Tailgating is an art. It can be understated, it can be fancy and over the top. But simple or elegant, we are all looking for anything to make this art work as smooth and easy as possible. This is a tribute to all those dedicated fans. Whether you’re a race fan, varsity fan, pro team fan, or just looking for a nice day at the beach. We salute you! So open the tailgate in the back of your truck and let’s get cooking!

The history of tailgating dates back to ancient Rome. Food and wine were sold outside the Colosseum for gladiator events and chariot races. Food and drink were also served at jousting tournaments in medieval Europe.

Tailgating has now become an American phenomenon dating back to the Battle of Bull Run in 1861, where some Union supporters brought picnic baskets to watch the first battle of the Civil War. The first college football game ever played in America also hosted a follow-up with Rutgers and Princeton playing each other while people grilled fish and wild game. When Harvard and Yale played against each other, the walk from the train to the field was so long that people brought picnic lunches with them. Now, in the 21st century, tailgating is in full swing. Every year, more than 20 million Americans get closer to the queue. Some stadiums and racetracks even have special areas just for supporters.

Tailgating is not just limited to the parking lot of the university or the professional football stadium. It could be a day at the beach or an afternoon at the park. Baseball fans, horse racing fans, and concert goers are all potential supporters. The Kentucky Derby has become a major gathering place with pomp and circumstance, psychic suits and big hats. And then, there were the Parrotheads. Jimmy Buffet fans have more generators to run the blenders than any other fan I know. And let’s not forget the fans of The Grateful Dead who didn’t just go to a concert, but followed The Dead across the country for an entire tour. I bet there were some pretty cool food options along the way when it came to months of travel.

Having said that, tailgating is obviously not limited to a single event or day. Some sports fans just come to watch the game and sometimes leave early to avoid traffic if the score doesn’t go well. Racing fans are devoted. They come and stay for days, sometimes even weeks during Speed ​​Week. That’s a lot of food to plan for and race fans are serious about their food. This isn’t just for NASCAR fans, either. There are many fans of drag racing and road courses. Many of these venues are weekend events. Some people arrive on Thursday and don’t leave until Monday morning after breakfast, which is sometimes the last big event. All the leftovers and the last few eggs and bacon come out and still make for a culinary masterpiece.

The perfect team, your latest recipe perfected, the coolest new game can set you apart from the rest. So many different settings and things to cook. For some people, food is just as important as play. Some people don’t even get in to see the event. They stay outside for the party and watch the game on TV. Any good tailgate isn’t just burgers and dogs. Brats, ribs, chili, steak, fried turkey, pork tenderloin, beer can chicken are many favorites. The gadgets that go with all that food are also phenomenal. Not just grills. Ice chests, blenders, kegorators, deep fryers, slow cookers, BBQ smokers, even woks. Tents, sofas, armchairs, lawn games are common places at a tailgate. There are even very elaborate homemade and professionally made tailgate trailers with kitchen equipment, televisions, and sound systems included.

Part of the art of a good tailgate party comes from proper planning and knowledge of your grill and cooking equipment. Knowing how many people you’re cooking for is helpful in pre-planning your grocery list (and a little more never hurts). Know your grill and cooking equipment. Use it at home. Get used to your hot spots and cooking areas. Don’t try a fryer for the first time on the track! When transporting your grill, if you don’t have an enclosed trailer to put it on, place it just behind the cab of your truck with the hinged side of the lid toward the rear of the cab. Tie it up securely! If you drop the lid, you’re dead in the water.

Some important things to remember about tailgating is to have the right things you need to make your life easier. Of course, you don’t always need everything, but if you can get your hands on a large plastic container and fill it with a few of these items, you’ll be ready to roll in no time. Just remember to always replenish.

• Grilling tools and can openers
• Meat thermometer
• Sharp knife and serving spoons
• Plastic eating utensils
• Bags and aluminum foil
• Salt, pepper, your favorite seasonings and seasonings
• Garbage bags
• Paper towels (cloth towels and wash cloths)
• Things to eat, paper or plastic plates, bowls, whatever

It’s good to have a pitcher of water to wash your hands. (Soap is also good). Aluminum trays are useful for all sorts of things: cooking, storing, serving, and leftovers. Whatever your kitchen appliance, it never hurts to have extra fuel. . . propane, charcoal, wood chips. A fire extinguisher is a great thing to carry and a spray bottle for small outbreaks. Cutting boards are good, but paper plates make good clean cutting surfaces. Seasonings, olive oil, nonstick cooking spray, onions, and garlic are a must. A table to cut things and place the food when it is ready is always a good option. It’s also great to have a folding chair or two when you’re taking a break from cooking or post-game when you’re waiting for the parking lot to clear up a bit. Extra beer is always a plus. . . It’s a great bartering tool if you forgot something at home. ALWAYS make sure you have a good cooler and LOTS of ice! Finally. . . NEVER leave your grill or fryer unattended, aside from obvious safety reasons, your food can be ruined in a heartbeat!

So yes, tailgating is an art. It doesn’t matter who you’re routing for either. A great tailgate can bring everyone together. But following closely is still about someone outdoing their neighbor. Some people even hold cooking contests. It is never about putting anyone down. It is the pride of knowing that you are better. From simple to elaborate, regional favorites like Philly Cheese Steak and Chicken Wings, or just to show off, like Grilled Tequila and Chipotle Rubbed Leg of Lamb with Butterflies. From your friend’s tailgate bed or RV. Breakfast to dessert with appetizers and dinner in between, beer to smoothies. Tailgating is all about fun times and making memories. So have fun, have fun and eat yummy!