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2002-03
A Study of Food, Fans and Football
An Open Letter to Tailgaters, Football Fans and Food Connoisseurs Everywhere —
Seven years ago, I was elected to a lifetime term as Commissioner of Tailgating. (I might add the election was validated in Florida.) I’ve been tailgating ever since. As the Commissioner of Tailgating, I’ve driven countless miles, prepared hundreds of pots of my famous Jambalaya and explored nearly every inch of parking lot asphalt in search of my next great tailgating adventure. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it!
This year, I was fortunate enough to receive a grant from Coca-Cola to study the partying habits of the American public in the parking lot. (How many people get to say they do that!?) Now, I’m no scientist, but there’s nobody more qualified to study the art of tailgating than yours truly, The Commissioner of Tailgating. The key to my research was to make as many new friends as possible and, in the process, sample as much great tailgating fare as I could get my hands on. (I even passed out hundreds of survey cards and invited people to take a tailgating survey on my Web site, www.tailgating.com.)
I eagerly accepted my new challenge and last September, hit the road in my 40-foot Monaco Motorcoach with my cat (and navigator) Sophie. We visited 47 football stadiums, drove more than 30,000 miles and ate more brats than can be counted. I even managed to raise $31,787 for Share Our Strength, a national organization that’s leading the fight against hunger. The Coca-Cola Company donated one dollar for every mile I traveled on my tour.
So, with the surveys tallied and the taste of barbecue still on my lips, I’m proud to present my 2002-03 State of Tailgating Report, a snapshot of the world of hot grills, warm people and cold beverages. (And, if you want to see pictures from every parking lot we visited, check out the photo gallery at www.tailgating.com.)
Joe Cahn
Commissioner of Tailgating
Tailgating. The last great American neighborhood. The community social. It’s every fan’s skybox. Where else can people of all backgrounds come together, not only to cheer and show support for their favorite team, but also to make new friends, relax and have fun?
In today’s society, people yearn for socialization and the parking lot provides the perfect place for everyone to come together. It’s a place where no one locks their doors and everyone is happy to see you.
Tailgating will always be about fun, food and football, but I have noticed a few trends that seem to be making their way into the parking lot.
The Commissioner’s Top Recommendations for 2003-04
Tailgating By The Numbers
Along the way, I also asked hundreds of my fellow tailgaters to complete my tailgating survey. For those keeping score at home, here are a few of the more compelling stats.
Once you start, it’s tough to stop…
What time does the party start?
Fire up the grill (and stove, and smoker, and deep fryer…)
It’s no surprise, grills rule in the parking lot. In fact, 92% of tailgaters surveyed say they prepare at least some of their food on the grill but other cooking methods are also popular:
Although Sophie and I loved every parking lot we visited, the following cities are deserving of special recognition when it comes to their tailgaters and tailgating facilities.
Best Tailgating – Professional:
Best Tailgating – College*:
*However, all colleges where there’s fun, football and tailgating, are considered Champions in my book.
Some All-Star Tailgating Characters:
It’s a tough call. There are many. Buffalo has Pinto Ron who cooks on the hood of his car.
Detroit has its hot tubbers. And Kansas City has a cast of characters keeping things interesting in the parking lot including:
Arrow Man who wears the opposing quarterback’s jersey with arrows through it each week, and
Wolf Man and Tepee Man are a sight to see.
Best Tailgating Facilities:
Best Food Trends:
Because food is as central to tailgating as the pigskin is to the gridiron, you can find great food no matter where you tailgate. However, tailgaters who choose a theme, such as the ethnic foods found at
The Meadowlands in New York, or those who feature the opposing team’s mascot-related entrée, such as when
Kansas State fans serve buffalo burgers when they play Colorado, get my vote. Tailgaters who go “potluck-style” also tend to have the best variety. In fact, there’s a group at
New York Giants games that serve more than 30 dishes!
Most Exotic or Adventurous Food:
Cities on the Coasts, such as Seattle, San Diego, Oakland, New England and
New York are definitely the most adventurous in the food department. Here, tailgaters say, “What was that?” after eating something, as opposed to those in the Midwest who say, “What is this?” before they’ll try it.
Healthiest Tailgating Fare:
Only in California do you find Veggie and Tofu Burgers on the grill so it’s safe to say
49ers and Chargers fans top the list when it comes to healthiest tailgating food. These tailgaters also serve more salads than I’ve seen anywhere else.
Most in Need of a Tailgating Facelift:
All that don’t provide enough bathrooms for tailgaters. That leaves Arrowhead Stadium in
Kansas City as the only one not in need of an upgrade.
Friendliest to "The Enemy” (a.k.a. opposing team’s tailgaters):
Standout Tailgating Vehicles:
Most Creative Tailgaters:
Oakland Raiders – It’s like football and Mardi Gras collide! The fans are great and aren’t afraid to show their enthusiasm. The cross section of people and food is an adventure in sight, sound and taste.
Tailgaters with the Most Team Support:
The Denver Broncos organization does a great job supporting and encouraging tailgating. Each week a group of tailgaters receive recognition during the game and special V.I.P. parking. (I got to present the award when I was in town!) In addition, the new facilities allow Broncos tailgaters to make the most of their game-day experience.
Kansas City, Buffalo, New England and Houston also have great organization support.
Best New Tailgating Spot:
Reliant Stadium in Houston provides a great atmosphere for eager Texans fans to enjoy the tailgating experience. And, Texans tailgaters know what to put on the barbecue. Let’s just say there’s no shortage of beef. (It’s almost as if they run the cattle right onto the grill!)
Best Place to Relieve Oneself (okay, Pee):
If you’ve gotta go, go to Kansas City. No other stadium supplies the number of Portalets like the folks at Arrowhead.
Best Bargain Parking Spot:
You can’t beat the prices in New York and Buffalo. Here cars can park for around $10 and RVs for about $18.
San Francisco and Oakland aren’t too spendy either. (Prices vary however, so you might need to make a stop at the cash machine. Parking an RV can cost up to $80 in
Dallas and $150 in Minnesota – but hey, it’s tailgating, it’s worth it!)
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Local perspectives from the Commissioner and his cat and navigator, Sophie.
EAST COAST TAILGATING
New York Giants, Giants Stadium (Sept. 5) – Grab a fork, I’ve never seen so many different kinds of food in one parking lot. Tradition, diversity of food and people and wonderful tailgating facilities make for a great tailgating experience. One of the only places where RVs and cars park in the same lot. And, there’s no shortage of ethnic food and exotic flavors.
Buffalo Bills, Ralph Wilson Stadium (Sept. 8) – Limos, white pizza and wings - these guys know how to tailgate! Come early, stay late. Great tailgating atmosphere. The only place with a limousine parking lot. Known for their wings, beef on “Weck” (Kummelweck) and white pizzas.
New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium (Sept. 9) – A former tailgater himself, Patriots owner Bob Kraft has made sure tailgaters at Gillette Stadium have a good time. Tailgating fare includes lots of lobster and chowder. It’s also easy to find great Italian food throughout the parking lot.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Rutgers Stadium (Sept. 14) – Most family-friendly tailgating spot. The team has a great following and the score inside the stadium doesn’t affect tailgating festivities outside. Scarlet Knights wear their colors and the red grills are smokin’.
New York Jets, Giants Stadium (Sept. 15) – Similar crowd to a Giants game but features more decorated vehicles. The crowd is a little younger and exuberance abounds. Ethnic foods rule the parking lot. J-E-T-S! Jets, Jets, Jets!
Washington Redskins, FedEx Field (Sept. 16) – No political agendas allowed in the parking lot, just good, clean tailgating. Strong tailgating tradition. Stadium staff hand out trash bags to tailgaters to facilitate clean-up. Great idea! Let’s hope other stadiums begin to do the same. All-around good tailgating experience.
Philadelphia Eagles, Veteran's Stadium (Sept. 29) – Unfortunately tailgating is not allowed at Vet Stadium but fans still party strong at the nearby First Union lot. Unlike other places, tailgaters in Philly often skip the game to continue the party in the parking lot. And, they’re probably the most knowledgeable sports fans in the country. Not only can they argue, but they can back it up.
Baltimore Ravens, Ravens Stadium (Sept. 30) – Lots of great tailgating here even despite a downtown stadium. Several unique characters, such as the Poe Brothers with their party for the masses, and great vehicles, such as the S.W.A.T. Mobile (short for Stop Working And Tailgate), make this a great place for tailgating. Be sure to try the hot chowder and crab while you’re in town.
Penn State, Beaver Stadium (Oct. 19) – So much food, so little time! Happy Valley is appropriately named. This is one of the best College towns for tailgating. The Alumni Association even sponsors a tailgating contest. Very cool.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Heinz Field (Oct. 21) – No dieters here. Lots of meat, lots of ethnic food and plenty of Perogies. All-around hearty fare. Pittsburgh has some of the best fans. Great hospitality here. And, with a new parking lot, people are still trying to get to their parking spot.
Clemson Tigers, Memorial Stadium (Oct. 24) – It’s finger licken’ good. Southern hospitality, southern food and a generally slower tailgating pace make this a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Grab some fried chicken and kick back with the Tigers.
Wake Forest University (Oct. 26) – Laid back tailgating experience with plenty of Southern food. They’re great at decorating and they’re not afraid to bring out the fine China. I even encountered a great fundraiser where I got to sample chicken wings and vote for my favorite recipe. Can’t beat that!
Carolina Panthers, Ericsson Stadium (Oct. 27) – The parking is disjointed and tailgaters are scattered around the stadium, but plenty of football fans are there to show their support. If you’ve never tried a Low Country Boil – a seafood and potato stew – be sure to make a stop in Charlotte.
Army-Navy at Meadowlands (Dec. 7) – Hands down, the most wonderful sporting event in the country. Here the tailgating festivities get rolling after the game. I flew in for this one and wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
SOUTHERN TAILGATING
University of Georgia, Sanford Stadium (Sept. 21) – Throw me a bone here! Southern hospitality and hundreds of bulldogs (Georgia’s mascot) fill the parking lot. Dogs might even outnumber the tailgaters at Georgia games. A place where they’re not afraid to serve fried chicken and grits for breakfast.
Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Dome (Sept. 22) – A downtown stadium makes it tough to find parking but that doesn’t stop the diehards from gathering in groups to tailgate nearby. Traditional southern food, including deep-fried turkeys, can be found at most tailgate parties.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raymond James Stadium (Sept. 23) – Great stadium, great fans and lots of great parking make for a top-notch tailgating experience. Enthusiastic fans prepare a variety of foods, including several local seafood dishes.
Louisiana State University Tigers, Tigers Stadium (Nov. 23) – Overall, great tailgating! These guys know how to throw a party and they’re very serious about their food. Ahhh… the Gumbo, Jambalaya and Etoufee…now we’re talkin’ real tailgating food!
Houston Texans, Reliant Stadium (Nov. 24) – Best new tailgating spot! It’s clear Texans fans are ready to tailgate. Lots of good Texas grillin’ going on in the parking lot and we’re not talking veggie burgers. There’s plenty of steak and beef at Reliant Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys, Texas Stadium (Nov. 28) – Tuna burgers anyone? Tailgating is not yet a tradition here, but given some time, Cowboys fans may be able to turn things around. Fortunately, Sophie and I were able to find some good fajitas during our visit.
University of Texas, Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (Nov. 29) – University of Texas tailgaters love their team and the team loves them. Lots of smokers and sophisticated grilling equipment can be found in Austin. And of course, where there are grills, there’s always lots of meat. No exception here.
Jacksonville Jaguars, AllTel Stadium (Dec. 8) – Construction limited the tailgating a bit but the fans still came out strong. Lots of fried fish here, but also plenty of chicken and pork. I guess you could say there was a little something for everyone. (It’s no surprise Sophie favored the fish.)
Miami Dolphins, Pro Player Stadium (Dec. 9) – Tailgaters aren’t afraid to roast an entire pig at these games. Certainly a sight to see (and eat!) If roast pig isn’t your thing, you also can find lots of great Cuban-inspired food such as plantains and pollo (chicken, that is). Besides having great food and great fans, Miami has the best parking lot attendants in the country. They certainly help start your tailgating day off right!
Tennessee Titans, The Coliseum (Dec. 16) – The only place where you can tailgate on the courthouse lawn. The fans are wonderful and even the local churches added earlier services to accommodate tailgaters’ schedules. With all this tailgating enthusiasm, it’s no surprise they also have great barbecue – lots of pulled pork, ribs and pork shoulder.
MIDWEST TAILGATING
Notre Dame, Notre Dame Stadium (Oct. 5) – A great place where blessings are said before tailgating and plenty of meat and potatoes fill the parking lot. It’s not hard to find a juicy burger or some BBQ Brisket at Notre Dame.
Indianapolis Colts, RCA Dome (Oct. 6) – Plan early, there’s a waiting list to get in this lot! The downtown location doesn’t slow down tailgating in Indianapolis. As you might expect, lots of meat and potatoes can be found at the RCA Dome. And, the tailgaters here have big hearts. In fact, a group of tailgaters called the Blue Crew have found a way to stay together throughout the year by creating a non-profit fundraising organization.
Chicago Bears, Memorial Stadium (Oct. 7) – Best away/home games this year. The two-hour commute didn’t stop Bears fans from tailgating. Their tailgating traveled well and a younger crew from the University of Illinois joined many of the “regulars.” Let’s raise a brat to the loyal Bears fans.
University of MN-Morris (Oct. 12) – Where is everybody? The only place we visited where football and soccer tailgaters shared the parking lot. Let’s just say the soccer fans outnumbered the football fans here. C’mon football fans, don’t let a little losing streak keep you away!
Minnesota Vikings, HHH Metrodome (Oct. 13) – Is pepper a four-letter word in this town? Although the food in Minnesota was among the blandest I found on the tour, there certainly was plenty of it. I even managed to find grilled lutefisk! Food aside, there’s great enthusiasm here and some of the best tailgating vehicles. And, if tailgating wasn’t confined only to the Washington Avenue lot, the games probably would draw an even bigger tailgating crowd.
Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Browns Stadium (Oct. 20) – Lots of enthusiastic fans and Midwestern food make this your traditional tailgating town. Hamburgers, sausages and brats abound here. Be sure to say hello to the “Bone Lady” when you’re in town. You can’t miss her. (She’s the one covered with dog bones from head to toe.)
University of Michigan Wolverines, Michigan Stadium (Nov. 2) – Fore! One of the few places where you can tailgate on the golf course. The “Big House” draws a pretty diverse tailgating crowd, but still features lots of traditional Midwest food. And, Wolverines fans are very clean. No wonder they’re allowed on the golf course!
Detroit Lions, Ford Field (Nov. 3) – Tailgating is not allowed at Ford Field, but that doesn’t stop tailgaters from setting up camp at the nearby Market. Great scene! Lots of cool tailgating vehicles showcase the Lions pride and of course, there’s plenty of food. You can’t leave without grabbing a Coney dog (chili hot dog). I was pleasantly surprised at the overall tailgating experience in Detroit.
Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field (Nov. 4) – Legendary tailgating! Not even below-zero temperatures will stop a Packer fan from donning his green and gold gear, heading out to Lambeau on game day and firing up his grill. And, did I mention the brats?! Green Bay should be renamed “Johnsonville” based on the number of brats consumed at a Packer game. These guys know how to tailgate!
Denver Broncos, Invesco Field (Nov. 11) – In Denver, they claim to have started tailgating during the wagon trail era and boy do they know how to round ‘em up and feed ‘em. Lots of good frontier food, and surprisingly, a lot of great Hispanic food. The Broncos organization is also the most supportive tailgating organization. They reward their tailgaters with special V.I.P. parking and awards. Way to go Broncos!
Kansas State University Wildcats, KSU Stadium (Nov. 16) – So clean, you can eat off the asphalt. Kansas State has the cleanest tailgating I’ve ever seen. They even have a cleaning crew come out at half time. There’s good food here but you’re out of luck if you want anything with a little kick. In fact, I doubt hot sauce is even allowed in the parking lot.
Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium (Nov. 17) – Kansas City tops my list of best tailgating cities. Talk about team spirit! I’ve never seen so much red in one place. Great fans, great barbeque and enough bathrooms for everyone to boot. They even have receptacles for hot coals. Management really supports the fans.
St. Louis Rams, Edward Jones Dome (Nov. 18) – The downtown stadium puts parking at a premium price but there are still plenty of diehard fans eager to tailgate. There’s no shortage of good ol’ fashioned barbecue including lots of St. Louis Cut Ribs. Grilling on the river – these fans don’t have the “St. Louis Blues.”
Cincinnati Bengals, Paul Brown Stadium (Dec. 15) – Despite their record, Bengals tailgaters are anything but fair-weather fans. They still come out in droves to make their special Cincinnati Chili, otherwise known as 4Ways (chili, spaghetti, cheese and onions), and toss the bean bag with fellow football fans.
WEST COAST TAILGATING
Seattle Seahawks, Seahawks Stadium (Oct. 14) – Seattle tailgating still has a way to go, but after two seasons of tailgating at the University of Washington, Seahawks tailgaters are eager to ramp things up at their new stadium. Salmon and seafood dominate tailgating parties here.
San Francisco 49ers, 3Com Park (Dec. 1) – Tailgating on the lighter side. 49ers tailgaters are among the culinary elite. One of the only places where wine and cheese are standard tailgating fare. Lots of other light foods are served here including salads, sushi, veggie burgers and even tofu dishes.
Oakland Raiders, Network Associates Coliseum (Dec. 2) – Where football and Mardi Gras collide! Raiders tailgaters are among the most creative and most diverse I’ve ever seen. If you’re coming by RV, you have to get in line the day before if you hope to get a parking spot. There’s lots of great food that reflects the diversity of the crowd. There’s also plenty of traditional fare, including ribs, tri-tip and brisket. Come early and enjoy the party!
Arizona Cardinals, ASU Sun Devil Stadium (Dec. 22) – The facilities are great and the Cardinals fans are awesome even under losing conditions. The weather often dictates menus, and lighter food definitely prevails on hotter days. But, let’s be honest, the fans here pretty much will eat anything, except the cactus of course. They’re also not afraid to set up quality entertainment. I even saw a full-size pool table on our visit.
San Diego Chargers, Qualcomm Stadium (Dec. 29) – Lots of great fans, both from the home and visiting teams. Because we visited at the end of the tour, we got to partake in some of the more “celebratory foods” such as steak and lobster often found at tailgating parties as football season wraps up. First-rate tortillas also were plentiful and I even enjoyed one wrapped around a brat.
