Move over, football: Why Americans prefer tailgating over the big game

Seven in 10 tailgaters look forward to tailgating season just as much, if not more, than the holiday season, according to new research.A survey of 2,000 adults looked at sentiments around tailgating and found that for many, tailgating is the best part, as a quarter have attended a tailgate without even having tickets to the game it was associated with (24%).Similarly, 22% have attended a tailgate where they had tickets to the game, but stayed at the tailgate instead.This year, nearly a third of respondents plan on attending a tailgate (29%).Conducted by Talker Research in partnership with The Finnish Long Drink, the survey explored what the perfect tailgating experience would look like.On average, respondents believe that tailgates should begin two hours before the game starts, leaving about an hour to spend with fellow game-watchers beforehand.Timeliness is especially important for the 36% who think it’s rude to show up after the game has already started.According to Americans, the perfect tailgate is made up of 12 people — although 23% said it’s not a party until there’s more guests than this.Thinking of the role they’d play among their party, a quarter of respondents would designate themselves as part of the “peanut gallery” (a casual fan who throws in a few comments from time to time) (24%), and a similar percentage would take up the mantle of “the grill master” (22%).One in nine would assume the role of “cheerleader” who keeps the mood optimistic and celebrates the team’s small wins.But be mindful of when your comments slip out: 36% think it’s rude to talk while the game is on.Along with good company, the survey also found the necessities for a good tailgate: food (57%), chairs (41%), alcohol (31%) and team apparel (20%).And while a majority of tailgate-goers prefer to attend (65%) than host (9%), many are willing to chip in — and may judge you if you don’t.“Tailgating isn’t just about the game — it’s about the unforgettab...