While “the big game” used to be the main attraction, there are times when even the biggest of games – think Ohio State vs. Michigan or Florida vs. Georgia – take a back seat to the festivities in the parking lot. How did it all start? Well, we don’t know that there’s one easy answer, but it’s been fun heading down a few rabbit holes to learn more about the speculation.  

Tailgating History 

Eating at a sporting event can be traced back to gladiatorial events in the Roman Empire. There may have been “concession stands” in the amphitheater for the all-day events, but restaurants and even souvenir shops were located around the sporting site.  

Those “in the know” think that the first “tailgating” event wasn’t a sporting event at all; it was one of the battles in the Civil War. Spectators packed a picnic basket, loaded up their buggies and wagons, and headed out to watch the first battle of Bull Run. Many of these viewers traveled up to seven hours to see the spectacle, so having some sustenance was necessary. Even so, if you didn’t pack enough or needed a dessert, according to Union Captain John Tidball, there were “peddlers in carts filled with pies and other edibles” where you could make a purchase. This clash became known as the Picnic Battle with its spectators some distance from the actual conflict watching through opera glasses.  (Image is from the Library of Congress and depicts the chaos of retreating troops and civilians at the first battle of Bull Run.)

Another thought about tailgating is it could be tied to the “chuckwagon,” which was moved from place to place to feed cowboys on cattle drives. Speaking of wagons, a more user-friendly end gate was patented in 1870 by Charles Comstock. According to the blog Wheels that Won the West, it allowed the end gate to be folded down to allow for more utility in wagon usage. Then the hinged gate developed in 1886 allowed the gate to fold down and be held in place by chains, much like old-type pickup tailgates. 

The first “tailgate” at an actual football game was more like a picnic. Popular Mechanics reports that spectators could be seen with “food in hand” while enjoying the first game ever played - the 1869 matchup between Rutgers and Princeton. In the early days, stadiums didn’t have amenities that included concession stands and restrooms. So, fans had to plan ahead for food enough to get to the game, enjoy the game, and get home after the game.  

The 1906 game between Harvard and Yale, according to Popular Mechanics, had people laying tablecloths on the ground outside their cars to host their pre-game meals. Of course, with the coming of the automobile and the increased popularity of football, the waves of fans showing up to enjoy the game far exceeded the ability of local restaurants to feed everyone. In other words, tailgating may have come into being by necessity – it is the mother of invention! 

In modern times, tailgates before and after games are a part of the pageantry and tradition. Foods can be as simple or as involved as you want to get – especially thanks to gas grills, portable stoves, and effective coolers. The menu could include backyard staples like hamburgers, hot dogs, and chips or might even be tied to the location of the game or the opponent – think gumbo served when playing Louisiana State University or crabcakes when taking on Maryland. And, because it’s hard to get a ticket to many of these contests, but folks still want to partake in all the fun, there are thousands more tailgaters than fans in the stadiums. 

Tailgating Tips 

When the practice started, tailgating was the Wild West of meals. There were no rules and not much was out of bounds, but with more and more fans putting together bigger and bigger (and longer) tailgating events, some controls have been put in place to keep people safe and to establish a few guardrails. When you’re planning your pre-game meal, you need to check with the location of your tailgate to see what the rules are. Here are a few that are pretty common: 

No charcoal grills.  
This makes sense because when you pull your meat off the grill, it needs to cool before packing it back up in your vehicle to go to the game or to go home. Many tailgaters would slide the grill underneath or near their car, and you can imagine what could happen next if the grill wasn’t totally out. BOOM! Plus, dumping charcoal ashes just anywhere isn’t cool. 

No spiritus alcohol.  
Hard to imagine, but hard liquor is not allowed in most tailgating areas. Again, makes sense because sometimes you lose track of how many highballs you may have had – and consuming alcohol in very hot conditions can increase the likelihood of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration.  

Games and tents should not be in the roadway.  
Nobody wants their cornhole boards run over or to injure a person that may not be paying attention. Some tailgating areas will have even more restrictions on where tents can be set up and games can be played. Keeping these items out of the parking lot access helps ensure emergency vehicles can get through should someone need their help. 

Remember to pick up your trash and to recycle.  
Many tailgating areas, at least on university property, have student volunteers handing out bags for trash and recyclables. If you didn’t bring your own, take one of each. Depending upon where you are, when you break down your tailgate before the game, you can tie up your recycling and trash, leave it behind your vehicle, and it’ll be gone when you return.  

Make a Reusable Kit 

We all need to do our part to reduce waste and to be more sustainable. You can reduce your trash and recyclables by making a tailgate kit that includes reusable plates, silverware, and cups.  

Ants Melamine Paper Plate – At nine inches in diameter and made of rigid melamine, this plate is a keeper! It stands up to all the goodness your tailgate’s chefs can cook up. Take it home, put it in the dishwasher, and return it to the kit for next week’s game. Also available in an 11-inch platter and a 6-inch dessert plate. 

Ants Melamine Paper Bowl – Serving up chili, gumbo, stew, or soup at your next tailgate party? There’s a reusable bowl for that. It also works well for desserts, too!  

Ants Melamine Paper Cup – The cup rounds out the set and is perfect for enjoying a soda, sweet tea, or some refreshing ice water.  

Melamine Hot Dog Tray – This is the perfect way to serve up a Carolina Hot Dog (with coleslaw and onions), a New York Dog (with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard), a Cheesy Coney (with chopped onion, a stripe of mustard, a sauce of finely ground beef, topped off with shredded cheddar), or a brat (slathered in sauteed green peppers and onions).  

Stackable Tumblers from Pirani – Available in two sizes (16-ounce and 26-ounce), these tumblers are an excellent addition to your tailgate kit. They keep cold drinks cold 12 hours and hot drinks hot up to six hours. The tumblers come with lids and are dishwasher safe.  

Stainless Steel Cutlery – Not everything at your tailgate will be finger food, so you’ll need to add forks, knives, and spoons to your kit. This offering from Coghlans comes as a set.  

Napkins – Add a little color to your tailgate with bandannas as your mealtime napkins. Color coordinate with your team colors.  

Chairs – Think about it – you're likely to be on your feet a lot during the game and you can argue the finer points of how the Spread Offense will destroy a Cover 2 Defense just as well sitting down as standing up, so grab so more chips and have a seat. These chairs from GCI Outdoor are super comfortable!  

Tailgate Games – Pass the time while the burgers are on the grill with a game or two. You might even challenge someone two spots down to a quick game of horseshoes – what a great way to meet new people!  

Litter G’tter - This new offering from Kelty can be used a couple of different ways at your tailgate – as your trash/recycling bag OR as the collection spot for dirty plates, cups, and silverware. Place them in the bag to keep your car nice and neat for the ride home, then after putting your dishes in the dishwasher, just rinse out the Litter G’tter with a hose and let it air dry to be ready for next time.  

Recipes 

The main event is the food at your tailgate party. Here are a couple of recipes to add to your arsenal for this season. 

Touchdown Baked Beans 

2 15-ounce cans Pork and Beans (drain part of the liquid) 
1 Medium Onion, chopped 
1½ cups Old Mule Dipping Sauce, separated    

Pre-heat your oven to 375°. Pour the first can of the pork and beans into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Layer chopped onions on the beans, then drizzle ½ cup of the Old Mule Dipping Sauce. Add the second can of pork and beans and drizzle the top with the remaining one cup of Old Mule. Bake for 1 and ½ hours. 

 
Favorite Burgers 

1 pound ground beef, 93% lean 
2 tablespoons ketchup 
2-3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 
A Pinch up to a Scant 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 
A Pinch up to a Scant 1/8 teaspoon onion powder   

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. If you notice you have a little too much liquid, you can add a tablespoon or so of breadcrumbs and mix. Divide into four equally sized balls and press into patties. Grill until done... Yum! 

We wish you and your team good luck this season! Travel safely, cheer hard and respectfully, and tailgate responsibly. Go Team!