Tailgate Party Winner: Ole Miss
Tailgate parties conjure up images of football fans gathering near stadiums, camped out for the pre-game hours and sometimes well-into the game to celebrate their alma mater or favorite team. The tailgate party may be as American as applie pie, bringing college friends together for weekend reunions or regular reconnections.
While there are many great tailgating spots, here are five of the top places for college tailgating, known for their festive atmosphere, passionate fans, and great food:
1. University of Mississippi ("Ole Miss") - Oxford, Mississippi
The Grove, a 10-acre green space in the center of the Ole Miss campus, is one of the most famous tailgating spots in the country. Fans arrive days in advance to set up their tents and prepare for the game. The atmosphere is festive and welcoming, with fans dressed in their best outfits and enjoying Southern hospitality at its finest.
The New York Times describes the Grove as the social event in Oxford, Mississippi, not just for the students or alumni, but for the whole town:
"Ole Miss's stadium accommodates 60,580 people, and devotees of the Grove argue that the Grove accommodates more. It is every kind of party you can describe, at once: cocktail party, dinner party, tailgate picnic party, fraternity and sorority rush, family reunion, political handgrab, gala and networking party-hearty — what might have inspired Willie Morris, one of Mississippi's favorite sons, to declare Mississippi not a state, but a club... The party is technically a picnic. Originally an informal tailgating get-together when most serious pregame socializing took place at Ole Miss's fraternity and sorority houses, by the 50’s the Grove started to become its own pregame tradition.
2. Louisiana State University (LSU) - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Tailgating at LSU is a unique experience, with fans setting up grills and cooking delicious Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish boils. The air is filled with the sounds of live music and the smell of delicious food, creating a festive atmosphere that is unmatched.
3. University of Wisconsin - Madison, Wisconsin
Tailgating at the University of Wisconsin is a great experience, with fans gathering on State Street and Regent Street to celebrate before the game. The atmosphere is fun and lively, with fans enjoying brats, cheese curds, and other Wisconsin favorites.
4. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Big House, as the University of Michigan stadium is known, is one of the largest stadiums in the country and provides an amazing backdrop for tailgating. Fans gather in the parking lots and green spaces around the stadium to enjoy barbecue, play games, and celebrate their team.
5. University of South Carolina - Columbia, South Carolina
Tailgating at the University of South Carolina is a true Southern tradition, with fans gathering at the State Fairgrounds and other locations around the stadium to enjoy barbecue, play cornhole, and celebrate with friends and family. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, with fans from both teams often mingling and enjoying the festivities together.
October 2, 2023