Friday Morning Lights: How USO Futenma is Bringing the Festivities of American Football to Service Members Thousands of Miles from the United States.

American Football, a sport that defines weekends for many starting in the fall and lasting into the winter. It’s a fun fest of delicious food, music and friendly rivalries surrounding a sport that brings thousands together across the country. Pre-game gatherings tend to feature grills, potlucks and beverages at many tailgates prior to kickoff. Simply put, it has become an American fall tradition. So, how do you enjoy a football weekend thousands of miles from home?

With a time difference ranging between 13 and 17 hours, games are experienced a little differently in Okinawa, Japan. Instead of football under stadium lights, it’s football under the mid-morning sunlight. Presented with this unique opportunity, the USO Futenma Team introduced Tailgate Fridays, a watch party for NFL’ s Thursday Night Football.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma was established post-World War II and serves as air support for Marine Corps Forces Pacific as well as joint, combined and allied forces. Marine Corps pilots and air crews rotate in and out of the base for training and in support of the Indo-Pacific region. The nature of these rotations often finds service members in Japan unaccompanied, many staying in the barracks on base. Without their own form of transportation, the USO Futenma Center is an ideal on-base location that many can walk to and from their accommodations. Understanding the desire to watch games and for a touch of home, USO Futenma’s Tailgate Friday is designed to provide a fun atmosphere that allows these service members a place to relax and enjoy a favorite sport.

Tailgate Fridays was introduced in 2019 following a center renovation as an event to welcome people into the facility to enjoy all new amenities. USO Futenma Center Operations Coordinator Michael Oliwek was volunteering with the center at the time and, along with another volunteer, came up with the idea while reminiscing about live games. Wanting to bring that feeling to the local service members, the two hosted a barbeque which would eventually transition into what is known as Tailgate Fridays. Now ranging anywhere from 35 attendees to over 100, service members, contractors and families are treated to food reminiscent of what you would find at a tailgate in the parking lots surrounding a stadium.

“Tailgate Fridays allows us to bring our fond memories of American sports with our families, loved ones and amazing tailgate foods to Okinawa to make it feel a little more like home,” expressed Michael.

On Friday, September 6, USO Futenma kicked off the 2024 NFL regular season with a watch party featuring 250 wings, rice and sauces. Their next Tailgate Friday will feature Walking Frito Pie, a popular Midwest dish that features corn chips, cheese, chili and an array of toppings. With seven TVs ranging from 65 inches to 85 inches, three smokers, two gas grills and one charcoal grill, the menu and atmosphere gives a ballpark feel to fans of all teams. (College football fans shouldn’t worry. The center, along with all those TVs, is open for a little Sunday viewing as well.)

“The program is meant to create the environment you’d experience as if you were going to a ball game back in the States; you come grab some BBQ, pregame and get ready to watch the team play,” explained William Stanley, center operations manager at USO Futenma.

Over the years, the event has become enough of a base staple that some of the MCAS Futenma Command Staff often stop by inquiring about the week’s menu. “What this USO is doing overseas for our service members and families aboard Marine Corps Air Station Futenma is phenomenal,” expressed MCAS Futenma Sergeant Major JJ Vandentop. “Tailgate Fridays brings a hometown feel to Japan. The combination of football and good barbecue makes everyone feel like they are back home, in the backyard, enjoying football with family and friends.”

“Tailgate Friday at MCAS Futenma USO mirrors the game-day spirit we all know and love,” stated MCAS Futenma Installation Operations Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Miller. “Living in Seattle, I’d spend Sunday mornings with friends, sharing food and cheering on the Seahawks. Those moments created bonds that felt like family, and this program brings that same feeling to our base. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the camaraderie, it’s a special way to stay connected to home through the excitement of the NFL.”

At the beginning of the NFL season, Tailgate Fridays begin with every other week before being offered every Friday as the season progresses. The watch parties extend past Friday once the season reaches big conference games and into the playoffs, offering more elaborate feasts and more friendly faces. For example, USO Futenma’s 2024 Superbowl party welcomed 129 men and women.

“We came today [September 6] knowing that we could watch the game and chill here at USO Futenma,” said Sgt. Dustin Fowler. Sgt. Nicolas Kisela added, “I saw the flyer and knew we could eat here, too! This program brings a piece of home here for us working overseas.”

The fun doesn’t end with the final score. Those who feel inspired following the game can enjoy some pickup football in the facility’s backyard (be sure to enjoy the island views) or test their skills at EA Sports Madden NFL on one of the center’s gaming consoles.

Not affiliated with MCAS Futenma? No problem! Tailgate Fridays are open to any service member, their families and contractors on the island. Next time you need some fellowship, food and football, come by USO Futenma for some Friday Morning Lights.