With an average attendance of over 65,000 fans per game, the NFL is wildly popular. Even people who don’t care about the game go just to experience the “atmosphere.” What they are really going for is the tailgating and all the fun that comes along with attending an NFL game. Tailgating is arguably more fun than the game itself. In fact, some people just go to the tailgate, never going into the stadium.
So, why is tailgating so popular? Tailgating is not limited to just NFL games. You can tailgate many events including concerts, college football games, and even your kids little league game (because why not?). The tailgate is best part of the game day experience because that is where all the fun is. You get to fire up the grill and enjoy the good weather with great company.
Let’s take a look at what makes tailgating so popular. After reading all the reasons, I’m sure you’ll what to call up a couple friends and throw a little parking lot party of your own.
Builds Excitement for the Big Event
Let’s be honest, whatever you are tailgating, you probably spent a decent amount on the ticket. The average ticket price for the 2020 NFL season is $391! If you’re going to be spending that kind of money, you want to get the most out of it. Tailgating is a big part of that because it builds excitement for the game.
The tailgate is basically the pregame. The actual event is fun but this is where you get to do all your socializing and hanging out. The energy from the fans is in the air because they are all excited to see their favorite team play or watch their favorite artist perform live. People show up hours before the game even starts and sometimes tailgate longer than the actual game.
At a tailgate everyone is the same page too. They’re all their to see the same teams play or the same artist perform. Everyone is sharing in the excitement, trash talking the other team, and having a good time. Tailgates are a great time to show your team spirit and be the ultimate fan.
Great Food
One of the best parts about tailgating is the food. Burgers, hot dogs, sausages, chicken wings, you name it. Basically, if you can grill it you can bring it. Diets don’t exist in tailgate parking lots, so eat whatever you want. If you like to grill you can bring your grill along and be the grill master at the tailgate. If you need grilling tips or ideas, check out our section on grilling.
If grilling isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other great tailgate foods. Chips and dip are a classic as well as potato salad. Honestly it is really hard to go wrong with tailgate food because it’s all so good.
Another great part of tailgating that can’t be overlooked is the drinking. Tailgates are a great place to have a couple cold drinks with some friends. You also can’t bring drinks inside the stadium so if you choose to drink during the game you may be paying $8 for a beer. One of my favorite accessories for every tailgate is the YETI Rambler Colster available on Amazon. The product perfectly fits a beer can or bottle and keeps it cold for hours.
Good Weather
Tailgating season has the best weather hands down. Of course you can tailgate in bad weather but ten times out ten, I would rather tailgate in good weather. There is just something about the atmosphere at a tailgate when the weather is nice. Especially those late summer tailgates where it’s not too hot but not cold either. Perfect weather to get a good tan and not sweat the whole time. It’s almost impossible to not have a good time when the weather is that good.
The most popular tailgating events are also usually warm weather events. Tailgating is huge for college football in the south because the weather there is nice for most of the season. This gives fans an excuse to go out there once a week, fire up the grill and enjoy the weather before winter comes and we’re all stuck inside.
Limited Opportunities
Another reason tailgating is so popular is because you don’t get to tailgate twelve months out of the year. It’s called tailgate season for a reason. Of course you can tailgate throughout the entire football season, but who wants to tailgate in January? The best tailgates are earlier in the football season and no one wants to miss out on them.
Events to tailgate also don’t happen very often. Think of what people like to tailgate. It’s usually concerts and football games. Football games are only once per week during the season and concert dates come and go. People do not tailgate a basketball game because there are 82 games in a season. Tailgating that many games would just ruin the fun in it. When there are limited opportunities you have to make the most of it.
Fun For Everyone
Tailgates are fun for everyone. You don’t have to be a sports fan to like tailgating because there’s something for everyone. There is the social aspect, hanging out with your friends and just having a good time. There are games to play like cornhole, ladder toss or even just tossing the pigskin around. I’ve never met someone who went to a tailgate and said they hated it. Everyone is there to have a good time and there are really no worries. Tailgates are just a time to relax and have some fun.
People of all ages can have fun at a tailgate. Kids get to eat junk food and run around. Adults get to have a few adult beverages and relax a little bit. College kids have the most fun at tailgates because they become weekly parking lot parties. No matter what you like, a tailgate is a guaranteed fun time.
If you’re looking for tailgate tips and ideas, be sure to check our tailgating page.