guide to tailgating

BBQ’s, music, games, eating and drinking before, during and after the game!

Tailgating is an American sports tradition, attended by tens of thousands of fans before their teams takes to the field. Wikipedia describes it as

“…a social event held on and around the open tailgate of a vehicle. Tailgating, which originated in the United States, often involves consuming alcoholic beverages and grilling [barbequing] food. Tailgate parties occur in the parking lots at stadiums and arenas, before and occasionally after games and concerts. People attending such a party are said to be ‘tailgating’.”

At Touchdown Trips we are committed to getting you truly immersed on gameday to socialise with fellow supporters for an authentic NFL experience. Tailgate traditions differ from city to city based on their own signature food and, for some, superstitions. From experience, we know that to really understand your team and your fellow fans, you need to have a beverage with them in the car park of the stadium. Honestly, there is nothing better before walking into the home field and experiencing the sites, sounds, and smells of your team at home.

TAILGATING BASICS

Tailgating – a very American ritual of pre-game partying in the car park!

History

The history of tailgating is a mystery. Some say it can go back to ancient harvest festivals or 18th century France when families would gather around the guillotine with their dinners and some light entertainment.

But most agree it was started at the first-ever football game in 1869 which pitted Rutgers versus Princeton where fans would arrive early to dine and socialise and show their team spirit!

Modern Day

In a car park to hold tens of thousands of cars, each one arrives four hours before kickoff with a mini-campsite in the boot.

This includes seating, a barbecue, cooler(s) stocked with plenty of food and beverages—mostly of the alcoholic variety. There will also be a portable table, a few outdoor
games and sometimes flags, banners, and other ways to identify how serious you are about your team.

Traditions

Foods range from buffalo wings, burgers and bratwurst but will always include local fare from the region. Gumbo in New Orleans, Pulled Pork in Carolina and Clam Chowder in New England.

No tailgate is complete without some entertainment which can be a live band, a DJ, or a Playlist. There will also be plenty of games – Cornhole and Beer Pong being two favourites.

Top 5 Tailgating Cities*

Buffalo

Baltimore

Green Bay

Cleveland

Houston

*According to Seat Geek

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