Among the traditions that Americans partake in each year, tailgate parties may be the favorite among most. Tailgate parties is a tradition that is filled with the things that Americans love the most: eating, drinking, and attending a huge entertainment event. The name comes from the use of the tailgate at the back of a pickup truck to transport food and drinks to the event, however many people participate in tailgate parties without actually using a truck with a tailgate.
A tailgate party – also known as “tailgating” is a party in which attendees of a big stadium event such as a spectator sports game or a concert arrive early and party in the parking lot. Tailgate parties often involve grilling food and drinking alcoholic beverages. They typically occur in the hours before a football game or other event at the stadium where the event is to be held.
Though tailgating gained its popularity through its occurrence at football games in the fall and winter months in the United States, it has now become a tradition at a variety of other sporting events. Tailgate parties have been known to happen before events such as:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Soccer
Reports have circulated of tailgating occurring at non-entertainment events such as weddings. However, entertainment events remain the biggest forum for tailgate parties.
Though tailgate parties are known to happen before games, they do also sometimes happen after games. This is particularly common in college settings where parents and athletic departments want to rally support for the team, the athletics department, and the players. Particularly in areas where donor funds are needed to keep athletic programs afloat, tailgate parties have become a major source of community building and support sourcing.
The cuisine of tailgate parties can be considered similar to that of the backyard barbecue. Popular dishes include:
- Hotdogs and Hamburgers
- Coleslaw
- Potato Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Baked Beans
- Potato Chips
Beyond eating and drinking, there are several activities that it is common for people at tailgate parties to partake in. Similar to a college party, one might not have trouble finding a beer pong game to participate in at a tailgate party. Additionally, many games that Americans commonly refer to as “lawn games” are played at tailgate parties. These activities might include:
- Horseshoes
- Ladder golf
- Cornhole
Tailgating is fairly common in American culture, particularly when it comes to sports and sports entertainment. Several sports programmers have embraced the tailgate party aesthetic in pre-game commentary shows. On some occasions, productions have actually placed commentators at a tailgate party to deliver their pre-game notes. It’s also very common to see a tailgate party depicted on commercials, particularly those that play during sporting events such as football or baseball.
As an American tradition, tailgate parties are rather cherished. They give fans of a particular team or artist a chance to unwind, connect, and build energy for the sporting event or concert itself. By the time tailgating fans arrive to the game, they are charged and ready to cheer on their team.
