Cultural Traditions: Tailgate Party (2024)

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

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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.

Cultural Traditions: Tailgate Party (2024)

FAQs

What is the tradition of tailgate? ›

Tailgating, which primarily takes place in the United States and Canada, often involves consuming alcoholic beverages while barbecuing and grilling food. Tailgate parties occur in the parking lots at stadiums and arenas, before and occasionally after games, festivals, and concerts.

What is tailgating and why do we celebrate it? ›

The pre-game party typically includes music, food, (alcoholic) beverages, and games to kick off what's sure to be an unforgettable day. Also known as pre-gaming, tailgating is a warm-up for the main event. It's a beloved tradition in North America that's now a national holiday celebrated by 80% of the US.

What do people do at tailgating parties? ›

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.

Why do Americans love tailgating? ›

The tailgating tradition finds its roots in the late 19th century, back when college football was beginning to captivate the American imagination. Back then, fans would gather around the tailgate of a horse-drawn wagon used to transport the team's equipment, making it the unofficial meeting point before the game.

What are the rules of tailgating? ›

tailgating rules
  • Consumption of alcohol or open containers of alcohol is prohibited.
  • No glass containers.
  • Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis in designated parking lots.
  • Holding or saving parking spaces is not permitted.
  • Drive lanes in parking lots must be kept clear at all times.

What is the meaning of tailgate party? ›

: a party in which people serve food and drinks from the back end of their vehicles usually in a parking lot before or after a major public event (such as a football game, a concert, etc.)

How to host a fun tailgate? ›

How To Host The Best Tailgate Party At Home
  1. Hosting a Tailgate Party to Remember. It's the most wonderful time of the year: football season! ...
  2. The TV Is the Star of the Show. ...
  3. Create the Game Day Atmosphere. ...
  4. Decorate, Decorate, Decorate. ...
  5. Grill Out (or Have It Brought In) ...
  6. Snack Attack. ...
  7. Create a “Drink of the Game”

What is one thing you should never do if someone is tailgating you? ›

Avoid yelling, gesturing in the direction of the tailgater, and doing anything else that could upset them even more. Let the tailgater pass. If you're on a multi-lane road, move over to the right when it's safe, giving the driver a chance to pass you on the left.

What are 3 reasons for tailgating? ›

3 reasons people tailgate
  • Aggressive driving. First of all, tailgating and road rage are often connected. The person may be driving aggressively on purpose. ...
  • Distracted or oblivious. In many cases, however, the tailgating driver isn't being aggressive at all. ...
  • In a hurry. Finally, some tailgaters are just in a hurry.
Jan 15, 2024

Which state tailgates the most? ›

The states with the highest instances of tailgating were:
  • Idaho: 76 instances of tailgating (per 10k vehicles)
  • Georgia: 45 instances of tailgating.
  • Nebraska: 38 instances of tailgating.
  • Utah: 36 instances of tailgating.
  • Virginia: 35 instances of tailgating.
  • Washington: 29 instances of tailgating.

What is the point of tailgating? ›

By tailgating, the driver has a shorter distance to stop, decreases the margin of error and blocks the awareness of surroundings.

What is the meaning of people who tailgate? ›

Tailgating when driving occurs when you're too close to the car in front of you. It's a dangerous driving habit that increases your risk of being involved in an accident. Maintaining a safe driving distance gives you enough time to react if the car you're following stops suddenly.

What is the history of tailgating in the NFL? ›

The history of American football tailgating, however, tends to trace its roots back to the Civil War. Locals packed a picnic during the summer of 1861, not to watch a game of catch, but to witness the First Battle of Bull Run (the first major land battle of the War).

What is the original meaning of tailgate? ›

tail-gate (n.) 1868, back panel on a wagon, hinged to swing down and open, American English, from tail (n. 1) + gate (n.). Extended by 1950 to hatchback door on an automobile. It also could refer to the lower pair of gates in a canal-lock.

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