For many fans, the game starts in the parking lot. Tailgating, the tradition of gathering around cars with food and friends before kickoff or first pitch, is a big part of stadium culture in the United States. It is also an activity with plenty of rules, and those rules vary from one stadium, team and lot to the next.
Start with the stadium’s official rules
Before packing the grill, check the stadium’s or team’s official website for parking and tailgating policies. Look for:
- Which lots allow tailgating and which do not
- When lots open before the event and when tailgating must end
- Whether grills, open flames, tents or generators are permitted
- Rules about alcohol, glass containers and amplified music
- Whether a vehicle may use more than one space
Some venues allow tailgating only in specific lots or only for certain events. Others do not allow it at all. Posted signs at the lot and attendants on site are the final word.
Packing for a good tailgate
A well-organized tailgate is easy to set up and quick to pack away. Bring a folding table, chairs, a cooler, trash bags, hand wipes and a first aid kit. In summer, add sunscreen, water, a canopy where allowed and plenty of ice. Keep food cold until it is time to cook, and use a food thermometer when grilling meats.
Being a good lot neighbor
Lots are shared spaces, and courtesy keeps the tradition alive.
- Stay within your space and keep driving lanes clear
- Keep grills away from cars, tents and people walking by
- Keep music at a reasonable volume
- Clean up everything, including cans and food scraps
- Dispose of coals only in containers provided for that purpose
Hot coals left on asphalt or in regular trash cans can cause fires and injuries. If the venue does not provide hot coal bins, let the grill cool completely and take the coals home in a metal container.
Heat and hydration
Summer games and tailgates can mean hours in the sun on hot pavement. Drink water regularly, take breaks in the shade and watch friends for signs of heat illness. If anyone feels unwell, move them to a cool place and seek help from venue staff. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even with windows cracked.
After the game
Plan your shade, too. A canopy is welcome on a summer afternoon if the lot allows one, but secure it well, since a sudden gust can send an unweighted tent across a row of cars. Many experienced tailgaters use weights on each leg rather than stakes, which usually cannot go into asphalt.
Postgame traffic can be heavy. Many fans wait in the lot for a while to let it clear, but check whether the venue allows post-event tailgating. If anyone in your group has been drinking, plan a designated driver or a rideshare. Leave your space as clean as you found it, and the lot will be ready for the next game day.
Setting Up a Safe Tailgate Space, Step by Step
A tailgate that is safe and tidy starts with how you park. Thinking about layout before you unpack makes the whole event easier.
- Park as directed. Follow attendants to your space and pull in straight. If the lot allows backing in, many tailgaters do so to open the trunk or tailgate toward their gathering area.
- Mark your footprint. Before setting up, look at the edges of your space. Keep tables, chairs and coolers inside your area so driving lanes and neighboring spaces stay clear.
- Place the grill carefully. Position it on a stable surface, downwind and away from your car, tents, gas cans and people walking by. Never grill under a canopy or near a fuel tank.
- Set up shade and seating. If canopies are allowed, put them up next, weight every leg and keep the sides open so air can move.
- Create a cleanup station. A trash bag, a recycling bag and hand wipes set up at the start mean less mess at the end.
- Plan the breakdown. Decide who packs what, and when, so you are ready to move before the lot closes or the event begins.
Food safety in a hot lot
Keep raw meats in a separate cooler from drinks and ready-to-eat food, and keep that cooler in the shade. Use clean utensils and plates for cooked food, not the ones used for raw meat. Cook meats to a safe internal temperature using a food thermometer, and do not leave perishable food sitting out for long periods in summer heat. Pack leftovers back into a cold cooler right away or toss them.
Common Tailgating Mistakes
- Arriving without checking the rules. Some lots ban grills, some ban tents and some ban tailgating entirely. A quick look at the venue’s site avoids a frustrating start.
- Running a generator near people. Generators produce exhaust and noise. If they are permitted, place them far from gathering areas and never near open windows or tents.
- Dumping coals. Hot coals can stay dangerous for a long time. Use the designated bins or take them home in a metal container once cool.
- Ignoring the lot closing time. Many venues require tailgates to end when the event starts. Pack up early enough to get inside on time.
- Leaving trash behind. Bags left next to a car often tear open and scatter. Carry them to the provided bins.
Tailgating Questions
Can I save spaces for friends?
Many lots do not allow saving spaces, and attendants may fill rows in order. If you want to tailgate together, arrive in the same line of cars or consider carpooling.
Is propane or charcoal better for a tailgate?
Both are common. Propane is often quicker to start and easier to shut down, while charcoal requires more cleanup. Check whether the venue restricts either type.
What first aid items are worth packing?
Adhesive bandages, burn gel, antiseptic wipes, sunscreen, pain relievers and any personal medications are a good start. Know where venue first aid stations are, too.
What if a neighbor’s tailgate gets out of hand?
Avoid confrontation. Move your group if needed and let venue staff or security know about any safety concern.
A good tailgate is one where everyone has fun, the lot stays safe and the space is clean when the last car drives away.
