From History.com: “What might be considered the first American tailgate took place on a Sunday, but the spectators who participated eagerly awaited a far different clash than a football game. On July 21, 1861, residents of Washington packed picnic baskets and loaded into carriages and buggies for a day in the Virginia countryside. Rather than listen to the bucolic sounds of nature, they followed the sounds of artillery to watch from afar the first major showdown of the Civil War at the First Battle of Bull Run.”
“Just eight years later, young Americans confronted each other on football fields. Fans may have dined from a wagon as they watched Rutgers and Princeton play the first football game in 1869. In the 1880s, newspapers reported that well-heeled fans sipped champagne and enjoyed other refreshments while watching the annual Yale-Princeton Thanksgiving game in New York from the luxury of horse-drawn coaches parked on the sidelines.”
“Coming of age in America at the same time, football and automobiles have always had a close connection.”
With a Close Connection Established, How Did That Evolve?
Games and events drew a large crowd, and often times had designated vehicle areas similar to how we do now. And just like then, these vehicle parking areas were the place of social gatherings and celebrations as a method of seeing friends, family, and neighbors before a big game. Although these spaces weren’t necessarily designed for these types of gatherings, they managed to meet their needs. An open, flat space that could be set up and torn down within a day with everything one would need to party.
“As portable grills and plastic coolers became mass-produced in the 1950s, hot grills and cold beer replaced wicker baskets filled with wine bottles and sandwiches wrapped in wax paper. Suburban grilling culture flourished after World War II and became as much a part of the American dream as a green lawn and white picket fence”
As tailgating becomes more accessible with the explosion of vehicle culture in addition to plastic coolers and other products, the scene for tailgates become bigger and bigger. At todays Ohio State games, upwards of 8 hours before kick off cars and trucks begin to gather, and hundreds of tents are pitched as thousands flood the parking lots around the stadium and field house for game day traditions and parties.
