1. Ole Miss
There is an heir of class found at the Grove that you won’t find many other places throughout college football. Men usually come to the tailgates dressed in full on suits with the beautiful blazers, bow ties, and all of the red, white, and blue you can ask for. The ladies come in their nicest sun dresses, and make sure to show off their pearls. So if you are at Ole Miss, you better be prepared with your best outfit because they don’t mess around over there.
2. Green Bay Packers
Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, has achieved legendary status. Crowds amass in support of their team and for tailgating, no matter how cold the weather gets. Brats and cheese curds are a staple and many dedicated fans bring their grill and keg to create an incredible pregame atmosphere.
3. Washington
Tailgating on Lake Washington offers one of the of the most unique fan experiences in all of football. Don’t worry if you don’t have a boat as there are plenty of boat rentals available. There is no better place to tailgate before a Huskies football game then Husky Harbor where you’ll find plenty of food, drinks, and fun.
4. Chicago Cubs
Unlike most pregame destinations on this list, Wrigley Field doesn’t offer traditional tailgating. In Wrigleyville, though, you will find an excellent selection of bars and restaurants. The neighborhood has a unique feel, and there is something special about being in Wrigleyville before a Cubs game.
5. Tennessee
One of Tennessee’s coolest traditions is the Vol Navy, which is located along the Tennessee River. It is one of the greatest tailgate spots in all of college football and something every college football fan should experience at least once. Here you’ll find about 200 boats posted up along the river decked out orange and white.
6. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs fans put on one if not the best tailgates in the NFL. Titled “The Asphalt Jungle,” the Arrowhead parking lot tailgate offers any food you could imagine and has been deemed by some as a true tailgate paradise.
7. LSU
When it comes to tailgating at Louisiana State University, the first things to come to mind are food, family/tradition, and a whole lot of fun. Many people who tailgate at LSU have been doing so for many years and in some cases, for multiple generations. Because of this, the tailgating scene often feels like a massive family reunion.
8. Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is the definitive spot for football style tailgating at a baseball game. The fans here tailgate for all 81 Brewers home games like it’s a Sunday in Green Bay, and you’ll find plenty of food, drinks, and games in the parking lots surrounding Miller Park.
9. Auburn
There are multiple spots to tailgate before Auburn Tigers games and the town itself almost feels like a giant tailgate as the town is centered around the University and the Tigers. Come hungry and ready to celebrate because gameday at Jordan-Hare Stadium is widely recognized as the best time of year for the town of Auburn, Alabama.
10. Buffalo Bills
The tailgating in Buffalo is ranked one of the best in the nation, and for a good reason. Fans drink in abundance outside of Ralph Wilson Stadium and play games with fellow tailgaters. The entire atmosphere is friendly for fans from all corners of the nation.
11. Notre Dame
Notre Dame is home to arguably the best tailgate in the Midwest. South Bend may be a small town, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t put on quite the pregame party. Everyone here sets out early to get the most out of an Irish game day as set up begins as early as 8 am when the lots open
12. Clemson
Tigers fans earned the honor of being named the South’s best tailgate by Southern Living. If you’re in Clemson for a game make sure to get to the game early as the tailgates here are a fantastic experience that you won’t want to miss.
13. Houston Texans
NRG Stadium provides an outstanding tailgating experience where you’ll get enjoy hanging out with fellow Texans fans, eating delicious barbecue, and enjoy the beautiful warm fall weather Houston has to offer.
14. Michigan
University of Michigan fans take tailgating very seriously. Here you’ll find a very traditional tailgate atmosphere that featuring tents, grills, drinks, and tailgate games. On game days you’ll see lots of very intricate setups hours before kickoff as students, alumni, and even kids come together on game day to celebrate a Wolverines game day.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
In Philadelphia, tailgating is as much a part of the gameday experience as the action on the field. The lots around Lincoln Financial Field open five hours before kickoff allowing for a full day of tailgating fun and excitement.
16. SMU
SMU is home to one of the best smaller school tailgates in the FBS. Here fans don’t tailgate, they Boulevard. Bishop Boulevard on the SMU campus in Dallas is the pregame hub at SMU games. If you want to experience what it’s like to attend an SMU Mustangs game, then you need to stop by The Boulevard.
17. Baltimore Ravens
Downtown Baltimore is the place to be on game days, as Ravens fans fill the streets tailgating before each and every Baltimore Ravens home game. Outside M&T Bank Stadium you’ll find a sea of purple on Eutaw Street, so put on your purple and black and join in on gameday the festivities.
18. Boise State
In recent years the Boise State Broncos have moved from another non-BCS conference team to one of the best teams in college football, and the tailgate atmosphere here have responded accordingly. Here at Boise State, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in a tailgate experience from tricked out tailgate vehicles to lavish spreads to a team walk they’ve got it all.
19. Texas A&M
You’ll find one of the best tailgating experiences around when you travel to Texas A&M. At Texas A&M you’ll encounter tons of pageantry and tradition, which will make you feel a part of Aggieland right away. Additionally, the strong sense of community among Aggies students, fans, and alumni will make you want to come back for another visit as soon as possible.
20. Wisconsin
The area surrounding the UW campus in Madison is abuzz with excitement on game days and is home to one of the best tailgate experiences in all of sports. At Wisconsin, you’ll find great tailgates strewn throughout the city making it a must-see for any diehard tailgater.
21. Penn State
The grass lots around Beaver Stadium allow for miles of tailgating. Penn State tailgaters are welcoming and love to share stories, food, and beverage with tailgaters around them. The town, University Park, draws over 200,000 people to the game, creating a huge community of college football fans. You’ll find a little something for everyone here with an electric atmosphere, party scene, and a family friendly relaxed crowd all rolled into one.
