On Saturday evening, Harvard hosted the 21st annual Allston-Brighton Day tailgate before the first football game of the season, a match under the lights against Holy Cross.

The University invited residents of the Allston and Brighton neighborhoods and provided the complimentary food and drinks, along with free tickets to the game.

In a sparsely populated red and white tent next to the Harvard Stadium, residents from the neighboring communities gathered for cookies, soda, and submarine sandwiches as the Harvard Band practiced nearby.

Yvette Parker, a Charlesview resident who attended the tailgate for the first time, said the event was a kind gesture from Harvard.

“We feel like Harvard is trying to be nice to us because they haven’t done what they’re supposed to do,” Parker said, referring to construction plans Harvard had made in Allston that were set back in the wake of the economic recession. “What better experience than a free one?”

Parker, who said she does not attend Allston community meetings, added that she was pleased to have been invited to a Harvard event, especially since several members of her family could join her.

Allston resident Ed A. Kotomori said he enjoyed spending time with his neighbors.

“It’s a great time for Harvard to meet the community and showcase the bands and everything that goes on within the game and the rivalries,” said Joel E. Kotomori, Ed’s son.

For Tim J. Quinn, who had only started attending the annual Allston-Brighton Day event last year, said that he was also “happy to be here.”

“I think they’re a terrific neighbor,” said Quinn, a self-proclaimed member of the “silent majority” of Allston residents who he said do not have “beef” with Harvard.

“The spirit is good. The band is good,” Quinn said. “Life is good.”

—Staff writer Xi Yu can be reached at xyu@college.harvard.edu.