Tailgating Rivals, Lifelong Friends: How Two Superfans Celebrate Football Season Together

Shop Tailgating Essentials at Bass Pro Shops

The Heartbeat of Football Season Starts in the Parking Lot

Tailgating is more than just food and fandom. It is where stories begin, and memories are made. The first recorded tailgate happened in 1869 at a college football game, and ever since, it has grown into a full-blown tradition across generations.

Whether you are firing up the grill at a stadium or setting up the canopy in your own backyard, tailgating is how families and friends kick off football season. It is loud, it is proud, and it is the best way to celebrate game day.

Two Best Friends. Two Teams. One Unbreakable Bond.

Mike and Dave have been best friends since kindergarten. They grew up fishing together, shooting hoops after school, and spending weekends at each other’s houses. Today, they still do almost everything together, but when it comes to football, they are on opposite sides of the field.

Mike is a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. Dave lives for the Kansas City Chiefs. Each year, when football season rolls around, they throw a massive tailgating party for their families and friends. Wives, kids, and cousins all show up wearing their favorite team’s colors. Some in green, some in red, but everyone is there for the same reason—food, fun, and football.

Tailgating Traditions That Bring Everyone Together

The party starts early and goes strong all day. Mike handles the wings and potato skins. Dave fires up the tabletop griddle for smash burgers and his family beef fajitas. They argue about the game, play cornhole, blast music, and laugh about the time Dave dropped an entire rack of ribs in the parking lot.

It is not just a tailgate anymore. It is a family tradition. Kids wearing face paint, grandpas telling old football stories, and neighbors stopping by for sliders. Even though these two best friends will never agree on which team is better, they always agree on one thing—the tailgate is sacred.

Tailgating Essentials Checklist from Bass Pro Shops

Gear You’ll Find at Mike and Dave’s Tailgate:

Cooking & Prep:

• Tabletop Griddles and Grills
• Grilling Tools and Propane
• Bass Pro Shop Seasonings
• Steak Strips and Marinated Meats

Comfort & Setup:

• Camp Chairs and Folding Tables
• Shade Canopies
• Coolers and Insulated Drinkware

Fun & Fandom:

• Yard Games (25 percent off) like cornhole, ladder toss, and lawn darts
• Waterproof Boots and Hoodies

🛒 Shop Bass Pro Tailgating Gear
🛒 Cabela’s Tailgating Collection

Activities That Make It More Than Just a Meal

A great tailgate is about what happens between bites. Mike and Dave keep things lively with:

• Family cornhole tournaments
• Grill-offs to settle old scores
• Music face-offs featuring fight songs and stadium anthems
• Tackle football for the kids and competitive Uno for the grown-ups
• Trash talk that starts in the morning and doesn’t end until the final whistle

Pro Tips from the Tailgate Veterans

Cooler Packing Tip: Start with frozen water bottles on the bottom. Then layer meat and perishable items. Drinks go on top for easy access and all-day chill.

Favorite Fast Recipes:

• The" Day WINGS | How to cook PERFECT WINGS
• Smash burgers with Mayo and Dijon Mustard
• Fajitas pre-sliced for quick sizzle
• Grilled corn skewers for the kids

Setup Strategy:

Arrive three hours early to grab the best spot, prep the grill, and claim space for games.

Why Bass Pro Shops is Your Tailgating MVP

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s offer more than outdoor gear. They have everything you need to own the tailgate, no matter where you park. From heavy-duty coolers to high-performance grills, their products are built to last all season long.

The same camp chair you use at the lake becomes your post-touchdown throne. The same cooler you take camping is now the keeper of your famous BBQ wings.

From August 21 to September 10, score 25% off yard games. Find your gear, grab your friends, and claim your spot in the lot.

Tailgating Calendar Highlights

• 23: NCAA Week Zero
• September 1: Labor Day
• September 4: NFL Opening Day
• September 6: National Tailgating Day

📧 Keep an eye out for special email offers on 8/12, 8/22, and 9/7
🛍️ Look for in-store signage and digital promotions
🎥 Watch our tailgating recipe series for wings, dips, and more

Friends. Family. Football.

Every fall, Mike and Dave remind us what football season is really about. It is not about the final score. It is about the early mornings, the belly laughs, and the lifelong bonds built over burgers and beanbags.

Because when the grill is hot and the game is close, it does not matter if you fly with the Eagles or run with the Chiefs. What matters most is who’s standing next to you in the parking lot, sharing the moment.