The time-honored tradition of tailgating is filled with history and fanatic adoration creates an unforgettable experience. Pack up the canopy tent, load the cooler, and fire up the grill for a game day unlike any other at these tailgating hot spots!
Mississippi State University
Starkville, Mississippi
If you ever wondered if college football needed more cowbell, the tailgating experience at Mississippi State University is not to be missed. From countless fans cooking up Southern favorites at the Junction to the Dawg Walk (where the team and mascot parade to Davis Wade Stadium), the community vibe makes this campus a can’t-miss.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
Set in the heart of Nashville, Vanderbilt serves up tailgating that strikes a balance between collegiate energy and urban flair. The vibe at Vanderbilt is lively yet relaxed, the perfect spot for families, alumni, and area locals to kick back and enjoy the excitement and infectious energy of game day. The main hubs are Vandyville and Commodore Lawn, both lush, grassy expanses where fans gather under tents and fire up the grill with some delicious grub. For off-campus festivities, places like The Local and Tin Roof serve up Southern comfort food and craft cocktails all while maintaining the beloved Southern hospitality that’s alive and well in Tennessee.
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville transforms into a swell of orange and white. University of Tennessee tailgating is about as classic as it gets, with RV setups, grills aplenty, and spirited games blending seamlessly with the iconic Vol Walk. What sets Neyland Stadium apart is the Vol Navy, where fans float down the Tennessee River in boats and dock riverside to tailgate. Camaraderie is the highlight here, with the enthusiasm of fans echoing loudly into the night. And it’s undeniable that the wave of orange creates a unique visual that screams pride for their team.
Tennessee Titans
Nashville, Tennessee
Back in Nashville and graduating from college sports to the pros, Nissan Stadium is home to tailgating that’s a spectacle of its own. With cold beer, spicy barbecue, and beloved games like cornhole and the Titans’ favorite Sholf (a combination of shuffleboard and golf), there are plenty of reasons to partake in these festivities. The extensive food scene of Nashville is woven into the tailgate fabric, delivering local flavor right to the parking lots. Hours before kickoff, fans flood the surrounding parking lots, clad in Titans blue and ready to party. It’s truly a testament to the passion NFL fans have, and every tailgating occasion is an opportunity to showcase community.
