Move over, football: Why Americans prefer tailgating over the big game

According to a new study, seven in 10 young people look forward to prom season as much, if not more, than the holiday season.

A survey of 2,000 adults examined feelings about tailgating and found that for many, tailgating is the best part, with a quarter having followed a tailgate without even having tickets to the game it was associated with (24 %).

Similarly, 22% have attended a tailgate where they had tickets to the game, but stayed at the tailgate instead.

This year, nearly a third of respondents plan to tailgate (29%).

Conducted by Talker Research in partnership with The Finnish Long Drink, the survey explored what the perfect tailgating experience would look like.

On average, respondents believe tailgates should start two hours before the game starts, leaving about an hour to spend with their friends watching the game beforehand.

Timeliness is particularly important to 36% who think it’s rude to show up after the game has already started.

According to Americans, the perfect tailgate consists of 12 people – although 23% said it’s not a party until there are more guests than that.

Thinking about the role they would play in their party, a quarter of respondents would designate themselves as part of the “peanut gallery” (a casual fan who throws in a few comments now and then) (24%), and a similar percentage would assume the mantle of “grill master” (22%).

One in nine would take on the role of “cheerleader” who keeps the mood upbeat and celebrates the team’s small victories.

But be aware when your comments fail: 36% think it’s rude to talk while the game is in progress.

Along with good company, the survey also found the necessities for a good tailgate: food (57%), chairs (41%), alcohol (31%) and team wear (20%).

And while most tailgaters prefer to participate (65%) than hosts (9%), many are willing to participate—and may judge you if you don’t.

“Tailing isn’t just about the game – it’s about the unforgettable moments shared with friends, the laughs and the excitement leading up to the big event,” said Finnish company Long Drink founder Sakari. Manninen. “The experience is all about memories made with good company, great drinks and lots of fun. Whether you’re there for the game or just the atmosphere, tailgating is where the best stories happen.

More than half of respondents think it’s rude to show up empty-handed (57%) and if they’re tasked with providing something, respondents want to be responsible for food (32%), food (28%) and drinks alcoholic (16%).

Top must-haves for tailgates include burgers (51%), hot dogs (47%) and fries (43%).

Chicken wings (35%), barbecue (19%), potato salad (17%), brats (16%) and nachos (15%) also rank high on the list of foods respondents want to tailgate .

Looking at the numbers, the perfect tailgate would include four different types of fries, three desserts and three alcoholic beverages to choose from, along with 17 hamburgers and hot dogs and 21 chicken wings.

When thinking about what they would like in their cup, one in five respondents would consume a canned ready-to-drink cocktail at the tailgate (22%).

When all is said and done, the average respondent will be hanging around the tailgate 47 minutes after the game ends.

The experience of watching the game together is all about enjoyment for the majority of Americans who said they would not regret attending a tailgate, even if their favorite team lost (76%).

“Alcohol has always been a staple of tailgating, but we’re bringing something truly unique to the experience,” Manninen said. “Rooted to the national drink of Finland, tall drinks combine refreshment and tradition in every can, making them the perfect addition to any tailgate. Whether you’re grilling, cheering, or just enjoying the moment, a tall cold drink adds to the fun and adds to the tradition of a perfect tailgate.

UNIQUE HAND TAIL TRADITION:

• Have a glass of our favorite whiskey and say hello to our team
• We rent a school bus
• Clown face makeup for the previous tailgate loser
• Team Spirit Costume Contest
• My friends would come over to my house and bang on my door and yell “IT’S GAME DAY”!
• I bring my favorite pan to cook with
• We raised 4 hours before, put the grill. Everyone grabs a beer and the last one to finish the beer has to work the grill
• We share stories of great past games and tailgates and have a prize for the best story
• One of my favorite tailgate traditions is the mystery dish challenge. Each person brings a dish with a secret ingredient and we all try to guess what it is while tasting the food. It adds a fun and interactive twist to the meal!
• The last person to appear at the back door must hold the mascot head for at least the first half during the game!

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans 21 and older; the survey was commissioned by The Finnish Long Drink and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between August. 29 and September. 3, 2024.