into the tv room in our house that it looked like we started our own team. Traditional tail-gating fare filled our bellies as the fever of football illuminated our happy crowd. When the moment of football fame drew nearer, a fantastical frenzy ensued, I think even the pictures on the walls cheered when the Bears won the championship that night.

I have to admit, I never quite caught the fever as bad since then, but now that I have little football fans of my own, I enjoy celebrating with them and helping them to have fun-filled experiences whether they are tossing a football around the yard, watching local college games, or creating fantasy play with EA Sports NCAA Football 12.

My oldest son and his custom NCAA Football 12 player (wearing his grandpa’s shirt from 1985!)

So, because they are super excited to get their hands on EA Sports NCAA Football 13, which releases in just a few days (July 10,) I’m happy to join in the football fever to create a memorable celebration. I’m thinking a tailgate at home family video game night is in order (and a trip to Walmart for the game and goodies! #NCAAFootball13)

Like regular board games nights, video games nights are a regular staple in our weekly family traditions. Playing a game everyone likes is a great way to have fun together and stay connected, and though I’m more partial to board games for the face-to-face gathering around a table aspect, I have to say I’m totally tickled with the technology developments of modern video games and the benefits they have to offer.

My youngest son loves that he can customize the player to have the same team and jersey number.

For example, with NCAA Football 12, you immerse yourself in the experience, learning the plays and making smart decisions to move up in football stardom. It may be pure fun and football frenzy, but it’s also teaching some terrific lessons like how important team work is and how earning the trust of the coach and your team boosts your superstardom abilities.

I found out that the NCAA Football 13 has some new features that will certainly enhance the educational benefits and totally up the fun factor. The new Heisman Challenge will allow players to play as one of 10 former Heisman Trophy winners, like Robert Giffin III or Herschell Walker, in a quest to match their performance and recapture the Heisman Trophy.  How cool is that?!

Imaging, stats, leader boards, and choices are so realistic, it’s a highly engaging experience.

An all-new Passing Game will add authenticity to the Quarterback position, allowing enhanced receiver control to put players in position to make a play on the ball. In addition, new read and react defensive coverage delivers greater realism on the gridiron. These features will definitely allow for a greater understanding of the sport and I’m excited to see how the boys adapt to these newfound skills.

I’m looking forward to experiencing the new Reaction Time feature that slows down the game during key moments, increasing on-field awareness and allowing players to sense things before they happen. Sometimes the game play goes a little quick and I think this game feature will be a huge benefit (plus a lot of fun to watch!)

Brushing up on their skills in anticipation of the NCAA Football 13 release!

There’s also going to be a new Dynamic Dynasty where for the first time ever, player’s recuiting grades can change each week based on performance in Dynasty mode. Gameday Saturdays will also come to life with live studio updates and commentary by Rece Davis.

All the new features will make our NCAA13 video game night exciting, but I’d love to move it to electrifying to share some of my 1985 football fever experience with my sons. Part of that will include a fun tailgate at home (stay tuned!) and part of it will include personalizing the moment with the You’re Covered game day program that releases on July 10th to coincide with the NCAA Football 13 game release.

The You’re Covered app lets you upload any photo online and print a custom game cover featuring your face (or someone else’s) on the body of a NCAA Football 13 Player, then print a custom game cover! It’s so simple to use, you can even use one of your Facebook photos. This is going to be an amazing gift, especially for my oldest son is a hard-core sports fan!

I also want to include you, Rural Mom readers, in our game day fun, so not only will I be detailing how we put our tailgating at home party together, there will also be a featured giveaway for Rural Mom readers… so, be sure to stop back for more football fever fun!

For more information on EA Sports NCAA Football visit the EA Sports website at http://www.easports.com/ncaa-football, Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/easportsncaafootball or follow along on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EANCAAFootball 

Disclosure:L I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Electronic Arts #CBias #SocialFabric” All thoughts and opinions are that of Rural Mom.