When half-time approaches the football field, many students find their way out to a post game meal. Historically, In-N-Out has been the go to spot to satisfy this craving. Recently students have been making use of other fast food restaurants that stay open late such as Canes and Taco Bell, but In-N-Out is still a top competitor.
This late-night tradition, however, doesn’t always come without consequences. The crowded parking lot has seen its fair share of chaos with students setting off fireworks and even minor car accidents as dozens of cars try to squeeze in at once. For some, this rowdy scene is part of the fun, but for others it raises questions about how safe the tradition really is.
When asked about the safety in this tradition, Aliso Niguel’s Principal, Dr. Mahindrakar stated, “I’m not really sure what happens at In-N-Out as I have not been there after the games.”
This implies that staff is not up to date with the specifics with what happens outside of the football stadium.
The majority of In-N-Outs guests on these nights tend to be upper classmen, due to their ability to drive themselves, and friends after the game. As a result of these circumstances, it is inevitable that many do more than just order at the register. The underlying freedom of spending Friday night at In-N-Out with their community can lead to unwanted chaos.
When students were asked about their thoughts on this, answers varied depending on the night. Allie Hinsvark, a junior at Aliso Niguel, took a positive stance by stating, “I think it’s a super fun tradition to socialize with others and recap on the game itself. Being able to drive and not having to rely on people for rides makes it a lot easier and more fun as well.”
As exclaimed previously, the positive side consists of the post game meals to be a fun way to let students hang out with their friends after supporting their school. Many students do not find the sport itself interesting to watch, but the tradition allows them to express school spirit while enjoying time with their peers, creating a sense of community that goes beyond the game.
Although this tradition can be great, the chaotic side still is apparent. Last week, a minor car accident occurred at In-N-Out when two students were driving recklessly in the parking lot. One student who backed up at full speed without looking, collided with a friend’s vehicle. As a result of the accident, both suffered minor car damage and were understandably upset. On another occasion, a firework was set off, startling nearby students who mistook it for a gunshot.
In the end, the late night trips to In-N-Out remain a definite part of Friday nights for Aliso students. The tradition blends school spirit and fun seamlessly but it also carries risks that can’t be ignored. Whether it continues as a safe memory or spirals into something more dangerous depends on how responsibly students choose to handle it.
