Top Tailgating Cities in the U.S.

NFL and college football fans across the country turn tailgating into over-the-top celebrations with enviable food. Here, the best traditions from cities that have perfected pre-game festivities.

Hosting a football or Superbowl party this month? Wow the crowd with a perfect-for-football snack or one of these sensational Super Bowl party ideas.

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Fun Football Food

You've got to admit that part of the fun of going to football games is the tailgating! If you're a fan of football, then you're probably familiar with the way these cities go about their celebrations during high season. Hint: It has to do with a lot of food, a lot of cars, and a lot of beverages! Enjoy, and good luck.

 

Kansas City, MO

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium

Before each game, Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt strolls through the grounds visiting fans, a tradition started by his father, team founder Lamar Hunt. Kansas City–style barbecue is a draw, but Hunt believes Arrowhead Stadium's massive facilities are a primary reason that Chiefs tailgating is so popular. "We can park 25,000 cars and still have plenty of room for tailgating," he says.

Chicago, IL

NFL: Chicago Bears, Soldier Field

 

"You don't really have a football game without a tailgate. They go hand in hand," says Paula Dillon, who has been tailgating with her husband, John, for 18 years. The Dillons love the camaraderie in the lot. "Everyone knows each other," John says. Grilled Krispy Kreme donuts are an unusual specialty here. Bears fanatics also go for Chicago-style hot dogs: Vienna beef dogs topped with onion, relish, tomato, mustard, celery salt, pickles, and pickled sport peppers (a small, medium-hot variety).

Buffalo, NY

NFL: Buffalo Bills, Ralph Wilson Stadium

 

Buffalo is the birthplace of wings, and Bills fans eat their share, though "beef on weck" — a steak sandwich on a kummelweck (Kaiser) roll — is also popular. For more than 20 years, superfan "Pinto Ken" has cooked with improvised grills on and around his 1980 Pinto (he bakes pizzas in a converted file cabinet). He recently faced scrutiny from officials for serving shots of liquor to other fans via the thumbhole of a bowling ball.

San Diego, CA

NFL: San Diego Chargers, Qualcomm Stadium

 

Massive crowds congregate around Qualcomm Stadium, including at the team's official Power Party. San Diego boasts spectacular Mexican food, and it turns up at Chargers tailgates. "If you walk around our parking lot, you'll see a lot of fans grilling up carne asada or pollo asado and making tacos," says team rep Jennifer Rojas.

Pittsburgh, PA

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers, Heinz Field

 

Some intense Pittsburgh fans operate the Mobile Tailgating Unit, a repurposed, Steelers-yellow ambulance. The big draw: an onboard restroom. Pittsburgh's Polish influence shows in tailgate offerings of kielbasa and pierogies.

East Rutherford, NJ

NFL: New York Giants and New York Jets, MetLife Stadium

 

Fans of both the Jets and the Giants go big at MetLife, the impressive New Meadowlands stadium which will host Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. On the Jets side, TailgateJoe.com hosts the official tailgate party of JetsNation.com, previewing menus online that feature everything from smoked sausages to fresh cannoli and Brooklyn's local Kelso beer. Portions of season passes and game-day tickets support Luekemia and Lymphoma Society, too. As for the Giants, there's impressive grilling equipment that lets fans show serious team spirit.

Cleveland, OH

NFL: Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Browns Stadium

Local microbrews, like those from the Great Lakes Brewing Company, are popular with Browns fans. When it's time to grill, they opt for beer-can chicken.

Foxborough, MA

NFL: New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium

 

Freezing weather doesn't deter Patriots fans. "They are committed to the tailgate. It goes on regardless," says Stacy James, a team official. Some fans shuck fresh oysters outside Gillette Stadium, and New England seafood shows up in clam chowder, but "what amazes me," James says, "is to the see the guys with the deep fryers" turning out crispy scallops, shrimp, and clams.

Houston, TX

NFL: Houston Texans, Reliant Stadium

 

Texan fans are serious about Texas-style barbecue, which means beef brisket. Local pit masters bring in elaborate mobile smokers.

Miami, FL

NFL: Miami Dolphins, Sun Life Stadium

 

As in the rest of Miami, Cuban food is popular at Dolphins tailgates. "It's not uncommon to see people grilling churrasco-style steak," says George Torres, a team official. Fans gather for live music at the AT&T Grand Plaza.