What began with the world of NCAA Division I football (never fear small schools, we will get to you) shifts to the NFL and the best tailgate scenes from Miami to Seattle and San Diego to Buffalo. Aficionados of the tailgate experience know that the pro game is decidedly different from the college campus vibe. Not that one is better than the other but for many, college football elicits a passion and fervor that translates into a more lively and festive stadium lot scene.
While the NFL has some hardcore tailgate traditions that heat up on big game Sundays, especially when a particularly hated rival is about to take the field (Pittsburgh-Cleveland, Oakland-Denver, Dallas-Washington to name a few notable examples), just bear in mind that the scene is distinct from the college campus atmosphere of the NCAA game. While Michigan-Ohio State, Auburn-Alabama and Oklahoma-Texas have rivalry roots that outstrip any historic head-to-head match-up in the NFL, the pro game is the most popular in America. With that in mind, your football road trip fantasy itinerary kicks off with the best tailgate scenes in the NFL.
Oakland Raiders fans strike more fear into the hearts of opposition teams than any other group in the NFL. The fervent, obsessive, borderline insane passion fans have for the Raiders translates into the festive tailgate scene at the Coliseum in Oakland.
Despite the fact the Bengals never seem to field competitive teams, the tailgate scene at Paul Brown Stadium is excellent. Cincinnati fans deserve better, but seldom seem bitter. Could be all that beer …
Reliant Stadium is a new kid on the block in the NFL, as the Houston Texans began play 2002. Since the days of Bud Adams and Warren Moon however, Houston has had great football fans. The tailgate scene at Reliant is worthy of a Texas football franchise.
Baltimore’s NFL franchise has done a lot to accommodate hardcore tailgaters, with a slew of events, contests and fun for the whole family in the section of M&T Bank Stadium known as Ravenstown.
Cleveland Browns fans may be the most passionate and vocal in the entire NFL. Though they continue to suffer through one losing season after another, they throw a great tailgate party in the idyllic confines of Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Few other teams in the NFL can compete with the Chicago Bears on tradition and excellence. Chicago sports fans have a wealth of teams to choose from but the Bears have a special place in the Windy City. Soldier Field is one of the most venerable tailgate hubs in pro football.
In what may be the best stadium in America, let alone the NFL, Heinz Field provides fans with a sweet spot to party, celebrate the Steelers and chow down on superior tailgate grub. The Three Rivers and downtown Pittsburgh scenery is worth the price of admission.
Cherish and honor tradition is what Green Bay Packers football is all about. The atmosphere at Lambeau Field is akin to a religious experience for football purists and the tailgate scene is no less electric – with copious piles of Wisconsin cheese and bratwurst on hand of course.
With the sound of “Fly Eagles Fly” everywhere, the atmosphere outside of Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday is unforgettable. Philadelphia sports fans are infamous for their violent zeal, a passion that starts at the tailgate party prior to kickoff.
When fans tailgate through the blast of arctic winter, that defines them as special. Buffalo Bills fans, much like their counterparts in Green Bay, brave insane cold through much of the season to cheer on their team at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The lengths tailgaters go to in order to ward off the chills beforehand in the vast stadium lot is impressive, from hot tubs to mammoth kegs of beer and what else, but hot, spicy wings.
Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
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