National Tailgating Day: Put Your Football Fandom on Display All Season

It’s that time of year again! We’re not talking pumpkin spice lattes or Halloween. Those are all fine and good, buuut football is back, baby, and we’re so here for it! And because there’s a day for everything, we definitely need to commemorate National Tailgating Day, which takes place the first Saturday of September.

As you’re making your final plans to travel to Tuscaloosa, Iowa City, L.A., South Bend or Foxborough for NFL or NCAA football, make sure you’re tailgate-ready.

What is a Tailgating Party?

Every team likes to believe they created tailgating. The truth is, well, a bit murkier. Historians often point to enthusiastic onlookers chowing down to watch the Battle of Bull Run in the Civil War and cheer on their “teams.”

That problematic history and tradition aside, football tailgating began in earnest during a Rutgers vs. Princeton matchup in 1869. And, supposedly, Green Bay Packers fans came up with the term “tailgating” — an appropriate origin story if we’ve ever heard one.

Regardless of its roots, however, tailgating is a time-honored, seasonal tradition that brings together generations of families and friends, plenty of friendly competition and lots of food and beverages.

Some of our Favorite Tailgates for Football

We know it’s controversial to point to specific team tailgates, but we’re going there anyway. Here are three of our many favorites … and some of the game-day grub they serve:

Go, Pack, Go

Layered dips, casseroles, cheese curds and brats — along with all the beer — make Packers tailgating at Lambeau Field’s Johnsonville Tailgate Village all the more entertaining. Sip, snack and get ready to belt out the “Beer Barrel Polka” during the fourth quarter. Make it extra loud when the Packers play the Bears. 

Callin’ Baton Rouge

Coach O is out and Kelly’s in, but any of the tailgate tents at LSU in Baton Rouge will have you screaming, “Geaux, Tigahs!” You’ll find plenty of jambalaya, étouffée, boiled crawfish, dirty rice and boudin, along with burgers and hot dogs. Oh, and if LSU is facing off against Florida, you’ll definitely see some grilled gator on the pits — aka “Tiger Bait.” 

Oh-Hi, Buckeye

Don your best scarlet and grey, and make sure you’re carrying a Tupperware container of Buckeyes — the chocolate and PB kind — to cheer on Ohio State. Beer and brats, trays of breakfast food, mac and cheese, deviled eggs, dips and plenty of BBQ are on the menu, depending on the tailgate setup. Make sure you hit Skull Session to catch a glimpse of the band as they run through part of their show.

How to Tailgate Like a Pro

Ready to pack up your game-day spreads? Here are a few must-have items to make sure you’re set for National Tailgating Day and geared up for the rest of the season:

• Food and drinks — alcohol along with non-alcoholic options … and plenty of water and ice.
• Grill and grilling accessories
• Comfy seating and blankets for cold days
• Tents and tables to stake your tailgate spot
• Games like cornhole for the kids (and kids at heart)
• Cups, plates, utensils and other cooking or serving items

Ready to kick off the most exciting season of the year? Head into Hibbett | City Gear or shop online to deck your entire family out in your team’s colors for National Tailgating Day and beyond!