Tailgating – an American Tradition
History of the Pre-Sport
Most historians date tailgating back to the 1800s when fans carried picnics to games. After all, there were no fast food restaurants back then, and horse and buggy travel was exhausting. Mom would load up the dinner basket and feed the family before the big game. Picture homemade biscuits and home cured ham slabs packed in buckets. Add a jug of tea or lemonade, and our forbearers were set for the day.
These early foodfests were held at college football events, since professional football didn’t emerge until the 1950s. The first collegiate game was held between Rutgers and Princeton. Though the northern teams led the team pride parade, southerners quickly embraced both the sport and the tradition of pigging out before games with family and friends. It was traditional in the southern states to serve up wild fish and game before kick off and then to grub on leftovers afterwards.
Tailgating continued in various forms over the years, but the tradition began to really catch on with fans during the 1970s. Those big woodie-sided station wagons with the drop down back panels were ideal party wagons for families out for a sporting good time. Mom, dad, the kids, and even friends could load up and have a grand old time without going broke.
Today, tailgating is much more art than science. Tailgaters range from motor home enthusiasts with full kitchen accommodations to teens in pick-up trucks with hibachi grills and coolers iced down with beer. Some tailgaters keep it simple. Others continue to raise the bar. You’re likely to see everything from boxes of take out chicken hand held and carried around to tables with linen clothes and candlesticks.
Get the Low Down Before Embarking on a Tailgater
If you can hook up with expert tailgate friends, you’re in good shape. Most party people are glad to enlarge the group and will show you all the ropes. But, don’t be shy and skip the fun just because you don’t know anyone going or because you’re not sure what to bring and what to do to take part in the party.
If you’re new to the sport of tailgating, then a call ahead can help ease the transition. Some venues do have specific rules. Just call and ask for guidelines and suggestions. If you’re friendly, the person on the other end of the line will likely give you the official information as well as some inside data.
Plan Ahead
Though some folks do just “wing it,” it can be a real mess to try to pull off a tailgate party without some planning. Even something as simple as going through the drive-through for chicken can be an ordeal on game day. In some areas, folks order ahead. If you’re just crossing your fingers, you may be waiting a long time or just flat out of luck.
The first decision usually involves the food. After all, it’s not really a party if you don’t have food. Plus, you’ll be sitting there smelling all those great grill aromas and watching everyone else grub down all kinds of fabulous outdoor fare.
A picnic or carry out is fine, but big time tailgaters generally grill out. There are many mini grills on the market, and it’s not that hard to turn the party into a parking lot barbeque. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and sausages are quick and easy, and steak, chicken, and pork chops are not out of the question. Just add some sides and beverages, and you’re ready for a good old-fashioned cook out.
Be sure to pack some lawn chairs. It’s really not that much fun to stand for hours balancing a paper plate in one hand and holding a can of Pepsi in the other. A tailgate (if you even have one) only holds a few people, and likely the tailgate will be used more as a table than as a couch.
Many tailgaters now decorate. It’s become rather a competition to see which group can “one up” the next. In addition to decking out in team gear, flags and blow ups are also used to give the tailgate area a festive feel. It’s almost as much fun to walk around and see how others have outfitted their areas as it is to hang around your site grubbing and gabbing.
You’ll also want to toss in some toys particularly if you are toting children. Most kids will remember to pack music and video game players, but also include some more active game options like footballs and Frisbees. The kids stay busy, and they’re likely to make friends when they have toys to share.
Game Day
Arrive early. No matter how early you head out, you’ll probably find others set up and in full party mode. Any prime spots (shaded, close to bathrooms etc.) will be gone fast. Last minute arrivals may be out of space and out of luck.
Know that you’re looking at a full day when you combine tailgating with a ballgame. Pack accordingly. Have plenty of food and plenty of beverages including water. If you happen to hit a hot afternoon, dehydration can quickly set in. Alcohol and caffeine dry out the body, so have some hydrating beverages on hand.
Toss in extra items like umbrellas, trash bags, blankets, sunscreen, and bug spray. Fall weather can be hot or cold or one and then the other. It’s better to have items and not need them than to need something and not have it.
A good selection of music is important. Remember to bring picks for all members of the party. Your teen may be most unhappy if you subject him or her to country music all day. In fact, task everyone with bringing a couple of favorite CDs. Then, rotate. You can crank up the vehicle stereo or carry a boom box. Music really adds to the atmosphere, so give some thought to the tunes.
Don’t stress if you forget something. It’s rare to tailgate and have all bases covered. Just ask around. Most tailgaters are glad to help out if you’ve left something back home. Regulars generally carry extras of almost everything. This is a good way to meet and get to know fellow tailgaters.
