The Gophers football team held its “Field Frenzy” for students at Thursday’s spring practice, and coach Jerry Kill addressed the students who braved the cold to watch the team.

Kill told students he needed their support in order to help rebuild the program, inviting them to tailgate before the games and bring enthusiasm to TCF Bank Stadium.

“We need a party, get-after-it atmosphere,” he said. “If you do that, we’ll give you the product that you want.”

Kill asked students to send him emails if they think of ways to improve the program. He also opened up by saying when he retires he plans to be out at 7 a.m. tailgating until game time. “That’s what you’re supposed to do,” he said to about 60 students.

“From [age] 17 to 22, I did everything once, maybe twice, and I did it really well,” Kill said.

The Gophers’ annual spring game is at 1 p.m. Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium.