Tailgating. Is there anything better? We’re a country that loves its traditions, and two of the best are football and good food. So, OBVIOUSLY, tailgating immediately qualifies as a critically important tradition, too (and certainly one of the most delicious). Since it’s that season, we wanted to highlight a few fun and interesting things. Burgers and hot dogs on a grill are common everywhere, but regional food is also a feature, and that’s part of what makes it so fun!
We realize we can’t possibly highlight all of the good specific tailgate traditions, but hey, that’s what the comments section is for, right? Light ‘em up!
Here are Five Fast Facts about tailgating:
- 👀 Origin Story - Some might argue that the first tailgating event was clear back in the Civil War. In July of 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run in the Virginia countryside reportedly had some spectators with buggies and picnic baskets wanting to get a view of the action. A more “PG” view by some historians says 1869 at a game between Rutgers and Princeton. The point is the same: tailgating goes way back. It became more of a fun national pastime back in the 1940s and 1950s, as cars – and therefore driving to the game – became commonplace.
- 🐖 The Midwest - What you do for a tailgate depends a lot on where you are. Steak and potatoes, BBQ, and brats grace the grills of tailgaters throughout the Midwest. It’s real food for real people!
- 🍗 The South - The comfort food of the South simply can’t be beaten, with platters of fried chicken, cornbread, pimento cheese, and much more! In some parts you might also get some savory jambalaya or cajun food, too.
- 🥪 The North/Northeast - Lots of regional favorites here - cheesesteaks in Philly, wings in Buffalo, jumbo hot dogs in New York, cheese…well, everything in Wisconsin! You simply can’t go wrong here, and the good food warms the belly on those cold snowy days!
- 🥑 The West - Out West you’ll get treated to regional spins on the usual stuff, including mouth-watering gourmet burgers topped with avocado, fish tacos, or artisan pizzas that add even more flare to already delicious food.
🔥Bottom line: Even though it can be expensive, tailgating is a tradition worth continuing (and there are ways to make it a little easier on your Paycheck)! On top of the food, you’ve got good drinks, maybe some cornhole or tossing around a football, and spending time with family and friends (and friendly strangers)! What could be better?
What’s your favorite tailgating tradition?
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