With Labor Day upon us, tailgating season is back. In fact, September 2 is National Tailgating Day. That's right, every year, on the first Saturday of September, football fans across the country come together to celebrate National Tailgating Day. This special day is dedicated to the time-honored tradition of tailgating, where friends and family gather in stadium parking lots to enjoy delicious food, lively conversations, and the excitement of the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just enjoy the camaraderie, National Tailgating Day is an event you don't want to miss.
However, you don't want to drop in full send without any planning. You need to gear up and plan for the ultimate gameday experience. Who better to turn to for expert advice on grilling and BBQ than Carey Bringle, the renowned pitmaster behind Nashville's famous Peg Leg Porker?
With over 25 years of experience in the world of barbecue, he has mastered the art of cooking mouthwatering meats and entertaining the masses. Now he's giving you his top 10 tailgating tips, ensuring that your next grilling adventure is a sizzling success.
What is Tailgating?
Photo Credit: Peg Leg Porker
In case you live under a rock, tailgating is the practice of setting up a portable feast in the parking lot of a sports stadium before a game. Maybe you have even done this at ski resorts or even in your own backyard. Either way, it involves grilling, picnicking, and socializing with fellow fans. The term "tailgating" originated from the practice of fans gathering around the tailgate of a pickup truck, which served as a makeshift table for food and drinks.
Why Do People Love Tailgating?
Tailgating is more than just a pre-game ritual; it's a way for fans to show their team spirit and connect with others who share their passion for the sport. It's a time to bond with friends and family, enjoy delicious food, and create lasting memories. The atmosphere is electric, with music, laughter, and friendly competition filling the air.
Carey Bringle: The Peg Leg Porker
Photo Credit: Peg Leg Porker
Carey Bringle is the esteemed owner and pitmaster of Nashville's renowned Peg Leg Porker. With a remarkable career spanning over 25 years, Bringle has perfected the art of barbecue and captivated audiences with his exceptional culinary talents. His expertise has garnered recognition, earning him a coveted spot on Southern Living's prestigious "Great American BBQ Bucket List." Moreover, Bringle's passion for imparting his knowledge led him to pen a comprehensive book titled "BBQ for Dummies," a definitive guide on harnessing the power of fire and smoke to elevate barbecue to new heights. Now he's sharing his top 10 tailgating tips with you. Armed with Bringle's exceptional wisdom you'll be poised to host your next tailgating party.
10 Tailgating Tips from Professional Pitmaster, Carey Bringle:
Photo Credit: Peg Leg Porker
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Make your list and check it twice: from food to equipment, make a list of everything you need.
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Bring the essentials: coals, tongs, grill gloves, and a chimney starter.
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Invest in your own comfort: quality folding chairs and large coolers are essential.
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Go big or go home: build your menu around a large hunk of meat, such as a pork shoulder or brisket. Smoke it at home and then gently reheat it when you get to your tailgate party.
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Don’t forget the finger foods: I like to make something for everyone to snack on while the larger piece of meat is cooking or reheating. Some favorites are chicken wings, jalapeño poppers, sliders, kebabs, and nachos.
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Early bird gets the worm: Get to your location early so you can find a good spot, set up, and get your playlist going. Drop a pin and let the team find you!
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Stay hydrated: I pack my cooler with a lot of beer and water, along with some Bloody Mary mix and vodka for anyone interested in a cocktail.
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Make your cleanup simple: pack up your barbecue ingredients in large, disposable foil pans for easy transport. I also make sure to have lots of paper napkins and plates to go around since tailgating is all about sharing!
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Fire safety is important: leave ample time for all fires to go out and cool before you start packing up.
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Do it again: Make plans for your next tailgate before everyone leaves!
Celebrate National Tailgating Day
Photo Credit: Peg Leg Porker
Remember, National Tailgating Day is all about celebrating the spirit of the game and enjoying the company of fellow fans. So grab your grill, put on your team colors, and get ready for a day of food, fun, and football!
Where will you be tailgating on this National Tailgating Day? Let us know in the comments section below. I plan on setting up in my backyard and doing more of a yardgate party. Regardless, as long as your with your close friends and family it will be a ton of fun. And Carey Bringle isn't the only one here to help you out. If the temps drop a little bit after the sun goes down our Après All Day Beanie is the perfect après ski hat for keeping your head warm while our Custom Wooden Koozies keep your beers cold. Cheers!
