The Ultimate Tailgating Guide for Away Games

Tailgating at home is easy. You know the lots, you know the routine, you've got your setup dialed in. But tailgating at an away game? That's a whole different beast -- and honestly, it can be even better if you do it right.

Here's everything you need to know about tailgating on the road.

Before You Go

Research the Parking Situation

Not every stadium has the same tailgating culture. Some stadiums have massive lots where tailgating is a way of life (looking at you, Kansas City and Buffalo). Others have limited parking where tailgating is restricted or nonexistent.

Before your trip, figure out:

• Where are the main tailgating lots? Google Maps and Reddit are your best friends here.
• Do you need to buy a parking pass in advance? Many stadiums require pre-purchased passes.
• Are there public tailgate areas? Some cities have open lots or bars near the stadium that welcome visiting fans.
• What are the rules? Some lots don't allow open flames, some have time limits, some ban hard liquor.

Gear: Keep It Simple

You're traveling. You don't need to bring your entire home tailgate setup. Here's the essentials-only list:

• Cooler with drinks (buy ice locally)
• Simple food (sandwiches, chips, pre-made stuff -- skip the full grill setup)
• Folding chairs (if you're driving; skip if flying)
• Your team's gear (jersey, flag, hat)
• Bluetooth speaker (keep volume respectful)
• Trash bags (always clean up your spot)

Flying to the game? Skip the cooler and chairs entirely. Find a tailgate-friendly bar near the stadium instead. Most NFL cities have great options within walking distance.

At the Game

Navigating Home Territory

You're wearing enemy colors. That's part of the fun. Here's how to keep it fun for everyone:

Do:

• Be friendly and respectful
• Accept the banter -- it's coming, and it's part of the experience
• Offer home fans a beer or a burger (instant friendship)
• Compliment their stadium or city (it goes a long way)
• Take the jokes in stride

Don't:

• Start fights (obviously)
• Be obnoxiously drunk before the game even starts
• Trash-talk aggressively -- light ribbing is fine, but know the line
• Leave garbage everywhere
• Travel alone in full rival gear through the rowdiest lots

Finding Your Spot

As a visiting fan, you have a few tailgating options:

• Buy a parking pass and set up your own spot. This works best if you're driving and have a few people. You'll be surrounded by home fans, which is actually the most authentic experience.
• Join a public tailgate. Many stadiums have open areas where fans gather. Show up with drinks to share and you'll make friends fast.
• Hit the bars near the stadium. This is the easiest option for traveling groups. Most stadium-adjacent bars have a pre-game atmosphere that rivals the parking lot.
• Look for visiting fan meetups. Check your team's subreddit or fan forums. Visiting fan groups often organize tailgate meetups at away games.

Stadium-Specific Tips

Best Tailgating as a Visiting Fan

Some stadiums are better than others for visiting tailgaters:

• Kansas City (Arrowhead): Massive lots, incredible atmosphere. Chiefs fans are generally welcoming if you're respectful. Bring your A-game on food -- the BBQ competition is real.
• Buffalo (Highmark): The most intense tailgating scene in the NFL. Bills Mafia goes hard. Expect tables to be broken. Visiting fans are welcome if you can handle the energy.
• Green Bay (Lambeau): The residential neighborhood tailgating around Lambeau is iconic. Fans literally tailgate in their front yards. It's friendly and unique.
• Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial): Philly fans have a reputation, but if you're cool, they're cool. Don't be the person who starts trouble. The lots are massive and the energy is elite.

Where to Skip the Lot and Hit a Bar

• New York/New Jersey (MetLife): The stadium is in the Meadowlands with limited tailgating. Find a bar in Manhattan and take the bus/train to the game.
• San Francisco (Levi's): The stadium is in Santa Clara, far from the city. Limited tailgate culture. Pre-game in San Francisco and get a ride to the game.
• LA (SoFi): Inglewood doesn't have a strong tailgate scene yet. Hit up bars in nearby areas before the game.

The Post-Game

After the game, the tailgating lots clear out fast. Have a plan:

• If you won, celebrate at a nearby bar -- don't rub it in too hard in the lots
• If you lost, take it graciously and get out with dignity
• Have your transportation sorted before the game ends (rideshare surge pricing after games is brutal)
• If you're driving, account for the traffic -- it can take 30-60 minutes just to leave the lot

Tailgating on a Budget

You don't need to spend a fortune:

• Buy drinks and food at a local grocery store instead of a convenience store near the stadium (markup is real)
• Split a parking pass with your group -- one car, one pass
• Eat at the tailgate, not in the stadium -- you'll save $30+ per person on overpriced arena food
• BYOB to the lot -- stadium beer prices are criminal

The tailgate is often the best part of the entire game day experience. Don't skip it just because you're on the road. A little planning goes a long way, and the stories from an away game tailgate will outlast the memories of the game itself.