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Here are the best Tailgating schools in the nation
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:09 pm
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:09 pm
30. North Dakota
29. OKLAHOMA
It should come as no surprise to see Oklahoma feature one of the land's very best tailgates. The program is rooted in excellence, and it's always fun to root for a successful football team year after year. This part of the country is known for its cattle. Unsurprisingly, those tailgating in Norman love to partake in high-end beef during pre and post-game situations.
28. Virginia Tech
27. Florida State
26. West Virginia
25. Michigan State
24. Purdue
23. Texas Tech
22. San Diego State
21. Utah
20. USC
19. Michigan
18. ALABAMA
Alabama is the unquestioned king when it comes to college football. The success of every major program is further buoyed by a rambunctious group of supporters. A typical Saturday game day in Tuscaloosa is certainly nothing to scoff at. The Quad functions as the heartbeat of the entire tailgating area. Here, you'll see a vast sea of crimson and white. When looking closely enough, more than a handful of elated men, women, and children will be donning some form of houndstooth clothing (whether it be a shirt, skirt, or hat). Here's a tip: If ever in Tuscaloosa during a Saturday afternoon in the fall, be sure to grab yourself a Yellowhammer Slammer.
17. TEXAS A&M
The 'Home of the 12th Man' is also home to some of the best tailgating in all of the Southwest. One would be hard-pressed to find another state as passionate about football as Texas is. Tailgating at all of its major universities is taken quite seriously. Here in College Station, fans of the Aggies' football program prop up their tents directly outside of famed Kyle Field. While not a crazy atmosphere by any stretch, it is a passionate scene associated with pride. Upon the players moving through the tailgate and into the stadium, the highly popular Corps of Cadets also make their way into Kyle Field with a special presentation.
16. Penn State
15. TEXAS
The namesake university of the state, the University of Texas offers much in the way of tailgating. Those draped in burnt orange and cream have a field day outside of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (try saying that five times fast). The downtown area is chock-full of festivities. There are a number of bars dedicated to the game day process -- particularly on Sixth Street. Drinks are flowing, barbecue is devoured, and the support for this prestigious football program is more vast than the state itself.
14. Oregon
13. FLORIDA
Gainesville is incredible. "The Swamp" holds one of the most significant home field advantages in the SEC. Those getting lit before the game are a large reason for that prominence. Both current students and former students come together to pridefully celebrate their Gators. As has been tradition, you'll see thousands of people grilling up/smoking a variety of meats. Depending upon the opponent, the 'intensity' of the tailgating experience can increase. If Florida is hosting the likes of Vanderbilt or Kentucky, it'll be rather tame. However, if LSU or Tennessee comes to town, the craziness will increase.
12. GEORGIA
Athens is arguably the most beautiful city in all of SEC country. With striking features and beautiful weather, it's no surprise to see tens of thousands flock here for enrollment annually. With one of the nation's best football programs and a rich history to boot, Georgia's tailgating scene is quite impressive. The downtown Athens area itself has a ton of fantastic bars -- including upscale gastropubs and old-time establishments dripping with nostalgia. North Campus is where many congregate ahead of the actual trek into Sanford Stadium. For those who've never tailgated in Athens, don't be alarmed by the appearance of the Georgia Spike Squad.
11. Nebraska
10. Iowa
9. Clemson
8. SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina is deeply rooted in Southern hospitality and class. Look no further than the Cockaboose Railroad. Fans can rent out these luxury street cars for pre-game and in-game festivities. Each car is equipped with televisions, a full bar, and food. What other location offers such an awesome alternative to the typical tailgating experience? There are more than 20 of these bad boys available for use. Duly, the entire campus is overrun by fans of all ages. Gamecock Park is the perfect location for cultivating excitement.
7. AUBURN
The Auburn faithful know how to party with the best of them. When situated at The Loveliest Village on the Plains, one can expect to see copious amounts of food gobbled up, waterfalls of alcohol guzzled, and plenty of Tigers' paraphernalia. Fans jockey for the premium parking spots on the Friday before game day. With campus right next to the downtown area, students and fans alike can take advantage of local bars and a fleet of food trucks. A victory in the game results in a post-game march over to Toomer's Corner -- where hundreds of rolls of toilet paper get thrown onto the trees (it looks cooler than it sounds). While Auburn fans are considered to be a very knowledgeable and friendly group, this premise will likely go out the window when Alabama comes rolling into town.
6. TENNESSEE
Few college settings come equipped with a body of water. The Tennessee River offers the University of Tennessee a truly unique experience for UT fans as well as those rival ones coming in from elsewhere. Mini-yachts and expensive speedboats often double as legendary tailgating locations. Nicknamed the 'Vol Navy', many of these fans -- similar to those in McCovey Cove for San Francisco Giants games -- never leave their boat. They're content to watch the game from the friendly confines of their highly valuable toy. If you're fortunate enough, fans can 'boat hop' from spot to spot before embarking into Neyland Stadium. Without question, this is one of the coolest venues for a tailgate in the entire world.
5. Washington
4. UCLA
3. Wisconsin
2. LSU
We head back down south for the No. 2 member on our tailgating list. LSU tailgates do food better than any other school, and it isn't particularly close. A short walk through a Baton Rouge tailgate will ensnare your senses -- leaving you helpless to the appearance of beignets, gumbo, grits, jambalaya, oxtail, barbecue, and practically anything fried. In addition, Tiger Stadium patrons aren't shy about partaking in multiple cocktails. The scene itself can get incredibly hectic when any game is played in the late afternoon or night. Raucous LSU fans make 'Death Valley' a downright scary place to play for opposing teams. When factoring in the collective passion of the fan base along with the cuisine, LSU's game day experience ranks right up there among the best.
#1 !!!!!!! OLE MISS
The pièce de résistance pertaining to tailgating is Ole Miss. Dubbed "The Grove" by locals, this 10-acre plot of land is the hub of everything during the pre-game process in Oxford. You'll see a little bit of everything here stylistically. Some will be dressed in cocktail dresses and suits, while others will be rocking overalls and body paint. The same can be said for the food -- as high-end cocktails are paired with traditional Southern classics. It's almost as if The Grove is its small community. Generations upon generations of families come here year after year to enjoy Ole Miss football. It's a truly special place -- and one that all major college football fans should check out at least once in their lifetime.
LINK
29. OKLAHOMA
It should come as no surprise to see Oklahoma feature one of the land's very best tailgates. The program is rooted in excellence, and it's always fun to root for a successful football team year after year. This part of the country is known for its cattle. Unsurprisingly, those tailgating in Norman love to partake in high-end beef during pre and post-game situations.
28. Virginia Tech
27. Florida State
26. West Virginia
25. Michigan State
24. Purdue
23. Texas Tech
22. San Diego State
21. Utah
20. USC
19. Michigan
18. ALABAMA
Alabama is the unquestioned king when it comes to college football. The success of every major program is further buoyed by a rambunctious group of supporters. A typical Saturday game day in Tuscaloosa is certainly nothing to scoff at. The Quad functions as the heartbeat of the entire tailgating area. Here, you'll see a vast sea of crimson and white. When looking closely enough, more than a handful of elated men, women, and children will be donning some form of houndstooth clothing (whether it be a shirt, skirt, or hat). Here's a tip: If ever in Tuscaloosa during a Saturday afternoon in the fall, be sure to grab yourself a Yellowhammer Slammer.
17. TEXAS A&M
The 'Home of the 12th Man' is also home to some of the best tailgating in all of the Southwest. One would be hard-pressed to find another state as passionate about football as Texas is. Tailgating at all of its major universities is taken quite seriously. Here in College Station, fans of the Aggies' football program prop up their tents directly outside of famed Kyle Field. While not a crazy atmosphere by any stretch, it is a passionate scene associated with pride. Upon the players moving through the tailgate and into the stadium, the highly popular Corps of Cadets also make their way into Kyle Field with a special presentation.
16. Penn State
15. TEXAS
The namesake university of the state, the University of Texas offers much in the way of tailgating. Those draped in burnt orange and cream have a field day outside of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (try saying that five times fast). The downtown area is chock-full of festivities. There are a number of bars dedicated to the game day process -- particularly on Sixth Street. Drinks are flowing, barbecue is devoured, and the support for this prestigious football program is more vast than the state itself.
14. Oregon
13. FLORIDA
Gainesville is incredible. "The Swamp" holds one of the most significant home field advantages in the SEC. Those getting lit before the game are a large reason for that prominence. Both current students and former students come together to pridefully celebrate their Gators. As has been tradition, you'll see thousands of people grilling up/smoking a variety of meats. Depending upon the opponent, the 'intensity' of the tailgating experience can increase. If Florida is hosting the likes of Vanderbilt or Kentucky, it'll be rather tame. However, if LSU or Tennessee comes to town, the craziness will increase.
12. GEORGIA
Athens is arguably the most beautiful city in all of SEC country. With striking features and beautiful weather, it's no surprise to see tens of thousands flock here for enrollment annually. With one of the nation's best football programs and a rich history to boot, Georgia's tailgating scene is quite impressive. The downtown Athens area itself has a ton of fantastic bars -- including upscale gastropubs and old-time establishments dripping with nostalgia. North Campus is where many congregate ahead of the actual trek into Sanford Stadium. For those who've never tailgated in Athens, don't be alarmed by the appearance of the Georgia Spike Squad.
11. Nebraska
10. Iowa
9. Clemson
8. SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina is deeply rooted in Southern hospitality and class. Look no further than the Cockaboose Railroad. Fans can rent out these luxury street cars for pre-game and in-game festivities. Each car is equipped with televisions, a full bar, and food. What other location offers such an awesome alternative to the typical tailgating experience? There are more than 20 of these bad boys available for use. Duly, the entire campus is overrun by fans of all ages. Gamecock Park is the perfect location for cultivating excitement.
7. AUBURN
The Auburn faithful know how to party with the best of them. When situated at The Loveliest Village on the Plains, one can expect to see copious amounts of food gobbled up, waterfalls of alcohol guzzled, and plenty of Tigers' paraphernalia. Fans jockey for the premium parking spots on the Friday before game day. With campus right next to the downtown area, students and fans alike can take advantage of local bars and a fleet of food trucks. A victory in the game results in a post-game march over to Toomer's Corner -- where hundreds of rolls of toilet paper get thrown onto the trees (it looks cooler than it sounds). While Auburn fans are considered to be a very knowledgeable and friendly group, this premise will likely go out the window when Alabama comes rolling into town.
6. TENNESSEE
Few college settings come equipped with a body of water. The Tennessee River offers the University of Tennessee a truly unique experience for UT fans as well as those rival ones coming in from elsewhere. Mini-yachts and expensive speedboats often double as legendary tailgating locations. Nicknamed the 'Vol Navy', many of these fans -- similar to those in McCovey Cove for San Francisco Giants games -- never leave their boat. They're content to watch the game from the friendly confines of their highly valuable toy. If you're fortunate enough, fans can 'boat hop' from spot to spot before embarking into Neyland Stadium. Without question, this is one of the coolest venues for a tailgate in the entire world.
5. Washington
4. UCLA
3. Wisconsin
2. LSU
We head back down south for the No. 2 member on our tailgating list. LSU tailgates do food better than any other school, and it isn't particularly close. A short walk through a Baton Rouge tailgate will ensnare your senses -- leaving you helpless to the appearance of beignets, gumbo, grits, jambalaya, oxtail, barbecue, and practically anything fried. In addition, Tiger Stadium patrons aren't shy about partaking in multiple cocktails. The scene itself can get incredibly hectic when any game is played in the late afternoon or night. Raucous LSU fans make 'Death Valley' a downright scary place to play for opposing teams. When factoring in the collective passion of the fan base along with the cuisine, LSU's game day experience ranks right up there among the best.
#1 !!!!!!! OLE MISS
The pièce de résistance pertaining to tailgating is Ole Miss. Dubbed "The Grove" by locals, this 10-acre plot of land is the hub of everything during the pre-game process in Oxford. You'll see a little bit of everything here stylistically. Some will be dressed in cocktail dresses and suits, while others will be rocking overalls and body paint. The same can be said for the food -- as high-end cocktails are paired with traditional Southern classics. It's almost as if The Grove is its small community. Generations upon generations of families come here year after year to enjoy Ole Miss football. It's a truly special place -- and one that all major college football fans should check out at least once in their lifetime.
LINK
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Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:17 pm to JetDawg
quote:
as high-end cocktails are paired with traditional Southern classics
Can’t beat the southern classic of cold chicken tenders from wal mart underneath a chandelier
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:20 pm to Frac the world
quote:
Can’t beat the southern classic of cold chicken tenders from wal mart underneath a chandelier
I don't think I've ever eaten a cold chicken tender in the Grove. Everyone knows that it's not about the food but rather about the alcohol and the dimes walking by.
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:20 pm to JetDawg
It's wild how elite Ole Miss has become
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:21 pm to JetDawg
That’s going to rustle a lot of jimmies.
People on here always talk about how The Grove is overrated but we are consistently ranked in the top 5 best tailgating spots and have been for decades.
The only food that compares to our cold chicken tenders is LSU crawfish and jambalaya.
People on here always talk about how The Grove is overrated but we are consistently ranked in the top 5 best tailgating spots and have been for decades.
The only food that compares to our cold chicken tenders is LSU crawfish and jambalaya.
This post was edited on 7/9/24 at 12:22 pm
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:21 pm to JetDawg
I think you will see OU tailgates game upped this year. Keep in mind our biggest game every year happens at a neutral site so we both miss out on what would be a prime tailgating event.
But with marquee teams coming to Norman now it will be better and grow. OU sent reps to SEC games the past 2 years during actual game weekends to learn what needs done to improve. So expect better tailgating at OU as we all move forward!
But with marquee teams coming to Norman now it will be better and grow. OU sent reps to SEC games the past 2 years during actual game weekends to learn what needs done to improve. So expect better tailgating at OU as we all move forward!
This post was edited on 7/9/24 at 12:22 pm
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:21 pm to REBEL5 AC
quote:
It's wild how elite Ole Miss has become
Now we are winning the parties and the games.
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:21 pm to Landmass
quote:
I don't think I've ever eaten a cold chicken tender in the Grove. Everyone knows that it's not about the food but rather about the alcohol and the dimes walking by.
Hot...cold...if you're sober enough to know and/or care about the difference, you're not doing it right
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:22 pm to Landmass
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:24 pm to Henry Jones Jr
quote:
People on here always talk about how The Grove is overrated but we are consistently ranked in the top 5 best tailgating spots and have been for decades
Aside from what the fat boys on here think about grilling fat boy food before the game, the Grove is absolutely a destination and is on a lot of people's bucket list for college football. Let the fat boys cry to themselves.
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:24 pm to JetDawg
Only five SEC teams missing from the Top 30.
Missouri
Vanderbilt
Kentucky
Mississippi State
Arkansas
Missouri
Vanderbilt
Kentucky
Mississippi State
Arkansas
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:28 pm to Henry Jones Jr
quote:
That’s going to rustle a lot of jimmies.
People on here always talk about how The Grove is overrated but we are consistently ranked in the top 5 best tailgating spots and have been for decades.
The only food that compares to our cold chicken tenders is LSU crawfish and jambalaya.
In my experience what makes a great tailgate isn't the location, but rather the people you are with.
I find these rankings silly.
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:36 pm to JetDawg
They got AI writing all the clickbait offseason stories now.
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:36 pm to Landmass
quote:
the Grove is absolutely a destination and is on a lot of people's bucket list for college football
How you people kid yourselves.
The grove is a snooze fest and your stadium is somehow worse.
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:49 pm to JetDawg
Mississippi State, Mizzou, Vandy, Kentucky, Arkansas didn't make the list, but North Dakota did.
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:51 pm to Frac the world
quote:
Can’t beat the southern classic of cold chicken tenders from wal mart underneath a chandelier
Pretty clear you've never been to the Grove then.
They come from Publix.
Posted on 7/9/24 at 12:52 pm to JetDawg
I've heard Ole MIss doesn't allow an open flame. If that's true, how are they number one?
Posted on 7/9/24 at 1:00 pm to deeprig9
The funny thing is our tailgating is actually pretty awesome. We can have open flame so many tailgates bring a grill and actually cook food.
It’s also a lot bigger than most would realize and we have 1000 of tents. I guess we are just not thought of as a top tailgating school for some reason.
Doesn’t really bother me. I’ve had fun at every single away tailgate environment I’ve been to, even ole miss
It’s also a lot bigger than most would realize and we have 1000 of tents. I guess we are just not thought of as a top tailgating school for some reason.
Doesn’t really bother me. I’ve had fun at every single away tailgate environment I’ve been to, even ole miss
Posted on 7/9/24 at 1:02 pm to JetDawg
Eh I’ll always love getting drunk on the Quad and eating some BBQ nachos on gameday in Tuscaloosa. I love tailgating and all the nostalgia you get being back on campus. I’m sure everyone feels that way about their school. I’m glad they moved Gameday on the Quad with Denny Chimes in the background. Started with the 2019 LSU game when I was still in school. Some of you LSU guys gave me some free beers
Posted on 7/9/24 at 1:06 pm to JetDawg
quote:
5. Washington
4. UCLA
3. Wisconsin
Really?? Can anyone share what elevates these guys above Bama, UGA, Tennessee etc.?? Is tailgating at UCLA really better than renting a freaking train car with a bar at South Carolina??
Maybe beer & cheese curds at Wisconsin, but thats all I got
This post was edited on 7/9/24 at 1:09 pm
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