Tailgating 101

September means the start of one of Lexington’s most beloved seasons. No, we don’t mean fall; we mean football. But before the first all-important kickoff, the real action happens outside the stadium. In parking lots, on lawns, in backyards and even at Keeneland… folks across the Bluegrass dust off their crockpots, clean off their grills, put on their gameday blues and tailgate! Tailgating is one of the BBN’s favorite traditions. If you’ve never participated, you’ve been missing out on some of the most fun our city can offer. It’s a gathering of fans with food, music, games and a whole lot of team spirit. As the name suggests, tailgate parties originally started in the parking lots outside of big events, with

Tailgating: 101 people sitting on the tailgates of their trucks and enjoying a drink while they waited for the doors to open. Over time, these informal picnics grew to fullfledged parties. Of course, SEC schools have a leg up. Southern hospitality means we’re hitting the tailgate with enough food to feed an army, tunes to keep the masses entertained and cornhole boards for everyone to play. We’ve got the matching apron-chip and dip-grill tool combo (monogrammed, of course) and we won’t be outdone by the folks in the next tent (not that it’s a competition…) If you’re curious about how to do tailgating right – or at all – we’re here to help with this crash course on gameday fun!

YOU DON’T NEED A LITERAL TAILGATE.

Yes, people still pull in their pickups or open up the hatch on their SUVs, but you don’t have to have that to have a tailgate! These days, it’s all about pop-up canopies and other tent structures to keep the sun and rain at bay.

TAILGATES CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE!

You don’t have to be in the parking lot of Kroger Field to celebrate the Cats. If you can’t be there, party (safely!) wherever you are. Be sure to comply with local ordinances and mandates if you plan on going big.

REP THE COLORS.

While you can get creative with how you work blue into your outfit, you absolutely must wear Kentucky blue. Otherwise, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Don’t feel shy about working in your blue in fun ways, from cute dresses to basic polos. But know that most people simply wear team merch, and it’s a sure style bet. Perhaps just as important: be sure you don’t wear the other team’s color! When in doubt, go with white, Kentucky blue and basic denim.

DON’T COME EMPTY-HANDED.

No one is going to say no to more drinks, snacks or games. Bring a little something to make the party even more festive. Just remember that if what you bring needs any special equipment – bottle opener? skewers? ping pong balls? – that you bring that, too!

BE A GOOD CAMPER.

The Boy Scouts have a rule: “Always leave the campground better than when you found it.” Trash is a huge problem after tailgates. Do your part by picking up after yourself and being sure everything at the party is disposed of properly. Be courteous of everyone around you. Be sure the noise level is reasonable – especially if your tailgate is in a neighborhood. If possible, position your grill so the smoke doesn’t blow at your guests or other tailgaters. Always be sure your party is family-friendly, even if kids aren’t present. And remember basic safety. Don’t overdrink. Be sure to hydrate. If you do drink, don’t drive. If you’re sober or the DD, be sure to drive carefully and mindfully of the revelers and pedestrians around you.