A Tailgater Tale

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Tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Sunshine State tailgating experience.

I’m in Tallahassee hours before kickoff and already surrounded by tailgaters. I meet Mo Mickelvazinacampherphenella. Adorned in Miami Hurricane regalia, he nods toward surrounding Florida State Seminole tailgaters and jokingly whispers, “If you value your scalp, don’t call them ‘gaters’ for short.”

Welcome to the pits – not the line play of football teams but the line-up of BBQs in the parking lot. It’s loud. Kids screech; TVs and radios blare; chants erupt; cow bells clang; whistles tweet. It’s one of those rare instances when anyone not making noise is considered rude. There’s the merriment of friends and family together – talking, eating, laughing and sitting on chairs, coolers, hoods and, yes, even tailgates.

There’s the merriment of friends and family together – talking, eating, laughing and sitting on chairs, coolers, hoods and, yes, even tailgates.

In many families, tailgating is a tradition encompassing several generations of fans. Newbie tailgaters are not only welcomed, they’re nurtured. But heed this: Expect richer advice from those wearing the same team jersey as you!

My Tips:

• Pack light because you might have to carry your gear a long way.
• Arrive at least four hours early to get parking near the stadium or in surrounding neighborhoods (heed “restricted area” signs).
• Stake out locations of public restrooms and vendors in advance.
• Plan to be front and center as your team enters the stadium – a high five from your favorite player may be your reward.
• Set up your tailgate near exit areas, so if your team wins, you can wave goodbye to the teeth-gnashing opposition.
• Always remember that good sportsmanship should prevail, keeping any billowing smoke rising from grills, not ears.