These tailgating nuns waiting for the pope are #squadgoals
A post shared by Washingtonian (@washingtonianmag) on Sep 23, 2015 at 9:07am PDT
As September 23 marked the first official day of fall, it's officially prime tailgating time. While the more conventional mode of tailgating takes place at college or NFL football stadium parking lots, a few spirited nuns decided to take the tradition to the basilica near the White House in anticipation of the pope's arrival.
Earlier on Wednesday, one particular group of nuns shined amongst the several sisters who visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. for a special mass by Pope Francis.
Visitation nuns having a tailgate party at @MarysShrine. #PopeInDC#popeinuspic.twitter.com/atR9AyZuvW
— Catholic Herald (@acatholicherald) September 23, 2015
While huge crowds flocked to the streets to cheer the pope on as he drove through D.C. for a special parade that afternoon, others staked their claims at the basilica to ensure quality seats for the event. As the nuns had to be kept back with fencing before the event, they decided to wait it out with a casual tailgate.
#waitingforfrancis #papalvisit #popefrancis
A post shared by Michael Scotto (@mgscotto) on Sep 23, 2015 at 10:04am PDT
When the pope finally arrived, the nuns sported their spirited game day faces. We hope they had a great time cheering on their favorite pope!
Watch this video to see the crowds at the basilica to see the pope:
More from AOL.com:
13-year-old girl dies from bacterial infection linked to tampons after doctors misdiagnose her
Little girl just wants parents to get along in adorable viral video
92-year-old man sings sweet love song to dying wife