FANS&THRILLS
TAILGATE NATION
New App Helps Tailgaters Connect
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hen it comes to innovation and what’s new on the tailgating scene, generally you think about gear: coolers with stereos built in, grills that fold up like a suitcase, portable TVs and satellites that put a standard tailgate over the top. But none of those innovations address questions like: Who is coming to my tailgate? Where can I find a tailgate? How can I connect with other tailgaters?
John Lieberman (pictured right) has bridged that gap with an app which is changing how people connect for tailgating. His creation, Tailgate Nation, helps travelers find tailgates at games or concerts in cities they are visiting. It also helps locals find tailgates nearby if they’re not up for hosting themselves. Inside Tailgating spoke with Lieberman about his passion for tailgating and how he came up with the Tailgate Nation concept. Here are excerpts from that conversation. Q: How long have you been tailgating? A: Growing up in Northern New Jersey I would attend New York Giants games as well as Mets, Knicks, Nets and Devils games. Giants tailgates were my introduction to this lifelong passion. From early fall games with the grill and football tosses to the colder games when sometimes my brother and I would get some delicious subs and stay warm in the car eating and talking football before the game. One of the reasons I love tailgating—and people around the country I’ve talked to agree—no matter the outcome of the game, you always win in the parking lot. Q: What problems did you notice people having that inspired you to create your app?
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A: The idea for Tailgate Nation stemmed from a few things I noticed attending games. I was attending a Giants/Bears game while staying in New York City. I didn’t have a car, cooler, grill etc. yet I wanted to tailgate before going to the game. I wanted to connect with an existing tailgate and share in the food drink and fun. At most home games around the country, visiting fans show up the same way—ready to tailgate but unprepared with the right necessities. Q: How does Tailgate Nation address that problem? A: (With) Tailgate Nation, you look for a tailgate to attend at the event you’ll be going to. If there aren’t any listed, you can also become a host for that event.
As a host, you have a platform to share your tailgate with new and old friends as well as a chance to make some money doing what you love. Q: What challenges did you run into while creating the app? A: Just like Airbnb and Uber, in the beginning the challenge is to find enough hosts at events to keep up with user demand. Our team (went to tailgates) and asked about features that would help hosts and attendees looking for tailgates. We keep updating to make our app not only useful but extremely user-friendly. Once we explain how easy our app is almost (everybody we talk to) downloads and starts using right away. Look for updates and a lot more hosted events this summer and fall!
Check out more Fans & Thrills at www.insidetailgating.com
