Tailgate with the ultimate Bears fans (Credit, Candice Petill)
Tailgating is a tradition that sports fans all across the U.S. celebrate and partake in. Many sports fans have tailgated at least once throughout the years, whether on a whim or with a group of friends. However, there are some tailgaters that have become legendary to the Chicago Bears team or to the sports community in Chicago. Roy Taylor has been going to Bears games for 32 years and has devoted his time and effort to maintaining a Chicago Bears history site and blog that offers valuable information for fellow Bears and tailgating enthusiasts.
Roy Taylor (Credit, Sara Lugardo)
Roy Taylor
Roy Taylor works as a technical account manager for a financial software company. When he’s not spending time with his family, Roy uses his enthusiasm for the Chicago Bears to create and maintain a Chicago Bears History site, blog, Facebook page and Twitter account. Not only are there great facts about Bears trivia history but there is also valuable insider information on tailgating at a Soldier Field home game. As an avid tailgater, Roy first started tailgating back in 1979 when he was eight years old with his father and family friends.
Tailgating Commitment
Roy has tailgated in every single lot around Soldier Field except for the new Waldron Deck. However, he mainly tailgates in the Planetarium and 31st Street Lots. Roy tailgates as much as he can and has only missed one home game this season. Taking a full day to prepare for the tailgating excursion and another to clean up the day after, this is a time-consuming process that requires a lot of planning and effort.
Grilling Methods
When asked about his grilling methods and cooking strategies, Roy said, “I have been cooking more on an outdoor stove the last few years which allows me to cook dishes other than just grilled burgers or sausages. At the last game I made shrimp and grits for breakfast, a snack of grilled octopus and sausage and fried buffalo chicken sandwiches before game time. What food I make depends on what I’m feeling like so it varies. Another group of my friends bring their summer catch of fish in December and deep fry that for everyone; that is the highlight of the season.”
Roy’s tailgating grub (Credit, Sara Lugardo)
Tailgating Atmosphere
As a legendary tailgater, Roy has seen his share of the different crowds and attitudes in the many parking lots that offer tailgating around Soldier Field. When asked about the atmosphere of the tailgaters, he said, “Having been going to Bears games for 32 years, I’ve seen my share of drunks and angry drunks. But the mood in the parking lots is very happy and friendly for the most part. Bears fans do mingle with one another and ask about what others are cooking and drinking. But this being Chicago, I will say that we as a whole don’t treat opposing fans very well, unfortunately.”
Tailgating Spirit
Roy has tailgated with different friends and groups throughout the seasons and has become acquainted with a handful of tailgating groups along the way. During his many tailgating trips, Roy not only goes with groups of friends but also meets up with other groups for different games. New friendships have started and many of the tailgating adventures have involved his 10-year-old son. Roy hopes the tradition of tailgating can continue to thrive for years to come. Click herefor more information on Roy Taylor or check out the Chicago Bears History site and blog for up-to-date news and information on tailgating adventures.
Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.
Sara Lugardo thrives in writing about community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor’s in Communication and is currently working on her Master’s. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
