Tailgating
Tailgating is one of the great American pastimes that just naturally go along with any sport. Sometimes there are just as many people partying in the parking lot as spectators in the stands. Wikopedia defines Tailgating as “groups congregating with food and drink to cheer together for their team.” This practice dates back to the Battle of Bull Run in 1861. Civilians on both side of the Mason-Dixon line gathered with food and drinks to watch the ensuing battle and cheer on their soldiers. I’m sure they didn’t have propane fueled tabletop grills and big screens under tents though. They probably had dried beef and bread. Just like nowadays I’m sure they had beer back then, although they probably called it Ale or something else. Either way, a battle like that is not the kind of competition I would want to watch. Those were different times I suppose.
There is no telling how many tailgating parties happen on any given Sunday. Or any other day of the week for that matter. Anytime there is some form of competition you can bet there is a gathering of folks toasting their team close by. I’ve even seen tailgate parties at Cheer Competitions.
The key to a great tailgate is simplicity. All you really need is a parking lot, some munchies and a cooler of drinks. There are those people that care less about what happens inside the event center and more about what happens in the parking lot. They even have tailgating teams!! All with a position just like the sporting competition. One group is responsible for the shelter and seating, another is the entertainment master bringing huge big screen TVs, speakers and sound equipment. Then you have the cooks or “Cookie” as they were called in the old west. They actually get to the parking lot at the crack of dawn, set up huge smokers, grills and fryers then start preparing delectable meats and sides long before any fans arrive. And the food is actually restaurant quality food. This is a massive undertaking. I guess it could be compared to catering a party of 200 every weekend. The remarkable part is these extreme tailgaters fund this whole endeavor themselves religiously every weekend during their favorite team’s season. The really surprising thing is that anyone can participate. A complete stranger can walk up and instantly be a part of the festivities. Providing of course he/she is wearing your team’s colors. Sometimes even opposing team fans can join in. Only if they behave and not dog your team that is.
One time we parked next to retro fitted Ambulance. No kidding, am Ambulance. It was ingenious because it had all sizes of compartments and storage cubbies. It was covered with team graphics on the sides, a roll out awning, a huge water tank on the roof and a TV behind behind sliding doors. That was just the outside. The inside had TVs all over the walls, a stereo system you could hear in the next state and satellite equipment. I’ve seen school buses, food trucks and huge trailers all converted into party mobiles.
I prefer the more low-key party myself. Family, friends, good food, an occasional beverage before the game is my cup of tea, or ale as it goes. Maybe after the game to sit back and share my hindsight expert coaching philosophy to fellow enthusiasts that walk by. Whichever form of tailgating you prefer, it’s out there. With tailgating it’s not about which team wins or loses, it’s about who has the most tender ribs and the coldest beer.