The Party’s in the Parking Lot!

Ok, so maybe your playing (or cheerleading) days are long gone, but you can still be part of the action by throwing a classic tailgate party. It’s the perfect way to bring the family together for good times and great food. Here’s a fun history of tailgating, plus a few tips on making your next game one to remember.

Football: A Party Since Day One

The first known football game pitted Rutgers and Princeton in 1869, and immediately the idea of the pre-game party was born. Early pre-game festivities usually featured a feast of fish and wild game, and the party resumed after the football game, when players and fans enjoyed leftovers and traded stories.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the games moved played under lights and parties became more formal. Spectators would don their Sunday best and jump from party to party before the game.

Over the next 80+ years, the game changed, but to this day, pre-game parties continue to be a great opportunity for family and friends to enjoy great food together and root for their favorite team.

Take the Competition to the Lot!

Competitive spirit doesn’t have to stay on the gridiron. At your next tailgate party, get in the spirit of the game and challenge your friend to a “Tailgate Cook-off.” The rules are simple: Everybody brings a dish, and the most delicious dish wins! You might want to lay down some ground rules before hand, and decide who gets to judge, but the most important thing is the food. And the best part is no matter who emerges victorious, the real winners will be all the folks lucky enough to attend your pre-game bash and eat all that scrumptious food!

Tailgating Tips

  • Plan your menu at least a day ahead of time, and make sure other partygoers know what’s being served and what they need to bring.
  • The less work you have to do at the tailgate party, the more fun you’ll have. So keep it simple and prepare as much of the food as possible the day before the game: marinating meat, cutting veggies and preparing casseroles. Our Blazing Mexican Breakfast Casserole can be cooked in the morning while you are getting ready to leave for the game.
  • Keep hot foods hot with insulated carriers, or designate one cooler for hot dishes. A hot dish covered with heavy-duty aluminum foil, wrapped it in towels and placed it in a cooler or box will usually stay warm for up to two hours. Plus there is less chance of spilling while transporting to the game.
  • Pack party goods like plates, napkins, towels, forks and spoons the night before the game.
  • Don’t forget to bring folding chairs, blankets and other “comfort items.”
  • Finding the perfect place to park is essential. Parking at the end of a row can give you more partying space
  • To make clean up easier, use plastic bags and disposable plastic containers where possible, and don’t forget to bring trash bags, water, towels and baby wipes.
  • As the weather gets colder, dress appropriately by layering your clothing, so you can remove clothes as the temperature rises. And don’t forget a hat or headband to keep ears warm, plus gloves or mittens. Nothing ruins a great game like cold fingers!
  • When all the food is grilled, let your grill act as a self-cleaning oven! Close the lid on your charcoal grill when finished cooking and let it burn itself out. If you use a gas grill, leave it on for a couple of extra minutes with the lid down, and then scrub the grates with a ball of aluminum foil held with tongs.
  • Dispose of firewood or charcoal properly. Most stadiums have a designated place for hot ashes. Do not dump them in the trash bins, and never, ever place a hot grill under your car to cool off during the game.

Great Tailgate Recipes from Farmland