In football, a tailgate is a gathering that usually takes place in the parking lot of a stadium before the game. Tailgates usually involve food, drinks, and games.
Tailgates can also take place after a game, but they are most often held before kickoff.
Tailgates in the NFL can start as early as six hours before kickoff. However, this results in participants being quite inebriated by game time.
How does a Tailgate Work?
Grilling
Tailgating is all about grilling. Walking through the parking lot of a stadium before a big football game, you’ll notice tons of grills and grill masters.
During the tailgate, many fans will bring their grills and tons of food to the game.
It is possible for fans to sell food at their tailgates, or if you wear the right jersey, you may even receive free food.
It’s a wise idea to cook your own food if you’re hosting the tailgate. Stadium food is not always the most healthy option, so cooking your own is a smart idea.
When attending someone else’s tailgate, it can be helpful to bring food or drinks of some sort. It may be considered rude to show up empty-handed, especially if you are being fed.
Drinking
Drinking can also be part of tailgate parties, depending on your age and lifestyle. You can drink while you eat or drink to drink while you tailgate.
At some tailgates, fans will play all sorts of drinking games like at a college party.
Bills Mafia, who often jump through folding tables from the roofs of their cars, is a great example of this.
Tailgating doesn’t always involve drinking like this
You can learn about the different parking lots for the stadium before heading to the game. You will be able to determine what type of atmosphere each parking lot offers.
There are always rowdy tailgating areas and more relaxed tailgating areas.
Games
In addition to eating and drinking, football fans often play games in the parking lot.
Playing bag-o or throwing around a football in the parking lot can be a fun way to pass the time and meet other fans making their way through the tailgate.
Taking in the Atmosphere
If you are a football fan that has always watched your team on television, heading to the stadium will offer a unique experience if you tailgate.
Watching the tailgate and seeing how passionate the fans are about the team can be a lot of fun.
You can use the tailgate to feel more involved in the fanbase this way.
Learn more about football terms like what is a series in football or what is a drive by exploring tailgates in football.