Cultural Traditions: Tailgate Party Bus
Among the traditions that Americans partake in each year, tailgate parties may be the favorite among most. Tailgate parties are a tradition full of the things Americans love the most: eating, drinking, and attending a huge entertainment event. The name comes from the use of the tailgate at the back of a pickup truck to transport food and drinks to the event. However, many people participate in tailgate parties without actually using a truck with a tailgate. Tailgate party buses are beginning to become popular.
A tailgate party – also known as “tailgating” is a party in which attendees of a big stadium event such as a spectator sports game or a concert arrive early and party in the parking lot. Tailgate parties often involve grilling food and drinking alcoholic beverages. They typically occur the hours before a football game or other event at the stadium where the event will happen.
Though tailgating gained its popularity through its occurrence at football games in the fall and winter months in the United States, it has now become a tradition at a variety of other sporting events. Tailgate parties mostly happen before events such as:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Soccer
Reports have circulated of tailgating occurring at non-entertainment events such as weddings. However, entertainment events remain the biggest forum for tailgate parties.
Though most tailgate parties occur before games, they do also sometimes happen after games. This is particularly common in college settings where parents and athletic departments want to rally support for the team, the athletics department, and the players. In areas where donor funds are crucial for athletic programs, tailgate parties play a major role in building community and sourcing support.
The cuisine of tailgate parties can be considered similar to that of the backyard barbecue. Popular dishes include:
- Hotdogs and Hamburgers
- Coleslaw
- Potato Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Baked Beans
- Potato Chips
Beyond eating and drinking, there are several activities that it is common for people at tailgate parties to partake in. Similar to a college party, one might not have trouble finding a beer pong game to participate in at a tailgate party. Additionally, many games that Americans commonly refer to as “lawn games” are played at tailgate parties. These activities might include:
- Horseshoes
- Ladder golf
- Cornhole
Tailgating is fairly common in American culture, particularly when it comes to sports and sports entertainment. Several sports programmers have embraced the tailgate party aesthetic in pre-game commentary shows. On some occasions, productions have actually placed commentators at a tailgate party to deliver their pre-game notes. Sometimes, in front of a tailgating party bus. It’s also very common to see a tailgate party depicted in commercials, particularly those that play during sporting events such as football or baseball.
As an American tradition, tailgate parties are rather cherished. They give fans of a particular team or artist a chance to unwind, connect, and build energy for the sporting event or concert itself. By the time tailgating fans arrive to the game, they are charged and ready to cheer on their team.