Football season is back! And for many fans, the best part of the game happens long before kickoff. Tailgating is more than a meal in a parking lot. It’s a cherished tradition that blends food, fun, and fans to create a pre-game ritual. Whether you’re headed out to an NFL game or gathering your college crew, hosting a winning tailgate is about more than burgers and beer. It’s about creating community, being creative, and celebrating the spirit that football brings.
And with National Tailgating Day landing on the first Saturday in September every year, it’s a great time to plan your ultimate pre-game party.
Kickoff Starts in the Parking Lot
Tailgates are where fans come together in parking lots hours before kickoff to share food and drinks, play games, and get pumped up for the game. For some, the tailgate is more exciting than the actual game. It’s a rain/snow/sleet or shine activity, bringing out the most loyal fans.
Across the country, many cities have elevated tailgating into a can’t-miss event. The Bills Mafia in Buffalo is infamous for their over-the-top parking lot antics and grills in the snow. In Kansas City, the parking lots around Arrowhead Stadium fill with the scent of ribs, brisket, and burnt ends as Chiefs fans proudly showcase their barbecue heritage. Green Bay’s Lambeau Field offers a more community feel, where fans huddle together over brats, cheese curds, and local brews no matter the temperature. And in Cleveland, the Browns’ Muni Lot has become the beating heart of game days. Hours before kickoff, the lakefront fills with orange and brown tents, cornhole games, and grills, showing off the grittiness and loyalty of the city and its fans.
College football tailgates are just as legendary. At Ole Miss, The Grove is as famous as the football program itself with tents dressed to the nines, sometimes even with chandeliers, and tables stacked with Southern favorites. Down in Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University fans treat every home game like Mardi Gras with all the Cajun/Creole fixins stretching late into the night. At Penn State, tailgating is a small city of its own with RVs and tents filling the fields around Beaver Stadium. And Ohio State’s fans pack the Horseshoe’s lots with scarlet and gray pride and endless rounds of “O-H-I-O.” It’s known as one of the largest and rowdiest game-day scenes in the Big 10.
What Should You Bring?
Every tailgate begins with smart packing. Folding tables, chairs, tents, coolers, and portable grills are musts. But you’ll also want to consider some extras that will make your setup stand out and stay safe. Consider bringing a fire-safe mat to protect the ground around your grill. Set up a speaker and build a playlist of fight songs and hype songs to keep energy high. You could even consider bringing a small TV or tablet with a streaming service to show the game to those who aren’t headed inside the stadium.
For games, cornhole, KanJam, and ladder toss are classics. Bring a couple footballs to add to the mix. And pack some plastic cups and ping pong balls to organize a beer pong tournament. For décor, go all out with team colors and consider bringing string lights or lanterns for night games to keep things cozy.
Tailgate-Approved Menu
Food is the MVP of any tailgate. Go for options that are hearty, portable, and crowd-pleasing.
- Classic Staples: Burgers, hot dogs, wings, sliders, and chili.
- Regional Flavors: Fried chicken in the South, pulled pork in the Midwest, Cuban sandwiches in Florida, jambalaya in Louisiana, lobster rolls in New England.
- Game-Changers: Bacon-wrapped smokies, mac and cheese bites, deviled eggs, nachos, and apple hand pies for a sweet finish.
Drinks deserve some thought, too. Beer and hard seltzers are easy to pack, but cocktails like spiked cider, bourbon lemonade, or sangria can elevate your spread. Don’t forget non-alcoholic options like iced tea, sparkling water, and themed mocktails for younger or sober fans.
Pro tip: Prep as much as possible before the game to minimize parking lot stress. Assemble skewers, chop veggies, or even pre-cook certain items so you can focus on fun instead of cooking.
Tailgate Traditions Worth Starting
The best tailgates are the ones people talk about long after the game ends. And creating a signature tradition can make your party stand out and give fans something to look forward to each game. Maybe it’s a secret dip recipe that only comes out on game day. Or maybe it’s a gameday fit check series. It could even be a mascot-inspired costume that makes an appearance for photo ops. Whatever you decide, these rituals can grow into big memories and turn an ordinary tailgate into a legendary one.
Pro Tips for Pro Tailgating
- Food Safety: Keep raw and cooked items in separate coolers, and bring plenty of ice.
- Portable Power: Consider a generator or portable power bank for music, small appliances, or catching pre-game shows.
- Cleanup Made Simple: Pack resealable bags, label your coolers, and leave no trace behind. Bring plenty of extra trash bags.
- Community Spirit: Tailgating often involves sharing. Bring extra plates and napkins for neighboring fans.
- Weather-Friendly: Keep yourself and your fellow tailgaters comfortable during any weather. Bug spray, sunscreen, and some extra fans for the hot days. Paper weights (or something small and heavy) to hold napkins and paper plates down when it’s windy. Ponchos and umbrellas for rainy days. And blankets, hand warmers, and foot warmers for cold days.
Conclusion: The Tailgate Always Wins the Game
The best tailgates aren’t just about what’s on the grill. They’re about gathering loyal fans to have fun before the big game. From Buffalo’s table-breaking antics to LSU’s crawfish boils, Cleveland’s Muni Lot loyalty to the sea of scarlet and gray at Ohio State, tailgating builds bonds between fans, families, and friends. It’s an atmosphere that brings a sense of pride, joy, and community that keeps people coming back year after year.
With a little preparation and a lot of spirit, the tailgate will be the highlight of gameday, no matter if your team wins or loses.
Kadi McDonald is a freelance writer, marketing strategist, and proud Cleveland sports fan…and yes, she tailgates in the Muni.
