Tailgating Trends: Why This NFL Tradition is the Real Main Event

Let’s take a look at the most anticipated part of attending an NFL game: tailgating.

Courtesy of Dutcher Aerials, Getty Images

Although the 2024 NFL season has just come to an end, I don’t know about you, but I’m already getting prepped for the next. With the upcoming NFL Draft, I’m so ready to get back to streaming my favorite games again. But, we all know the best game days are those you get to experience in the stadium, surrounded by cheering and booing to feel the true atmosphere of a game. The best part? The tailgating before the game, that’s when the true spirit arises. 

There’s no better feeling than arriving at the stadium hours before a game to share food, laughter and conversations with friends and strangers. And if you’ve never been tailgating or you’re already planning a game to attend (like me), let me break down the main event of any NFL game: tailgating. 

The History of Tailgating 

Tailgating actually started back in 1869 when fans took their wagons to a Rutgers vs Princeton college football game and began sipping champagne and other refreshments while waiting for the game. Throughout the 1880s, newspapers started publishing articles about eager fans arriving early to college games to enjoy some conversation over drinks. In 1906, automobile registrations increased into the thousands and over 32,000 fans were recorded traveling to New Haven, Connecticut, to enjoy the Havard vs Yale game. This was considered the first tailgate. In the 1930s, station wagons began being built with rear fold-down tailgates, which were used as seats before the game. A couple of decades later, after the Second World War, grilling culture began to rise and with that, portable grills and plastic coolers became a necessity when traveling to events.

Courtesy of Kirn Vintage Stock/Getty Images 

By the 1970s, NFL teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and New England Patriots moved to larger city areas and expanded their parking lot spaces to accommodate the growing fan counts. With rising costs of dining and concessions and ample room outside the stadium, tailgating was the best alternative for fans to enjoy their bottled drinks and delicious barbecued food. During a San Francisco 49ers game in 1973, the team even shared a booklet with recipes written by the players’ wives! 

Since then, tailgating has become the main event at most sports games. Though it started with colleges, and some universities like the University of Michigan have a big tailgating turnout, nothing compares to the ones that take place before an NFL game. 

The Stadiums with the Most Tailgating Hype + Their Traditions 

It’s safe to say that NFL stadiums have expanded since the 70s and so has the number of football fans. So now that you understand the historical significance of tailgating, let’s look at some of the massive communities NFL teams have built through this event. 

The Kansas City Chiefs

If you’re an invested tailgater, then you know this is the place to be! Fans begin showing up for tailgating at the Chiefs stadium at dawn to set up their trucks and feasts and continue the celebration long after the final whistle. While I have never had the chance to attend, it is said that the air becomes filled with barbecue smoke and the smell of fresh grilled burgers and ribs. Chiefs fans take their tailgating very seriously and have even begun a tradition with local artists and DJs setting up stages amongst the cars and coolers to play music so loud you’ll continue to hear it in the stadium. You’ll also notice teepees scattered across the parking lot in honor of the Chiefs’ name.

“Bills Mafia”, Courtesy of Chris Owens/Getty Images

The Buffalo Bills

Quite possibly the most passionate tailgating community, the Bills Mafia, has created a wild reputation for its tailgating traditions. Their pregame rituals, which start hours before and end hours after the game, have been deemed “legendary.” Their most viral tradition involves setting up and then jumping onto folding tables. Wild indeed! Bills fans are also known for their amazing barbecued specialties, including beef on weck, a local culinary delight, and, of course, buffalo wings. 

The Baltimore Ravens 

If you love the sound of tailgating but crave more than barbecue, Baltimore is the place to go. Located near the Chesapeake Bay, a Ravens’ tailgate consists mostly of seafood from the local area. Crabs and oysters will be the first thing to try when tailgating in Baltimore. The Ravens’ tailgate may be more sophisticated on the culinary side but you’ll still be surrounded by loud entertainment as you celebrate gameday. 

The Green Bay Packers

This list would not be complete without mentioning Packers fans. With rich traditions and very passionate fans, a tailgate experience in Green Bay is a must. As one of the most highly rated tailgating experiences, you will not be disappointed from the excellent food including bratwurst and cheese curds, to the friendly tailgating atmosphere; you will have no problem finding your next best friend over some local delicacies. But the best part of a Packers tailgate is that no matter rain, shine or snow, the tailgating continues at full force starting at dawn and ending past dusk. Packers fans are resilient and will endure anything to have a good time before the game. 

The Philadelphia Eagles

Along with our passionate Packers fans, the Eagles may have some of the most die-hard fans in the NFL. Once an Eagles fan, always an Eagles fan. Although you’ll probably smell like cheesesteaks and hoagies for days, you’ll have a tailgating experience like never before. Eagles fans are known for showing up in old-school buses and massive RVs packed with people, blaring the teams’ anthems. With drumlines and random groups breaking out into chants, there’s never a dull moment during these tailgates.

Courtesy of Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicles

The Houston Texans

Now this. This is what tailgating looks like. What may be the biggest tailgating community in the NFL, Texans fans are on another level when it comes to tailgating. Beginning with the amazing Texan cuisine filled with brisket, ribs and sausages for all hours of the day, Texans fans will not only bring portable grills but smokers and ovens to games to ensure everybody gets a taste of Texas. Tailgating groups have formed within the community like the Raging Bull Tailgaters and the Liberty Tailgaters. Some fans have even begun unofficial BBQ competitions before the game for prizes. In true Texan fashion, no tailgater will let you go hungry as they are also known as the most generous tailgating community in the NFL, sharing their food with anyone attending the game or not. 

How to be an Expert Tailgater 

Well now you know the top tailgating spots, and if I didn’t mention your team, don’t worry! Maybe you can catch them when they’re playing at one of the top tailgating stadiums. Either way, I know you’re getting drawn into this tailgating experience. How could you not? It sounds amazing right? 

Now you may already be an experienced tailgater, and if so, I want to hear your traditions! But for those of you who might be planning your first tailgate or just want some more ideas for your next one, I got you! Here are some easy tips and tricks on being the expert tailgater.

Courtesy of Orlin WagnerNFL

1. Get there early. You read what time tailgating starts at some of these stadiums. There’s no need to arrive at dawn (even though I think that’s a commitment), but showing up a couple of hours before the game is plenty of time to enjoy the festivities and food that there is to offer. 

2. If you’re going to set up, SET UP. If you’re ready to commit to the tailgating event, you’re going to want to arrive prepared. Do not show up with a lawn chair and a cooler that holds two cans. You’re going to want to bring your comfiest chairs, a table and a large cooler full of drinks. If you want to go the extra mile, bring your grill and make LOTS of food. Chances are you’ll be sharing with your tailgating neighbors. 

3. That brings me to my third point, be friendly. Tailgating is all about the community and engagement between fans. This is a great chance to meet people and make tailgating friends for future games! So bring a little extra of everything, you never know who you might meet. 

4. Food is a necessity. Well yes, food is always a necessity but at tailgating, you need it for multiple reasons. If you’re cooking or bring some unique food to share, you’ll immediately be accepted into the tailgating community. Bonus points for themed snacks! 

5. Show your team spirit. Even if you’re visiting another stadium, pull up in your team’s gear and consider decorating your vehicle. No one appreciates passion like a tailgater, even if it’s for the rival team. This will help create conversation and friendly banter before the game. 

6. Bring a game.  Some tailgates go on before, throughout and after the game. By bringing an easy travel game like cornhole, you’re bound to find people to challenge and help pass the time. Even a football to pass back and forth can get you in the spirit for the game. 

So now you’re prepped and prepared like a professional tailgater. You’ve got some tailgating history to share, and you know the best tailgating stadiums and what to do to be the best tailgater. Remember to be friendly, embrace the craziness and enjoy the delicious food. I can’t wait for next season! 

Edited by Madison Roost