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When it comes to American traditions, it doesn’t really get much better than college football tailgating. It’s the feeling on gameday — where marching bands are playing, fans celebrate their team’s victories, indulge in delicious food, and forge lifelong memories with friends and fellow alumni. In this list, we rank the schools in America that have the greatest tailgating experiences.
30. North Dakota
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The famous city of Fargo plays host to arguably the most underrated tailgating scene in America. Outside the Fargo Dome, visitors will be greeted by a gigantic fleet of RV’s draped in colors of gold and green. Remember, there’s no professional football team in this neck of the woods. As such, the fans of North Dakota State take their college football season seriously. This leads to a smorgasbord of smoked meats (including venison and bison).
29. Oklahoma
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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
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Blacksburg isn’t known as a hotbed for partying. However, the Hokies know how to turn up during game days in the fall. Hokie Village is an extremely fun area to check out. The general area surrounding Lane Stadium is simply buzzing — particularly when Virginia Tech is in conference title contention.
27. Florida State
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Tallahassee is a wonderland of cocktails, beer bongs, barbecues, and scantily clad women. In short, there are few atmospheres better within the ACC footprint. Of course, the atmosphere is better when FSU is nationally relevant. All the same, one will have fun at Florida State when looking to throw a couple back before the contest begins.
26. West Virginia
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Morgantown is a FUN time. Though not the classiest of tailgating areas, West Virginia certainly doesn’t lack in spirit or booze. The lots surrounding Mountaineer Field (pictured above) are decked out in blue and gold. If you’re fortunate enough to tailgate here, make sure you partake in some moonshine. It’s a rather famed/common beverage that can be found in the tailgating area.
25. Michigan State
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Ann Arbor gets a lot of publicity (and rightfully so) for having a major tailgating experience. While that’s all well and good, we shouldn’t forget about Michigan State in East Lansing, either. Some argue that those in green and white put on a better show than their in-state rival. After a few cold ones, those in East Lansing will swear by checking out the famed drumline en route to the stadium.
24. Purdue
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Purdue has a better football tradition than many realize. Those in West Lafayette are loyal supporters of its football team. Situated in the heartland, the region is most known for its barbecue. One simple stroll outside Ross-Ade Stadium will ensnare the senses with an overload of ribs, steaks, brats, chicken, and anything that can possibly be grilled.
23. Texas Tech
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Situated pretty much in the middle of nowhere, Texas Tech University knows how to do two things relatively well: Tailgating and playing football. A Saturday in Lubbock is a total event, as much of the city is either in attendance at the game, tailgating during the game, tailgating before the game or watching the game at home. Being in Texas, you know you’ll be feasting on some legit barbecue.
22. SDSU
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While San Diego State doesn’t have an exceptionally illustrious football history, tailgating in San Diego is absolutely phenomenal. One huge advantage of theirs is the near-perfect weather 12 months a year. While the food might not stack up with other places in the college football world, the party scene certainly will.
21. Utah
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Utah isn’t a state known for high-level partying. However, the tailgating scene in Salt Lake City is surprisingly very good. Rice-Eccles Stadium is situated with a beautiful canvas of snow-covered mountains. The ‘Ute Walk’ is a fan favorite — as is the drum call. As one can see in the picture above, Utah has also perfected the art of the double beer bong.
20. USC
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USC offers the distinct advantage of having its campus directly next to the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. For fans traveling to the game, parking in one of the university’s parking structures allows for a short walk across campus to the stadium. Students living on campus — as well as in fraternities, sororities, and closely located apartments — all have the ability to party right outside the facility. On any game day, the entire scene is lit up in cardinal and gold. More often than not, these fans will be indulging in adult beverages, cornhole, and some argument about where the best sushi is in Los Angeles.
19. Michigan
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“The Big House” understandably comes equipped with quite a tailgating scene. Michigan possesses one of the richest college football traditions in the country. Fans of the football program come from all over the state in order to set up shop for hours and hours before — and during — a game. It doesn’t even matter if Michigan is squaring off against a cupcake directional school. The entire area outside of the stadium remains jam-packed with ardent Wolverine supporters. Akin to a small Texas town rooting for its local high school on a Friday night, the city of Ann Arbor is transformed into an electric atmosphere during the fall.
18. Alabama
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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
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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
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As one can see in the photo, a fleet of motorhomes from all over the Northeast congregate outside of Beaver Stadium. University Park itself becomes a zoo — as tens of thousands of fans make their way into the area. The parking lot opens two days prior to the start of the game — which allows for the die-hard supporters to get everything ready in anticipation of the contest. Penn State also offers tickets to students on a first-come, first-serve basis. This could result in especially passionate students missing out on class in favor of camping out for tickets to a big game (especially if Ohio State, Michigan, or Wisconsin comes to town).
15. Texas
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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
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Eugene is a small college town. It’s easy to bounce from one spot to the other in search of fun and excitement. With one of the most notorious fan bases in the country, Oregon is no stranger to tailgating brilliance. The space outside of Autzen Stadium is maximized tremendously. Additionally, the school allows for fans to utilize the football team’s practice facility as another space for tailgating festivities. Within ‘The Mo’ (Moshofsky Center), there are food booths, apparel available for purchase, a multitude of televisions, a live radio pre-game broadcast, and full bar services. With rain likely (aka always) being in the forecast, this is quite a nice alternative for those who’d rather remain dry indoors.
13. Florida
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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
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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
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With virtually no professional sports teams in the state, the University of Nebraska is the unequivocal top attraction. The entire downtown area is only a stone’s throw away from Memorial Stadium — meaning that fans take full advantage of bouncing from one bar to another during this pre-game period. With nearly 91,000 in attendance for every single game, the population of Lincoln swells in size to the point where Omaha is the only city in the state on that day with more people in it. Though this may sound like a bit of a stereotype, Midwest schools — particularly those with rich football histories — are well-versed in the art of drinking games.
10. Iowa
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Thanksgiving Day comes once a week during the football season for those tailgating outside of Kinnick Stadium. Iowa City plays host to some of the best gigantic smoked turkey legs in the entire world. You’ll see thousands of Iowa supporters chomping on a turkey leg in between swigs of a cocktail or a brew. The Hawkeyes faithful prides itself on being expert drinkers — particularly when beer pong or flip cup is involved. And when Iowa accomplishes that once-a-year upset over a noteworthy opponent… the post-game festivities are legendary.
9. Clemson
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Though many teams have a similar activity, the Tiger Walk at Clemson is truly fantastic. The main parking lot outside of Memorial Stadium is jam-packed with pop-up tents. RVs roll into the parking lot as early as the Wednesday before the game. From a bird’s-eye view, it’s almost as if the entire region has been cloaked with an orangish-purple blanket. As the fans continue to party, the entire team makes the long walk through the tailgating section into the locker room. With Clemson recently turning into a national power, these tailgates are truly a sight to behold.
8. South Carolina
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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
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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
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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
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Though Tennessee has a beautiful setting, the University of Washington takes it to a whole different level. The newly minted light rail takes fans directly to the front of Husky Stadium. There’s also the option of conventionally driving to the game. However, “sailgating” — as locals call it — is the best way to do it up in the Pacific Northwest. On the east side of the stadium, people tailgate on multi-million dollar yachts. During the months of August and September, fans will not only be drinking on the boat but also in the ocean. As for the preferred beverage of choice, it really depends on the season. Tequila is a staple for all UW fans (of drinking age) — though colder weather also dictates the consumption of a host of local craft beers. Simply put, there’s no other tailgating scene as aesthetically pretty as this one.
4. UCLA
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UCLA isn’t known for having crazy fans — largely because its home stadium is roughly 45 minutes from campus (depending on traffic). With that said, there’s not a more iconic setting in all of college football than the Rose Bowl. For tailgating purposes, it’s even more brilliant — as fans get to tailgate on a literal golf course. Spanning multiple makeshift lots, the tailgating region on the golf course is over a mile in area. With perpetually perfect weather, and the San Gabriel Mountains acting as a tremendous backdrop, the Rose Bowl is a fantastic tailgating location.
3. Wisconsin
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Of all the Midwest tailgating powers, Wisconsin holds the candle as the top choice. The city of Madison and the culture behind tailgating simply go hand-in-hand. Wisconsinites love high-end brews and sausage — two staples at any respectable tailgate. Madison happens to do each incredibly well (go get your hands on a Spotted Cow…it’s worth it). There are also four lakes surrounding the campus. Lake Mendota in particular offers a very nice spot for tailgating (assuming the weather is nice). Duly, the actual stadium is located downtown. Fans can frequent some of their favorite eateries before heading towards Camp Randall. There’s a whole lot to do here in Madison — and the college town feel caters greatly to a terrific tailgating scene.
2. LSU
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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
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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.
