Getting Up For Game Day: It’s the American Way
Alas, it is the most wonderful time of the year! College GameDay eve is here! So in the spirit of the start of college football season, and Labor Day weekend…God bless America! And God bless one of her most notable and glorious traditions – tailgating! There are few things that bleed red, white, and blue greatness like the act of participating in an outdoor tailgate, so by all means, party-on patriots!
Americans will find any excuse to partake in some good old-fashioned tailgating fun, but the college football scene is where this timeless classic truly shines in all its glory. Every year, as soon as the College Football Championship Game comes to a close in January, fans of all ages start anticipating the arrival of next season.
The kickoff to the first college game day Saturday is upon us, which means folks all across the United States are getting prepped and pumped for some fun and football. No matter what school you support, or where you live, it’s safe to say that when it comes to appreciating the art of tailgating, we’re all on the same “team” – Team USA obviously! And here’s proof:
- This timeless tradition has been going on since the Civil War, in 1861.
- In 1869, the first collegiate tailgate took place when Rutgers and Princeton were the opposing football teams and participants arrived via horse or carriage. (Source: AmericanTailgatingAssociation.org)
- The number of Americans that take part in tailgating is about 240 million.
- An estimated 30% of tailgate-goers never even step foot inside the football stadium.
- About half of the crowd travels over an hour to get to their tailgating destination.
- Roughly 95% of the food consumed on the tailgating scene is prepared on site.
- Games like beer pong, flip cup, ladderball, and especially cornhole, have gained considerable popularity thanks to tailgating.
- The most popular tailgate beer is Bud Light, with Pabst Blue Ribbon coming in second.
- On average, $400 is spent on each party, but in total, the tailgating industry draws in as much as $20 billion a year. (Source: infographicjournal.com)
- One tailgate in particular, which takes place during the rivalry game between the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs, has earned a title of its own – “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”.
Tailgating habits and gadgets have certainly evolved over the years, but one thing is for certain – This outdoor activity is a classic American tradition. It, along with football, will forever be a favorite pastime. As outdoors enthusiasts and creators of made in the USA products, Aquazul Outfitters is proud to support that!