Your Guide to NFL Tailgating and Superfans | Back to Blog

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  Your Guide to NFL Tailgating and Superfans

  contributed by Nick_Cobb September 2, 2008 at 6:39pm

  With the NFL's regular season upon us, a guide to tailgating around the league was in good order. Based on amenities, available food, fan enthusiasm, and tailgating tradition, here are SloshSpot's picks for best NFL tailgating experiences. Get your RV's, portable barbecue pits or smokers, and team apparel ready for what is sure to be a wonderful season of football, food, parking lot mayhem and of course, alcohol consumption. If any of us are lucky, our partying will only be out-shined by our team's performance.
  
  

  1. Kansas City Chiefs
  
  

  Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium<
  
  

  Fan Fare: Brisket, ribs, chicken and a pig on a spit! Barbecue, Barbecue, and mo' Barbecue
  
  

  Team Distinction: The best tailgating in the NFL
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Enough red (including the meat) to blur your vision, Chiefs fans are out of control when it comes to tailgating. Some arrive 48 hours prior to the game. By 9 a.m., Sunday morning, the smokers are lit and enveloping the sky with a charcoal haze. The sweet smell of some hardcore Midwest grill aficionados is enough to cause even the most devout of fans to abandon their ticket in place of watching the game next to a smoker and flat screen.
  
  

  2. Green Bay Packers
  
  

  Stadium: Lambeau Field
  
  

  Fan Fare: Bratwursts
  
  

  Team Distinction: Only non-profit, community-owned major league professional sports team in the United States
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Like an all-day block party where you can park your truck in a local's yard and ask to use his restroom. Can't find someone's flower-bed to ruin? One of the many local churches or businesses invite tailgaters to utilize their parking lots and lawns. The green and gold is only rivaled by the hospitality of the host city.
  
  

  3. Buffalo Bills
  
  

  Stadium: Ralph Wilson Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Wings, White Pizza, and Kummelweck
  
  

  Team Distinction: Super Fan Pinto Jon who cooks on the hood of...you guessed it...a Ford Pinto.
  
  

  
  
  

  

  

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  The Rundown: Losers of four Super Bowls, victims of the Music City Miracle, and even screwed out of a Stanley Cup, to even live in the city of Buffalo--much less be a fan--is like experiencing the walk of shame every morning for the rest of your life. But hey, they did have Thurman Thomas, O.J., and this gnarly team van. Bio-diesel? This thing runs on Barbeque baked beans.
  
  

  4. Philadelphia Eagles
  
  

  Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
  
  

  Fan Fare: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches, Polish Kielbasa, Stuffed Italian Peppers, Lobster, Scallops and Prime Rib
  
  

  Team Distinction: This guy and a serious championship drought.
  
  

  

  

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  The Rundown: Every Eagles fan is a nut. They love their team and city enough to have stuck with them through 3 straight NFC Championship game losses, and then upon finally reaching a Super Bowl, losing narrowly to the Patriots. Maybe it's all that good food that keeps the stadium packed. The city hasn't experienced a championship in a professional sport since 1983.
  
  

  5. Oakland Raiders
  
  

  Stadium: McAfee Coliseum
  
  

  Fan Fare: Ribs, tri-tip, and brisket.
  
  

  Team Distinction: Craziest fans in the NFL
  
  

  

  

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  The Rundown: Imagine George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars tripping on acid with 2Pac and Skeletor at Mardi Gras--that's about what tailgating with the Raider Nation is like. Don't let their appearances fool you though, the Nation are a great host and never dull. Many RV's start lining up on Friday, so get there early.
  
  

  6. Pittsburgh Steelers
  
  

  Stadium: Heinz Field
  
  

  Fan Fare: Pierogies and Kielbasa
  
  

  Team Distinction: The Terrible Towel
  
  

  

  

  

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  The Rundown: The aroma of pierogies and kielbasa accompany the more traditional smells of dogs and burgers. Many fans show up empty-handed with no intention of ever entering the stadium. They often leave with stomachs full of Iron City beer and a wide variety of culinary delights.
  
  

  7. Baltimore Ravens
  
  

  Stadium: M&T Bank Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Crab Cakes, Oysters, and Hot Chowder
  
  

  Team Distinction: Super fans The Poe Brothers (Edgar and Allen Poe)
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Despite being a downtown stadium, Baltimore Ravens fans can take pride in taking their spot in the top ten. The Poe Brothers host a party for the masses and the S.W.A.T. (Stop Working And Tailgate) vehicle is perhaps the most famous tailgating icon on wheels.
  
  

  8. Cincinnati Bengals
  
  

  Stadium: Paul Brown Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: 4Ways (chili, spaghetti, cheese, and onions)
  
  

  Team Distinction: Uniforms
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: The tailgating at Bengals games will definitely rival the team's success this season. Hopefully Marvin Lewis will be able to keep his players from getting arrested all season long. If not, the Bengals front office should consider changing their famous striped helmets from orange and black to white and black.
  
  

  9. New England
  
  

  Stadium: Gillette Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Lobster, Clam chowder and Italian food.
  
  

  Team Distinction: Super swanky tailgating, Spygate, and an undefeated regular season punctuated by a Super Bowl defeat at the hands of perhaps the biggest underdog in Super Bowl history, whose quarterback didn't even have the best arm in his family.
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: You can rent lots with cable, electricity and a grill. The food starts early in the morning with steak and eggs. Lunch might consist of lobster and baked beans, followed by beer-soaked brats and steak-tips for dinner. There's always a chance you could get caught up in all the high-end food being passed about and miss the first couple quarters of the game.
  
  

  10. Cleveland Browns
  
  

  Stadium: Cleveland Browns Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Roast pig, friend turkey, beer-can chicken, plum brandy and wine.
  
  

  Team Distinction: The Dog Pound
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Don't expect any handouts if you aren't wearing a browns jersey. The team should have much more success this year and that will likely turn gruff Browns fans into more hospitable tailgaters. Well, unless you are a Steelers or Ravens fan. The kegs get tapped with the rising of the sun and mayhem is the standard. You might wanna consider picking up a Browns jersey if you are going for the "experience."
  
  

  11. Chicago Bears
  
  

  Stadium: Soldier Field
  
  

  Fan Fare: Grilled Krispy Kremes and Red Meat
  
  

  Team Distinction: Super Bowl Shuffle
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: You can find the best tailgating away from the stadium, and some high calorie nutrition. Bears fans are a joy to hang with and there is much variety to go around in the drink department. Weather has no bearing upon pre-game festivities in the Windy City. Jesus, grilled Krispy Kreme donuts?
  
  

  12. Denver Broncos
  
  

  Stadium: Invesco Field
  
  

  Fan Fare: Micro-brewery Beer (Fat Tire), Traditional (Hamburgers & Hot Dogs), and Mexican Food

  
  
  

  Team Distinction: The Barrel Man and 5,280 ft.
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Winners of two Super Bowls in the nineties and a couple of riots to boot, Denver's football fans are obsessed with their team. Drinking at such a high elevation ensures spectators of a heady buzz and raucous company.
  
  

  13. Houston Texans
  
  

  Stadium: Reliant Stadium
  
  

  Local Fare: Every Cut of Beef Imaginable
  
  

  Team Distinction: Paper Mache Guy and not taking Reggie Bush (thank God)
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: One of the newest NFL franchises, the Houston Texans quickly ascended the list. Years of professional football drought made these fans hungry for the Oilers' replacement team. Texans are absolutely crazy about football and barbecue, and the Texans' parking lot is a prime example.
  
  

  14. San Diego Chargers
  
  

  Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Bratwursts and Surf & Turf
  
  

  Team Distinction: LaDanian Tomlinson and Powder Blue
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Great fans, the best player in the NFL rushing the ball, and lobster at a tailgate party are enough to merit this franchise being included in the top 15.
  
  

  15. Miami Dolphins
  
  

  Stadium: Pro Player Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Roasted Pig and Cuban-inspired Food (plantains and pollo)
  
  

  Team Distinction: Only undefeated team to win the Super Bowl.
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Being a Dolphins fan has been painful the last few years. Bill Parcells should do much to turn around this stumbling franchise. In the meantime, you can enjoy some of the most diverse and ethnic tailgating food in the league and arguably the hottest cheerleaders. Not that anyone cares, but the Dolphins supposedly employ some of the best parking attendants in the country as well. I guess that means she is parking my car?
  
  

  16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  
  

  Stadium: Raymond James Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Seafood and Steaks
  
  

  Team Distinction: Super Fan Big Nasty and that damn pirate ship in the stands.
  
  

  

  

  

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  The Rundown: Interactive stadium (you know, the pirate ship), classy fans, and exceptional parking amenities make this NFL tailgating spot stand out from the competition. Enthusiastic fans prepare a variety of local seafood dishes to accompany the more standard tailgating dishes.
  
  

  17. Washington Redskins Stadium: FedEx Field
  
  

  Fan Fare: Everything from shrimp and wine to hamburgers and beer.
  
  

  Team Distinction: The Hogettes and most narcissistic owner in the league, Dan Snyder.
  
  

  

  

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  The Rundown: Leave your political opinions at home and be ready for some rowdy fans. Tailgating is almost a forced practice for Redskins fans. Parking causes most fans to show up hours before the opening kickoff. The Redskins rank lower on the list because of the inability to mingle while tailgating. Security keeps people close in their respective zones. Only season ticket holders are permitted to utilize the stadium for parking.

  
  
  

  18. Tennessee Titans Stadium: LP Field
  
  

  Fan Fare: Beer, burgers, and barbecue
  
  

  Team Distinction: Houston Oilers transplant, Music City Miracle, Elvis wigs in the stands, and inVINCEable Young.
  
  

  
  
  

  The Rundown: Decentralized tailgating due to parking shortages. For the few fans with LP Field parking permits, tailgating is just like a block party. Tennessee fans have loved their precious Vols for years and they are making great strides in getting behind their NFL team.
  
  

  19. New York Giants
  
  

  Stadium: Giants Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Dogs, burgers, steak and lobster.
  
  

  Team Distinction: Super Bowl Champion and Tiki Barber getting silenced.
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Traditional food and professional tailgaters, the Giants fans are gonna get screwed this year by the construction of their new stadium. There will be little space to tailgate and tailgating off of the grounds has already been prohibited. The scene is known to have people burning opponents jerseys in the parking lot.
  
  

  20.Carolina Panthers
  
  

  Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Fried chicken and pork barbecue.
  
  

  Team Distinction: Only pro sports to have played a season in South Carolina (played at the University of Clemson until the stadium in Charlotte was complete).
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Scattered groups of tailgaters, many with their own distinct vibe, keep the Panther fans from experiencing the continuity of more traditional NFL tailgating communities. The Panthers represent both North and South Carolina.
  
  

  21. New York Jets
  
  

  Stadium: Giants Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Lobster, filet mignon, burgers, you name it.
  
  

  Team Distinction: Share a stadium with the Giants and Brett "the Jet" Favre
  
  

  

  
  
  

  The Rundown: The move of the NFL's leading passer to the Jets should improve their tailgating rating, but there just isn't any room for the influx of Favre followers. Prime parking spots are a must. Construction of the new stadium (still to be shared with the Giants) is a space hinderance and police don't allow off-site tailgating.
  
  

  22. Jacksonville Jaguars
  
  

  Stadium: Municipal Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Fried fish, chicken, barbecue shrimp, and pork barbecue
  
  

  Team Distinction: College-first state and great uniforms.
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Near the stadium is a team-run tailgating lot with bathrooms, full bar, concession stands and live broadcasts. Keep in mind that this is college football country and home of the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" (Florida & Georgia). This tailgating scene is much milder, with most people hungover from the FSU or UF game.
  
  

  23. Indianapolis Colts
  
  

  Stadium: Lucas Oil Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Lots of meat and potatoes.
  
  

  Team Distinction: Peyton Manning and new stadium.
  
  

  

  

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  The Rundown: Another new stadium provides some much needed space to an improving tailgating scene. Located downtown, you seem to need to know people in Indy or your experience might be better enjoyed at one of the nearby bars or clubs.
  
  

  24. San Francisco
  
  

  Stadium: Monster Park
  
  

  Fan Fare: Hawaiian barbecue, crab, stuffed mushrooms, and Cali wine paired with French Brie.
  
  

  Team Distinction: The Catch, Steve Young and Joe Montana, and Banjo Man
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Tiny parking spaces keep tailgaters packed and limited in their set-up potential. Food is extraordinary but be prepared to get filthy should their be rain in the forecast. The parking lot if notorious for becoming a swamp.
  
  

  25. Dallas Cowboys
  
  

  Stadium: Texas Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Barbecue and Tex-Mex
  
  

  Team Distinction: Hated for somehow being elected America's Team, Romo to T.O., and one pink jinx.
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Cowboys fans are fickle and tailgating is so-so. There is plenty of space and much barbecue to go around, but someone needs to inject some spirit into the often uptight Dallas people. Perhaps their Billion dollar new stadium will get the Poke fans back in the parking lot en masse.
  
  

  26. New Orleans
  
  

  Stadium: Louisiana Superdome
  
  

  Fan Fare: Cajun of course
  
  

  Team Distinction: Stadium was a shelter during hurricane Katrina
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Not your typical tailgating or tailgating food. There is little parking room and no stadium-owned lots around the Superdome. People set-up on top of parking decks and in the streets. Gumbo fills the air and shucked oysters litter the streets.
  
  

  27. St. Louis Rams
  
  

  Stadium: Edward Jones Dome
  
  

  Fan Fare: Traditional
  
  

  Team Distinction: Spent 49 years in southern California
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: New casino construction in a much needed parking area makes the St. Louis Rams tailgating experience disjointed and unceremonious. Kansas City Chiefs fans have little to worry about in losing their top tailgating title from an in-state rival.
  
  

  28. Seattle Seahawks
  
  

  Stadium: QWEST Field
  
  

  Fan Fare: Salmon, crab, steak, and burgers.
  
  

  Team Distinction: Great stadium atmosphere and Steve Largent
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Miniature and heavily policed "designated" tailgating lot is a load of crap. Real fans looking to get an early start should check out "Tailgaters Heaven," a block or so away from the stadium. You'll find keg beer and lots of interesting food not experienced at most tailgates.
  
  

  29. Arizona Cardinals
  
  

  Stadium: University of Phoenix Stadium
  
  

  Fan Fare: Dependent upon the weather. Hot days mean light food and vice-versa. Margaritas!
  
  

  Team Distinction: Best wide receiver tandem in the league and a field that can be moved outdoors.
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: If their revolutionary stadium (named best NFL stadium in 2006) isn't enough reason to post up in the parking-lot and enjoy the ass-whooping they are likely to endure...then hopefully you're a fan of Matt "McDreamy" Leinart. Live music on the 'Great Lawn' make for a unique tail-gating experience. Arizona's fans just need to develop their own persona. This is a great venue for visiting tailgaters.
  
  

  30. Atlanta Falcons
  
  

  Stadium: Georgia Dome
  
  

  Fan Fare: Soul food, fried turkey, and barbecue ribs.
  
  

  Team Distinction: Vick, Vick, Vick
  
  

  

  

  
  
  

  The Rundown: Not known for being one of the better tailgating experiences, Dirty Bird fans seem to waiver between strict devotion and total abandonment. The Vick blemish will mar this teams success for years to come and ticket sales will surely reflect this. You can find tailgaters as far away as a quarter mile from the stadium due to lack of space. Unless you want to cookout under an interstate overpass (the Gulch), head to Florida or Tennessee for a proper tailgating experience.
  
  

  31. Detroit Lions
  
  

  Stadium: Ford Field
  
  

  Fan Fare: Barbecue and Jell-o shots<
  
  

  Team Distinction: American soldier Phillip LaBonte (lost his legs and an eye) and Barry Sanders.
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: One person described tailgating in Detroit as a scene from Mad Max. With no space to tailgate at Ford Field, many fans tailgate in the streets, abandoned parking lots, and burned out buildings. Bring an oil drum if you plan to get along well with the transient inhabitants.
  
  

  32. Minnesota Vikings
  
  

  Stadium: HHH Metrodome
  
  

  Fan Fare: Brats and beer.
  
  

  Team Distinction: Adrian Peterson and losers of four Super Bowls in nine year span.
  
  

  

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  The Rundown: Fans were jipped by the construction of the new stadium. The Vikings were once a tailgating powerhouse, but the new venue has no parking due to condo constrcution and the fans have been forced to make due where they can.
  
  

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  Heiko October 24, 2008 at 6:49pm

  Great article on tailgating around the league. You might check out the guy at www.nflfootballstadiums.com. He's going to a game in every stadium in the NFL and writing about his experiences in each.
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