Some may think tailgating is a forgotten celebration, only resurrected when the super bowl comes around.

In reality, there are plenty of stadiums and parks that offer fun tailgating scenarios all year along. After close examination of the most fun tailgating areas, we have come up with a list of 5 of our favorite ones.

1.Bars of all kind before the Super Bowl

In 2003 there was a ban put on stadium homes that held the super bowl that issued no more tailgating prior to the event.

This was due to the rowdiness, violence and fights that broke out prior to the biggest TV event of the year.

In 2011 the ban was revisited, in hopes that we could bring back the tailgate party but nothing has budged since.

So the alternative is a little bit tamer but arguably more fun. Bars tend to hold huge parties that rack in a lot of cash for this huge event. Find out what local bars around you are having parties and get there a few hours before the event actually starts.

Make sure to bring plenty of tailgating beer or snacks because the bar may not be providing prior to the event.

2. USC

Although when thinking college tailgating you may picture a more south setting in the U.S. Contrary to popular belief this Southern California school sure knows how to party.

The kids at this place tend to have money and a can-do attitude. This means loud music, good food, lots of beer and lots of party games. Be sure you have enough energy to keep up with these wealthy party animals if this is where you are choosing to tailgate.

3. Boulder, Colorado

If you search Boulder tailgating on Instagram, your search will instantly become swarmed with pictures of frat guys and sorority girls having the times of their lives. If you attend one of these events then you will see why it is all smiles.

The beautiful Rockies are surrounding you while the sweet smell of legal marijuana lingers in the air. Although these students may not be as outgoing as those at a Southern California event, they are sure to raise your spirits.

If you are attending one of these events, be sure to bring a laid back attitude and some quality IPA brews.

4. Ole’ Miss

Here is the stereotypical, tailgate that pops into your head when you hear the tailgate party.

The University of Missouri is known for its southern touch on everything that they do. So bring on the 30 racks and the cornhole.

Here you will be sure to find a variety of bbq food and be surrounded by Magnolia trees, some even say that is the most beautiful spot to tailgate in America. The stadium is called the grove and fits all your southern fantasies.

The only catch about this one is that people wear fancy clothes other than shorts and a sports tee.

5. University of Alabama

This is where you go if you are looking for some true school spirit. If you have never heard or seen the word ‘rolltide’ be prepared to be screaming it alongside students in these stands.

Critically Acclaimed, Award-Winning Stancil Family Barbecue Sauce

This fantastic home-made barbecue sauce can be used for grilling ribs (beef or pork), chicken, pork chops, or a whole pig.

Time Required: Less than one hour

Skill Required: Minimal cooking skills needed

Ingredients:

1 gallon apple cider vinegar
2 cups sugar
2 cups salt
1/4 cup red pepper flakes
2 tbsp black pepper

Dissolve sugar, salt and pepper in vinegar on stovetop. Heat to hot, but try not to boil. The purpose is to dissolve the dry ingredients.

Notes:

To adjust “HOT”, adjust the amount of black pepper, NOT red pepper.
Sauce can be made in smaller quantities, just keep proportions the same.
Sauce can be made ahead of time

Cooking Tips:

Put the meat on the grill first. Cook about 5 minutes on each side, then take tongs or a brush/spoon and baste meat, or dip the pieces of meat into the sauce. Dip or baste every 5 minutes for the first 30 minutes, then about once every 15 minutes.

Cooking time for both ribs and chicken is about 1 ˝ hours (cooking on charcoal – you’re on your own on gas – we don’t know how!).

For chicken – if you are cooking for a large crowd, whole chickens are easiest – much less dipping, and the chickens are easy to cut after they are cooked.

For ribs – same as chicken – leave the ribs in big sections, cut after they are cooked.

Beef Barbecue

Beef BBQ is a great dish that will be enjoyed by all of your tailgating guests. Use this recipe and you’ll be sure to impress.

This recipe requires a crock pot in order to make the meat as tender as possible.

Time Required: 15 minutes for prepping, 30 minutes for shredding and mixing; 6-8 hours of crocking

Skill Required: Minimal skills needed

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs of beef roast, of a good quality cut
• A large bottle of good barbecue sauce
• Salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder
• Light olive oil and water
• Kaiser rolls (use good rolls, don’t skimp!!)

Steps:

• Cut the roast into manageable chunks. A couple of long strips work best
• Add 1/4 cup light olive oil to the crock pot
• Add about 1-2 cups of barbecue sauce (its not an exact science)
• Add some water and mix the barbecue sauce, oil, and water
• Place the beef into the crock pot
• Add seasonings to taste
• Cover the beef with water and stir it up to mix liquid ingredients
• Crock it for at least 6 hours
• When the beef is tender enough, remove it and separate it using two forks
• Empty most of the broth from the crock pot, setting it aside because you may need it
• Place the shredded beef back in the pot or other mixing bowl, and add barbecue sauce until you have achieved the desired texture and flavor. Add some of the broth if necessary
• For best flavor, refrigerate overnight before serving
• Serve on Kaiser rolls

For many football fans, a game is not a game unless a tailgate precedes it. This is true if you have a “Mobile Dawg Pound” or “Emergency Tailgating Response Unit”, or if your tailgate is just a few beers and a bucket of chicken.

Here are some simple tailgating tips to remember for any tailgate:

There is nothing worse than running out of food at a tailgate, except for running out of beer. It is worth the extra money to have too much food; you can bring extra food home, but you can’t eat what’s not there. This is true at least ten times over for a beer.

Make a list of what you need to bring; this will ensure nothing is left at home. Put your game tickets on the list too.

Bring your food in zip-lock bags whenever possible.  This way you can just throw the bags out, instead of trying to clean a bunch of Tupperware containers. 

When you need a pan, invest in a tinfoil pan that can be thrown away afterward instead of cleaned.

Buy good rolls for your food; nothing can ruin great burgers, chicken, or brats like a bad roll.  Spend a few extra cents on good rolls.

Bring chairs. Rookie tailgaters never have them.

Choose a parking lot that has a view of the stadium if on-site parking is not available.  A tailgate that is not within the site of the stadium just doesn’t feel right.

Choose a parking lot (and space) that allows you to interact with other tailgaters. If you’re going to tailgate alone, just drink beer in your driveway at home instead.

Bring water; you will need it to put out the fire, and it comes in handy for general cleanup too. Not bringing water is another rookie mistake.

Have a theme for your tailgate. If it’s Thanksgiving, bring a turkey. If its Christmas, bring a tree. 

Or choose a theme based on the opponent; have Cajun food against the Saints, Philly cheesesteaks against the Eagles, and fish against the Dolphins. 

Wear team colors and fly team flags. Show a little team spirit!!

Things that are needed but are often forgotten:

• Water
• Trash bags
• Paper towels/napkins/wet naps
• A good kitchen knife (but don’t bring it into the stadium!)
• Bottle opener/can opener

Note: Each team plays the other teams in its division home and away each season in addition to games listed; the last game in each column is a single game against a team from the listed division to be determined by the previous year’s finish

BIG TIME DISCLAIMER:  BEYOND 2013 THIS IS A PROJECTED SCHEDULE BASED ON PRIOR YEARS!!! 

The NFL has announced the schedule rotation only through 2013 (click here for 2013 NFL opponents). 

Note: Each team plays the other teams in its division home and away each season in addition to games listed; the last game in each column is a single game against a team from the listed division to be determined by the previous year’s finish

BIG TIME DISCLAIMER:  BEYOND 2013 THIS IS A PROJECTED SCHEDULE BASED ON PRIOR YEARS!!! 

The NFL has announced the schedule rotation only through 2020.