At the end of the day, a tailgate is a party and Tailgate Nation wants to be the official “host” for all of these events. Most people think of only football for tailgating, but tailgating is a year round event. And even if people aren’t sports or concert fans, they can host and have fun attending these events.
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When 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 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.
John's introduction to tailgating was at a New York Giants game, and thus began his lifelong passion. Time with his brother grilling and tossing the football in the lots or eating in the car to stay warm before a game, created the fond memories and foundation of his desire to make connecting with other tailgaters a more accessible endeavor.
Inside Tailgating spoke with Lieberman about his passion for tailgating and how he came up with the Tailgate Nation concept.
Q: What problems did you notice people having that inspired you to create your app?
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.
(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?
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!
Q: Where can people use the app?
Tailgate Nation is currently available at all major sporting events including the NFL, NCAA football, Major League Baseball, the NBA, NASCAR and major concerts and tours around the country. In the near future, events such as golf tournaments, ACL cornhole events and custom events will be added to the app.
Q: What do you think the future holds for Tailgate Nation?
I (think it can be) used by people just looking to host or attend a party. At the end of the day, a tailgate is a party and Tailgate Nation wants to be the official “host” for all of these events. Most people think of only football for tailgating, but tailgating is a year round event. And even if people aren’t sports or concert fans, they can host and have fun attending these events.
To follow Tailgate Nation on Twitter: @tailg8nation. Download the app in your store and start using it today!
Check out more Fans & Thrills at www.insidetailgating.com
