Be a happy Bears tailgater (Credit, Douglas Boehm)

Chicago tailgaters come in all forms, whether it’s men, women, children or teens. There are tailgating lots specific to family-friendly tailgaters, alcohol-restricted lots and lots that are renowned for their wild partying ways. Regardless of what kind of tailgater you are or how you choose to support the Chicago Bears, it’s important to know what the restroom options are for tailgating at Soldier Field. Just like it’s important to know where your exits are when on a plane, it’s crucial to know where the facilities are located. Whether it’s finding one on a time crunch or trying to strategically place yourself at a convenient distance from the facilities, make sure to keep this in mind when tailgating.

Soldier Field
 
After the renovation in 2003, Soldier Field definitely isn’t lacking when it comes to facilities. It has doubled the number of restrooms and ensured that each facility is compliant to ADA standards by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Every single restroom is fully equipped with baby changing stations and there are 14 family restrooms throughout the stadium. Solder Field prides itself on being a “green” facility complete with recycling and energy-conservative initiatives. Restrooms at Soldier Field are equipped with state-of-the-art Dyson Airblade hand dryers which replaced the paper towel system. The result is an abundance of family-friendly restrooms that are clean and efficient for the 63,000 people who visit the stadium for a Chicago home game.

Related: A Rookie’s Guide To Tailgating In Chicago

Guaranteed Lots
 
Guaranteed tailgating spots for Soldier Field are located at the South Lot or Waldron Deck. These spots are designated for those who own parking passes for these particular lots. For those willing to pay an exorbitant sum of money online, parking passes are available through ebay, shopwiki or even craigslist. If you are lucky enough to have or purchase a parking pass, the bathrooms available for tailgaters will surprise you. Unlike other parking areas that force tailgaters into porta potties, the lot bathrooms are Chicago Park District-quality restrooms.

Private
 
Private tailgating is an option for those with a larger group. The South Parking Lot Festival Area is a huge venue that can accommodate 1,500 cars. Parties can opt for renting half the lot for $5,000 or the full lot for $10,000. However, these are predominantly rented for large corporate events or over-the-top tailgating parties. Most private tailgating parties opt for the western corner of the Adler Planetarium Lot. The area can host 100 people and is $3,000 per game. With a number of your tailgaters chipping in, this can be a great way to spend a tailgating event. The fee comes included with two security guards, two parking spots and two private porta potties. While the bathrooms may still be porta potties, at least they are private to only your guests rather than the other tailgating-area options that are free-for-alls.

Related: The Personalities Of Bears Tailgating Lots

BYOB
 
Bringing your own bathroom is the best way to get around the bathroom situation while tailgating. While nothing beats the comfort factor of a home bathroom, an RV, camper or bus is the next best thing. Cash parking lots are available on game day for Soldier Field tailgaters at the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium Lot, Burnham Harbor and 31^st Street Parking Lot. While prices can fluctuate, the general fee for RVs and buses is $75. Adler Planetarium Lot is around $120 but the convenience and comfort of having your own private bathroom is immeasurable while tailgating.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian 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.

Take local transportation to your next Bears game (Credit, Douglas Boehm)

For locals traveling to Soldier Field for tailgating purposes, it’s important to utilize the public transportation system in Chicago. While driving to the stadium from Chicago’s neighboring suburbs can sometimes be tricky due to construction delays and general traffic, local residents around Soldier Field have more options for getting to the stadium. Whether it’s coming from a residence or wanting to know how to reach the stadium from the allotted tailgating parking lots, local transportation services can accommodate without much difficulty. Before heading to the game, make sure you know what your route will be to make your tailgating outing go as smoothly as possible.

CTA Trains
 
There are 11 Metra Commuter Trains that run from the Chicagoland suburbs into downtown Chicago. Of these rail lines, there are four downtown stations: LaSalle Street Station, Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center and Millennium Station. The CTA “El” Trains have the red, orange and green lines that stop at the Roosevelt Station. The Roosevelt Station is roughly half a mile west of Soldier Field, so it’s the main stop for those looking to get to the game. For more information on CTA train schedules, locations or fares, check out metrarail.com.

CTA Buses
 
From Ogilvie Transportation Center or Union Station, catch the #128 express bus. For those at Union Station, the #128 Soldier Field Express Bus boards on Jackson, east of Canal Street. For those at OTC, buses board on Madison Street. Both stations offer the express bus two hours before and 30 minutes after kickoff. El train users can take the #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express bus. You can catch the #146 on Jackson and State, which is about half-mile walk, but will take you towards the Museum Campus lot.

Taxi
 
For local residents willing to take a taxi in to Soldier Field, there are only a few areas that taxi drop-offs are allowed: the McFetridge Drive turnaround on Lake Shore Drive, the southbound exit on 18^th Street, the northbound entrance ramp on 18^th Street and the staging area on 11^th Street and Michigan Avenue. However, taxis are prohibited to enter the Soldier Field Campus after 90 minutes after kickoff. Those looking for taxi pickups after the game can use the staging area, the East Monroe Street Garage or the Museum Campus. However, those using the Museum Campus must wait at least one hour after the game ends in order to utilize taxi service.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian 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.

Tailgating in Chicago has been a tradition for years (Credit, Douglas Boehm)

The Chicago Bears are one of the oldest franchises in football history. Tailgating in Chicago has become a time-honored tradition enjoyed by one generation to the next. However, because Chicago has such a long history in football, there have been some huge changes in terms of stadiums and even teams. Understanding these changes and transitions helps to provide a better appreciation for the Chicago Bears and the legendary stadium tailgaters enjoy today.

Decatur Staleys
 
A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company maintained an athletic field named Staley Field. Located in Decatur, Illinois, the company established the Decatur Staleys as a team in 1919. In 1920, George Halas and Edward Sternaman were brought in to manage the team. While previously a member of the American Professional Football Association, the team became a charter member of the NFL in 1920. Halas relocated the team to Chicago, where they were briefly named the Chicago Staleys. The team was then renamed the Chicago Bears to associate themselves with the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

Chicago Cardinals
 
A little known fact about the Arizona Cardinals is that they were originally from Chicago. Previously known as the Chicago Cardinals, they joined the category of the only two remaining franchises from the founding of the NFL. The Chicago Cardinals actually have a history that predates the Chicago Bears, starting in 1898 when they played under the name Morgan Athletic Club and then later the Racine Cardinals. In 1922, the Racine Cardinals changed their name to the Chicago Cardinals and played their home games at Comiskey Park. The team was ultimately moved to St. Louis in 1960.

Related: Bad Weather Survival Guide To Tailgating In Chicago

Wrigley Field
 
When Halas and his partners relocated the Decatur Staleys to Chicago and renamed them the Chicago Bears, their games were held at Wrigley Field. They played there from 1921 to 1970. The primitive seating, stands and lack of padding were added to through the years with portable bleacher sections and hanging padding structures over brick walls.
 
Soldier Field
 
In a goal to build a stadium in memoriam to the American soldiers, an architectural firm known as Holabird & Roche won a competition which started plans on Soldier Field in 1919. Constructed by the South Park Commission, Soldier Field took $13 million and three separate stages between 1922 and 1939. The South Park Commission combined with other park commissions to form what we know as the Chicago Park District in 1934. Within a year of its opening day in 1924, the stadium was named Soldier Field. The Chicago Bears made Soldier Field their home in 1971. The Chicago Park District and the Chicago Bears pooled their resources to update the stadium for better seating, lighting and player-friendly amenities from 1978 to 1981. In 2003, Soldier Field underwent a huge overhaul in renovation to modernize the stadium and make it multifunctional to host a number of different events.

Related: How To Stay Safe While Tailgating In Chicago

The history behind the Chicago Bears is something that draws more and more fans to the team. Whether it’s rooting for a team that has a history dating back to the founding of the NFL or rooting for a team that has stood the test of time, Bears fans in Chicago bring that enthusiasm to their tailgating adventures. Bears tailgaters will brave the Chicago winters and stand proud during the scorching summers. Take part in a Chicago Bears tailgate outing and you will be taking part of a historic team.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who 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.

Have your next celebration at a Bears game (Credit, Douglas Boehm)

Chicago Bears fans can be described as fanatics for many reasons. Whether it’s the blistering cold winters that still pack Soldier Field or the fans that paint their chests to spell out “Go Bears” with full orange and blue colors, there is no denying Chicago has some of the most dedicated fans in football. Tailgaters in Chicago go above and beyond with driving to the parking lots six hours before kickoff to hunt for parking or paying $500 for a tailgate spot online. A trend for tailgating in Chicago has been celebrating a special event and nothing can be more special than a wedding.

The Idea

While the Chicago Bears were gearing up to face off against the Houston Texans on November 11, 2012 at Soldier Field, a couple was gearing up for the most important day of their lives. Jay Gottred and Kalli Jacobson combined their love for each other, their love for the Chicago Bears and the location of their very first date by holding their wedding ceremony at a tailgate party before a Chicago Bears home game. While many people choose to have their wedding at a location memorable for the couple, the usual places include a beach setting, a family church or a favorite vacation spot. However, Kalli Jacobson had the idea of performing their wedding nuptials at a Bears tailgate party.

Related: How To Stay Safe While Tailgating In Chicago

What to Wear

The bride and groom wore throwback jerseys, with the bride’s jersey predominantly white with a matching white veil. The groom wore a navy blue jersey with matching orange pinstripes. There were around 100 guests in attendance who all wore the typical tailgating attire, complete with Bears emblems and logos. Even the minister got into the spirit, wearing a navy blue and orange ensemble for the occasion.

Related: A How-To Guide to Build Your Homemade Bears Fan Tailgating Outfit

How to Decorate

The actual ceremony took place on the back of a dark-colored pickup truck bed so guests could get a good view of the couple. A white archway took the place of a traditional alter, complete with navy blue sheath material flowing in the wind. Above the arch were crimson, orange and white flowers that matched the bride’s bouquet. The groom and minister’s boutonniere matched the Bears colors and the bride even wore a Bears-themed garter over her blue jeans.

Celebration

Instead of the traditional “Wedding March” ballad that accompanies the bride and groom’s first kiss as man and wife, the couple opted for the “Chicago Bears Fight Song.” Guests waved blue and orange streamer wands while singing along to the traditional Bears theme song. Once the ceremony was complete, the wedding party continued in their tailgating party. USA Today released an article poking fun at what kind of celebration ensued, stating, “The guests at the wedding dined on the finest meats (Vienna beef) and vegetables (atomic relish and sauerkraut), but not ketchup. The couple is registered at NFLShop.com.” They went on to say, “That last paragraph is entirely made up. But given the setting of the nuptials, there’s a reasonable chance at least some of it’s true, particularly the no ketchup part, Chicagoans are really strict about that.”

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.

Make sure your Chicago tailgate stays safe (Credit, Douglas Boehm)

Tailgating in Chicago can be a great way to show your team spirit while taking part in a fun outdoor activity amongst friends. Whether it’s a never-miss tradition as a Bears fan or an invitation outing by a fellow Bears enthusiast, each tailgating excursion is a memorable experience. However, while the spirit of tailgating is supposed to be a fun-loving activity, there are some safety issues that can arise when partaking in it. Knowing how to stay safe while tailgating can ensure a good time is had by all and encourage further trips for tailgating at Soldier Field.

Car Safety

With Chicago being as heavily populated as any other major city, on-the-road safety is important to take into consideration when planning a tailgating outing. The strict guidelines on tailgate parking spaces call for extra time and preparation in terms of when to head out on the road. The cash parking lots that are available to tailgaters recommend arriving in the lot at least four hours prior to kickoff. With so much competition in limited tailgating spots in the cash parking lots, it can be easy to get into a frenzy while driving to the lot. However, with Chicago weather being unpredictable in its brutal winters and sudden rainstorms, it’s important not to get too caught up in racing to your tailgate spot. Proper preparation in packing for the game and allowing for ample time to drive to the lot is the best way to limit car safety hazards that may arise.

Related: Tailgate Parking Tips For Soldier Field
 
Grill Safety

A huge part of tailgating is the fun in outdoor grilling and the food festivities that are eaten and shared. While grilling may be one of the entertaining aspects of tailgating, it can also be one of the most dangerous. Unsafe grilling practices can be a huge safety hazard because of propane tanks, open fires and leaking grease. When using a propane-powered grill, make sure to check nozzles to ensure there are no leaks or compromise of the tank. In order to maintain safety on your cooking methods, it’s important to keep a watchful eye. Leaving a deep fryer on high heat with the lid on can cause the contents to overflow and even explode. Also, make sure to keep a safe distance away from cooking equipment for yourself, other tailgaters and any children that may be running around.

Related: A Rookie’s Guide To Tailgating In Chicago

Weather Safety

Chicago weather is renowned for its ferocity. It’s important to be properly prepared for any weather changes during your tailgating outing. This means stocking extra gloves, hats and scarves so you won’t be stuck out in a Chicago blizzard unprepared. Although liquor can decrease the amount of cold the body feels, there are certain conditions that are too extreme to be staved off by a few beers. Frostbite and hypothermia are real conditions that can be protected against by simply wearing weather-appropriate clothing. However, for those that are partaking in grilling, make sure to wear fingerless gloves that allow easier usability in handling tools around the grill.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who 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.

Look your Bears best with a great tailgating outfit (Credit, Douglas Boehm)

Tailgating for a Chicago Bears game is more than just grilling out and drinking before kickoff. The camaraderie and exhibition of enthusiasm for the Bears is a huge part of what makes a tailgating experience one to be remembered and cherished. Besides decking out your tailgating vehicle, the best way to show your team spirit is a Bears tailgating outfit. You can be part of the pack by purchasing commonly worn items from the Bears Pro Shop, the official store of the Chicago Bears. However, a great way to save money, stand out and create a unique look all your own is to make a homemade Bears fan tailgating outfit.

Iron On
 
Iron On Patch Shop offers a large variety of Chicago Bears patches for around $3 a piece. They vary from the official Bears logo to the mascot and helmets. This is a great way to personalize a favorite comfortable shirt or plain sweatshirt for a tailgating event. A fun add-on to make it even more customized is to use iron-on letters like from Dritz or SEI. This is a great way to add your own personal statement on your clothes like, “I tailgate better than you!” or “#1 Chicago Bears Fan!” This same detail can be added to sweatpants or jeans to create a fully embellished outfit for your tailgate game day.

Related: The Personalities of Bears Tailgating Lots

Face Paint
 
Painted faces have been ways to show team spirit for all types of different sporting events from hockey to football. However, many people find full face paint to be overly obnoxious and a bit hindering for hours of tailgating and then during the game. The Chicago Bears NFL Fan Face is a way to create the illusion of having full face paint without the nuisance of actually painting your face. However, the popularity of this mask is usually a fan favorite at tailgating events, so making your own custom mask is a fun way to stand apart from the pack. Simply purchase a plastic white full mask or even a plain hockey mask and paint it with the Chicago Bears colors and unique designs to result in a unique tailgating mask that can be easily removed while grilling and mingling.

Related: Tailgate Parking Tips For Soldier Field

Winter Gear
 
Weather-appropriate clothing items for facing Chicago winters is crucial in tailgating at Soldier Field. You can easily make homemade Bears fan tailgating gear by simply purchasing some orange and blue yarn at your local crafts store. Thread pieces into the fingertips of some inexpensive knit gloves and the effect will be spirit finger pom poms for a homemade tailgating outfit. The same technique can be done on the top of a simple knit stocking cap to create a Bears-themed hat. You can also sew in yarn threads to the end of a plain scarf to complete your winter gear ensemble.

Accessories
 
Just as accessories pull together any other outfit, it can definitely be the way to complete your tailgating look. Women can paint their nails in alternating Bears nail polish shades, while men can add Chicago Bears stickers to the corners or sides of their sunglasses. Stickers can also be added to plain earrings or pendants to make for additional added attention to your accessories. The best way to utilize this motif is by picking an earring or pendant that has a broad smooth surface. This ensures optimal space for sticker placement and a smooth, unwrinkled placement. The overall result will be a customized Bears look without having to purchase actual Bears jewelry.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who 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.

Rain or shine, enjoy the Bears game (Credit, Candice Petill)

Chicago is one city that is known for its ever-changing weather conditions. Whether it’s dealing with scorching summers, brutal winters or torrential rain, Chicago is more than just “the windy city.” While tailgating in Chicago, it’s crucial to take into consideration the weather conditions that can not only affect your drive in to Soldier Field but also the conditions while in the parking lots. Following a few simple tips can help make your tailgating excursion a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests.

Heat

Tailgating involves grilling, cooking and drinking; which are all great activities for a bright and sunny day. However, cooking over a hot grill on a scorching Chicago summer day can be uncomfortable to say the least. Allowing yourself some relief on exceptionally hot days is crucial in maintaining a comfortable tailgating event. Although there is a ban on canopies for Chicago Bears tailgating, the restrictions are more lenient towards non-free-standing canopies. A retractable canopy connected to your tailgating vehicle or even a simple battery-powered necklace fan can make a huge difference in bearing the heat.

Related: The Personalities Of Bears Tailgating Lots

Rain
 
Rain can be a definite damper on any tailgating excursion. Even with all the planning in the world and a proper synopsis of upcoming weather predictions, it’s important to be prepared for unexpected rain. Umbrellas and ponchos can be stored easily without taking up too much space and can be conveniently tucked away in your tailgating vehicle for just-in-case purposes. Also, it’s always handy to bring along a grill that can be used without having to be open to the elements. The Coleman Chicago Bears InstaStart Tailgate Grill provides features that allow it to be used in wet weather conditions and has a dependable lighting mechanism that doesn’t require matches to start.

Snow
 
Chicago is renowned for its blistering weather during the winter, whether it’s below-zero temperatures or hammering snowfall. Surviving Chicago winters while tailgating involves some extra time and effort when it comes to dressing for the weather. Layering undergarments and weather-protectant coats are imperative for staying warm. Also, head-protector items like earmuffs and hats will keep your head nice and cozy while exhibiting team spirit like the Chicago Bears Mohawk Beanie. Quality gloves are also needed to keep fingers from freezing but it can be more convenient to buy gloves with cut-out slots for fingers to allow for ease in grilling and eating.

Related: Tailgate Parking Tips For Soldier Field

Commute
 
Driving to Soldier Field can be difficult as is due to construction and traffic delays. However, adverse weather conditions can add hours onto your travel time. Whether it’s rain or snow, there will inevitably be slow drivers on the road or even an accident or two that will cause major backups on highways. While many of the parking lots call for an arrival time of four to five hours prior to kickoff to ensure availability, people tend to arrive much earlier because of the popularity of the limited tailgating parking spaces. So when driving to a Soldier Field game during bad weather, it’s important to allow ample time for traffic that may even further delay your arrival time.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who 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.

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 31^st 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.

Find the Bears tailgating party that’s right for you. (Credit, Candice Petill)

Tailgating for a Chicago Bears home game at Soldier Field can be a little tricky because of restrictions on permitted tailgating parking lots. While there are a number of options to choose from, not all parking lots are the same. There are different price points and vehicle restrictions for each parking lot. It’s important to know which lots cater to different personalities before choosing which one to tailgate in for an upcoming game.

Family Friendly

The South Lot and Waldron Deck parking lots are the best for family friendly tailgating. These lots have designated areas that allow tailgating through parking pass only. Many of the passes have been passed on from one generation to the next and have become family affairs. Because there is no availability of tailgating spaces for cash purchase on game day, there is more of a community feel.

Die-Hard Fans

The South Lot and Waldron Deck tailgating spaces are also geared towards the die-hard fans of the Chicago Bears. Since parking passes are required for parking, the demand for parking spaces definitely drives up the price. Die-hard fans can purchase parking passes online but for an exorbitant price. Shopwiki has single-day permits without an actual ticket for the game on sale for a couple hundred dollars and ebay has a listing for a Waldron Deck parking pass for the December 16 Bears vs. Packers game for a whopping $500. Any tailgater willing to pay $500 just to park a car, without any food or game ticket, is definitely a die-hard tailgating fan.

Related: Tailgate Parking Tips For Soldier Field

Wildest

With the amount of testosterone and drinks involved in tailgating, there will inevitably be some wild encounters. The western corner of the Adler Planetarium Lot is definitely known for its wild nature. The area can fit around 100 people and costs $3,000 per game for a private tailgating party. The fee includes two parking spaces for passenger vehicles, two porta potties and access to the area for a full five hours prior to kickoff. Since things can get a little rowdy with so much time to eat, mingle and drink, the fee also includes two security guards.

Accommodation

The 31^st Street Parking Lot is a lot that offers cash purchase on game day. Without needing any special parking pass, the 31^st Street Parking Lot allows cars, RVs and even buses for Bears games. Although tailgaters are encouraged to arrive at least four hours prior to kickoff to ensure parking availability, the rates for vehicles are pretty reasonable. Also, a shuttle service is provided for all patrons parked in the 31^st Street Parking Lot to get to and from Soldier Field.

Related: A Rookie’s Guide To Tailgating In Chicago

Kid Friendly

Street parking is the least desirable form of tailgate parking for Bears games because of the limitations to availability. Chicago has strict zoning regulations on street parking, forbidding parking outside of Roosevelt Road to the north, Stevenson Expressway to the south, Lake Shore Drive to the east and Michigan Avenue to the west.

However, families with young kids prefer the Parkland areas for tailgating because there is a strict ban on alcohol and picnics are encouraged as long as they adhere to the regulations stipulated by the Chicago Park District. Families with young children bring along their Tailgate Toss or Chicago Bears Ladder Golf Gameand have a great time picnicking and playing games before heading into Soldier Field.

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.

Plan your Bears game experience right (Credit, Candice Petill)

Just as timing is important for things like musical concerts, plays and school events, tailgating is no different. There are a number of outside factors that can greatly impact the timing issues involved in tailgating, so it’s important to keep these in mind. Chicago Bears fans are renowned for their team spirit and the number of tailgaters at Soldier Field games continues to grow each year. Timing is crucial in having your tailgating adventure run smoothly whether it’s for traveling to Soldier Field, arriving at the parking lot, heading into the game or planning your exit strategy.

Heading To Soldier Field

Because Chicago is a metropolitan city, there are constant construction projects on highways and downtown streets heading into Solider Field. It’s important to stay on top of traffic issues that can arise on game day. Weather can also cause traffic delays whether it’s rainy days or winter obstacles. Monitoring weather conditions can be an effective way to allow for the accurate amount of time it takes to head to Soldier Field.

Related: A Rookie’s Guide To Tailgating In Chicago

Parking 

Although there are parking lots that allow those with parking passes to have a guaranteed space for tailgating, the majority of tailgaters rely on cash parking lots. Cash parking lots are located at the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium Lot, Burnham Harbor and the 31^st Street Parking Lot. General information for these parking lots encourages tailgaters to arrive at the lot four to five hours early due to the high demand of cash parking spaces on home games at Soldier Field. However, because all tailgaters are receiving the same information on times to arrive, it’s best to get there an hour to two hours earlier than the suggested time to ensure parking space availability.

Related: Tailgate Parking Tips For Soldier Field

Heading Into The Game

Heading into the game from your tailgating spot can be a little tricky. Because of the strict rule against alcohol surrounding and entering Soldier Field, it’s important to keep this in mind during the cleanup stage. Any alcohol will be confiscated and there are tickets issued for not abiding by this rule. Allow ample time for cleanup and discarding any items that may cause a delay heading into the game. Packing up grills, tables and other tailgating equipment can be a time-consuming process, along with disposing of any garbage and contraband. Make sure to keep this in mind in determining the amount of time it will take to get to your seat.

Exit Strategy

Tailgating spots that require parking passes are located in the South Lot or Waldron Deck. These lots are open four hours prior to kickoff and close two hours after the end of the game. Some tailgaters choose to keep their tailgating party going for a short period after the game in the allotted tailgating spaces. Doing so can help to forgo the traffic that can ensue after the game ends. Whether leaving a little early to miss the congested flow from the thousands of other fans leaving Soldier Field or leaving a little late to let the traffic jam let up a little before heading home, timing is crucial in choosing an exit strategy that will allow for an easier and less stressful trip home.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Sara Lugardo thrives in writing about Chicago. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Bring plenty of utensils for tailgate grub (Credit= Candice Petill)

Many people don’t realize the complexities surrounding tailgating. This is especially the case for tailgating in Chicago because it is such a big city. With big city populations come big city intricacies like traffic, parking and guidelines. Recognizing the rules of the road with tailgating in Chicago can ensure a fun and memorable outing rather than a stressful one.

1. Thou shall know the parking rules. Chicago has strict parking guidelines for Bears home games. Guaranteed parking spots for tailgating can be found in the South Lot or Waldron Deck with a parking pass only. Cash parking lots are located at the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium Lot, Burnham Harbor and the 31^st Street parking Lot. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods around Soldier Field but there are strict residential borders. Those not confined to the designated areas can be ticketed or towed.

2. Thou shall be aware of traffic. Driving in Chicago comes with a variety of unexpected delays. Whether it’s from the suburbs or inside the city, there are inevitable delays to be aware of. It’s important to be conscious of traffic information for your tailgating adventure. Traffic news will inform of any construction, detours, road blocks or accidents that might slow down your commute.

3. Thou shall arrive early. For those with parking passes, arriving early will allow time for setup. The cash parking lots do not have a reservation system and purchase on game days can get hectic. The general information for tailgate parking in these cash parking lots is to arrive four to five hours prior to kickoff. However, arriving earlier than the suggested time gives you a better chance of obtaining the most convenient spot for your tailgating needs.

4. Thou shall know the rules. There are strict rules surrounding tailgating for Soldier Field games. Canopies, open and deep fryers are banned and so is any alcohol around or heading into Soldier Field. This is important to know so that you aren’t ticketed on game day. Also, it helps from bringing unusable items.

5. Thou shall dress appropriately. Chicago is known for extremes in weather. Whether it’s the scorching summers or the brutal winters, weather is something that should be accounted for. It’s important to be up-to-date on weather information on game day. It’s also a good idea to bring extra gear for unexpected weather conditions.

Related: A Rookie’s Guide To Tailgating in Chicago

6. Thou shall have a list. Although tailgating is meant to be a fun event, it is also something that involves a lot of preparation. Preparation is key in ensuring nothing is forgotten. Keeping a list of your essentials is crucial in preparing for the game. Keep a list of everything needed and make sure to check items off as you load up to tailgate.

7. Thou shall bring utensils. When people think of tailgating food, the majority of items that come to mind are handheld. However, there are many tailgating dishes that need utensils. Whether it’s tongs for flipping burgers or spoons for tailgate chili, utensils will definitely be needed. Make sure to bring enough for your tailgating entourage to make the most of the eating experience.

8. Thou shall bring paper goods. Paper plates and bowls are essential to tailgating in Chicago. There are some tailgating recipes that don’t need a plate, like the “walking taco.” However, the majority of tailgating food requires plates and bowls for convenience. Make sure there’s enough to go around so no one is left out on game day.

Related: Tailgate Parking Tips For Soldier Field

9. Thou shall be clean. Tailgating food is renowned for being messy and hard to eat. The sloppy ingredients of tacos or the abundance of condiments can call for some heavy-duty cleaning of your face and hands. Make sure to bring plenty of napkins and paper towels to keep hands and faces free of stickiness. It’s also a good idea to bring a pack of wipes or sanitizer for the griminess of the day.
 
10. Thou shall be courteous. A huge part of tailgating in Chicago is the camaraderie among its fans. With many tailgaters coming back year after year, it’s important to be courteous in terms of space. Disposing of garbage is vital in maintaining an agreeable relationship with neighbors. A simple pop-up trash can is a convenient and courteous way to keep garbage from being intrusive on your tailgating neighbor.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian 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.

See how your Bears mobile compares to the rest (Credit: Candice Petill)

The Chicago Bears have a history in football that includes the most members inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame, twice making it to the Super Bowl and of course the legendary Mike Ditka. The only thing that rivals the rich history of the Chicago Bears is the enthusiasm of its fans.

With Bears tailgaters hounding every home game, there seems to be competition even amongst the fans in who has the most team spirit. However when it comes to tailgating, there is only one way to prove your superiority in team spirit and tenacity and that is in the tailgate mobile. While some people may opt for the humdrum decal-ed vehicle, getting the baddest Bears tailgate mobile will definitely make you stand apart from the rest of the Chicago tailgaters.

Corporate Tailgate
440 S. Knoll St.
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 260-0626
www.corporatetailgate.com

Price: $1000 per person – includes ticket, transportation and full tailgating services
Click here for more information on Chicago events.

Corporate Tailgate is the one-stop-spot for all your Chicago Bears tailgating mobile needs. Its full tailgating package includes a ticket to the game, transportation, parking fees, a driver, wait staff, hospitality in setup and cleanup, as well as a fully customizable tailgating menu.

There is a typical tailgating menu to choose from but customized menus can be made to suit the needs of the tailgating party, like filets and shrimps or simple hotdogs and brats. For those that already have Bears tickets, mobile vehicles are available for rent for the entirety of the pregame tailgating, game and aftermath starting at $2,000.

Airstream SkyDeck

This is the smallest of Corporate Tailgate’s mobiles. This vehicle includes a roof patio that seats 15 people, two independent satellites, shower and restroom, stove, microwave, refrigerator, freezer and a private room in the back with Internet/phone/fax capability. With the retractable awning and televisions, DVD players, CD players and radios for inside, outside or roof use; this mobile is perfect for a tailgating party of around 20 people. Click here to view photos of the interior and exterior.

Travel Supreme Envoy

The next largest of Corporate Tailgate’s mobiles, the Travel Supreme Envoy is ideal for Chicago games during brutal weather. Trading in your rooftop accessibility for the luxury of added indoor convenience, this mobile features four couches, two lazyboys, five HDTVs and even an external flat-screen television. The retractable awning is almost half the size of the mobile and features an abundance of tables and chairs to coincide with a Mega Party Grill. The interior offers all the luxury of home with a private luxury suite and kitchen.

Travel Supreme Select

This is the ultimate in Chicago Bears tailgating. This 42’ Luxury Star Coach has five HDTVs, independent satellite systems, two DVD players, a private luxury suite, external flat-screen television and a full-service kitchen. Offering a huge awning with seating, tables and a Mega Party Grill, the difference in this particular vehicle is definitely the upgraded style. With luxury flooring, granite countertops, built-in televisions and leather seating, this vehicle will hold a huge tailgating party in style.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian 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.

Even if the Bears are away, don’t miss out on the football party (Credit: Candice Petill)

Tailgating enthusiasts can hardly be deterred when it comes to supporting their team. Bears fans aren’t discouraged by the scorching Chicago summers or even the blistering cold winters. However, when it comes to away games, Bears fans must be a little bit more creative in order to partake in tailgating festivities. Although there are sports bars all over the Chicago area, there are certain venues that cater to tailgating parties.

Soldier Field Skyline Suite
1410 S. Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 235-7000
www.soldierfield.net

When it comes to throwing a tailgating party for an away game, there is no better venue than Soldier Field. There are outdoor event rentals, stadium field rentals and indoor event rentals that are offered at a variety of different price ranges. The Skyline Suite holds 125 people and if that doesn’t suit your needs, there are smaller stadium luxury suites available for rent for all different types of events. This would be a great place to hold a private tailgating party and even cater from Delaware North Companies, the exclusive caterer at Soldier Field for all stadium and special events. With unbeatable views and wall-to-wall, flat-screen televisions, tailgaters can feel the excitement of being at the Bears game even while the team’s away.

Harry Caray’s Tavern, Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-9700
www.harrycaraystavern.com

Harry Caray’s has weekly tailgating specials every Sunday for home and away games. The party starts at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a selection of brunch tailgating items. Then, there are Harry’s Tailgate Specials that are offered throughout the day. On top of specialty tailgating food, there is a bloody Mary bar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with everything from house-infused jalapeño tequila to house-infused bacon vodka. Away-game tailgaters have discounted parking and the option of watching the game on any of the 30 HDTVs located inside or on the patio.

Related: Tailgate Parking Tips For Soldier Field

Allstars Sports Bar & Grill
205 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 977-1010
www.allstarschicago.com

Experience the same great food you would enjoy in the tailgating parking lots except without the setup, cleanup and hassle. Allstars offers private party packages that feature tailgating classics like hamburgers and skewers but with the addition of pizza, pastas and chicken wings. There is a 25-person minimum to book your tailgating party at Allstars but there are prices and packages to suit anyone’s budget. With over 25 televisions to watch the game and a sports museum and memorabilia center, people will feel like they’re tailgating in a friendly environment filled with team spirit.

Timothy O’Toole’s Pub
622 N. Fairbanks Court
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 642-0700
www.timothyotooles.com

Making the list for countless features on the best sports bars in Chicago, there is no doubt that Timothy O’Toole’s Pub is a great venue to host a tailgating party. There are 45 televisions, a dartboard, three pool tables and free wireless internet access. The jukebox will keep the party going with more than 100,000 songs to choose from. There are two private party rooms with the ability to cater towards a small group of just 36 people or even a large group of over 400.

Related: A Rookie’s Guide To Tailgating In Chicago

Mother Hubbard’s
5 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 828-0007
www.motherhubbardschicago.com

Open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., Mother Hubbard’s is the perfect place to watch a Bears away game. This is definitely a party atmosphere with a huge variety of food with everything from enchiladas to whole BBQ rib slabs or rotisserie chickens. Tailgating fans will be thrilled to hear that even Mike Tice, the Offensive Coordinator for the Chicago Bears, has stopped in to Mother Hubbard’s to celebrate after the Bears opening-day victory at Soldier Field. There is free wireless internet service for those looking to get up-to-date game info right at their table and people will feel they are right at the game with Mother Hubbard’s giant televisions.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at TailgateFan.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian 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.

Decorate your car with Chicago Bears accessories to be the ultimate fan (Credit: Candice Petill)

When it comes to tailgating, most people inevitably think about the camaraderie of being amongst other fans, the great food and getting into the game-day spirit before kickoff. However, a huge part of tailgating is expressing your enthusiasm for the team by not only dressing the part but also decorating your tailgate car. Fans of the Chicago Bears have an abundance of options when it comes to tailgating accessories for the car. Read on for a layout of decorations that will make your car stand above from the rest.

Sun Shades 

A great tailgating car decoration also protects your skin from an overheated seat. While your car is parked in a designated tailgating area, it can be subject to the scorching sun for not only the hours of tailgating but also while you are in the stadium watching the game. The Chicago Bears Auto Sun Shade goes for $25 and is placed within your front windshield to protect your interior from excessive heat. However, because of its design, it stands as a great tailgating decoration for your car as well.

There is a strict ban on canopies for Chicago Bears tailgating. However, the ban is not specific on non-free standing canopies. Therefore, many tailgaters are looking into retractable canopies connected to their tailgating cars. Sports Shade has a Chicago Bears football SportsShade that allows for a canopy-like retractable awning. The product description boasts setup in less than 30 seconds and features a customizable banner that’s perfect for tailgating.

Related: A Rookie’s Guide To Tailgating In Chicago

Cooking Accessories

Die-hard tailgating fans will be thrilled with the Margaritaville Tailgating Grill. This grill actually attaches to a standard tow hitch on the back of your vehicle. The grill rides on the back side of your vehicle while driving and then extends away for use during tailgating. Tailgating Ideas takes the grill and completely customizes it to suit your favorite team. The Chicago Bears customized grill is complete with the Bears’ signature colors and proudly displays the emblem in the middle of the grill.

Some tailgaters don’t come equipped with fancy grills or bulky tailgating tables. The Chicago Bears Heavy Duty Vinyl Cargo Mat is great for transforming the back of any vehicle into an all-purpose station. This cover displays the Bears’ emblem, protects the interior of the car from spills and drips and is fully transportable. It’s also a great mat for placing store-away items for cleanup after tailgating.

Related: Tailgating Parking Tips For Soldier Field

Decals

Tailgate cars wouldn’t be the same without team decals. These easy, stick-on decals can adhere to multiple surfaces and are removable and reusable. This is a great way to completely transform your vehicle to get into team spirit without having to permanently alter the appearance of your car. There are a variety of different decals that are out on the market but there are a few that stand above the rest.

• Wincraft Chicago Bears Decal Pack – $24.99
• Chicago Bears ARMagnet – $22.95
• Team ProMark Chicago Bears MicroFlame Graphics – $14.99

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian 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.

Know the rules

It’s essential to know the rules when it comes to tailgating in Chicago because the rules can vary with each state, stadium and team. The key guidelines in Chicago tailgating are the ban on canopies, open fires and deep fryers. Knowing this will help with the preparation purchases before planning your tailgating adventure. Another key rule is the ban on alcohol around the stadium, including leaving the lots and heading into Soldier Field. This rule is strictly enforced, so anyone trying to conceal alcohol can be issued a ticket.

Parking regulations

There are strict guidelines in parking regulations for tailgating at Soldier Field. Street parking is limited to specific non-residential zoning areas and there are only guaranteed tailgating parking spots in the South Lot or Waldron Deck by parking pass only. Cash parking lots are available but tailgaters are highly recommended to arrive four to five hours prior to kickoff to ensure availability. Click here for further information on parking guidelines for tailgating.

Weather-friendly apparel

The weather in Chicago has extreme highs and lows, regardless of the season. While the summer can be scorching and the winters are renowned for their fierceness, the weather can change from game day to game day. It’s crucial to pay attention to weather changes on the day of your planned tailgate to pack the proper apparel, equipment and protection from the elements. Whether it’s the portable handheld fan on a scorcher, umbrella on a rainy day or mittens and headgear for a Chicago winter’s day, it’s crucial to come prepared when tailgating.

Eating equipment

When it comes to eating, grilling and cooking for a tailgating excursion, the equipment varies by the specific likes of the individual. While some will opt for the massive grill, others might choose the home crockpot or the simple pop-up grill. Whatever your preference, make sure to supply yourself with the right cooking utensils and storage equipment to make your preparation as simple as possible. Some key equipment to remember is cooking and eating utensils, preparation and eating tables, convenient seating and cleanup components. There are items for every budget but the real fun is picking the pieces featuring your favorite Chicago Bears team spirit. Some great sites for Chicago Bears tailgating paraphernalia are fansedge.com, footballfanatics.com, sportsfanfare.com and the official Chicago Bears store for tailgating at chicagobears.com.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at TailgateFan.com.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian 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.

Photo Credit: Scott Boehm/Getty Images

Ah, tailgating… an American institution and a true display of what it means to be a fan. For the uninitiated, a tailgate is a party hosted out of a car, or pretty much anything else with wheels (not Segways… yet). Most tailgates take place around football games and involve grills, beer, games and other outdoor distractions. The common tailgater will hold the party before and after the game, with the exception of some boozy warriors who celebrate throughout the game as well.

Got the fundamentals down? Good. Because that’s the academic definition of tailgating. And the truth is that tailgating means so much more than just partying outside on game day.

You see, our favorite athletes give us a gift every season. They sacrifice themselves for the sake of our school or hometown pride, not to mention our entertainment. In turn, we pay back their sacrifice with $45 parking spaces, $170 jerseys, $18 beers, $115 tickets and multimillion dollar contracts by camping out near the stadium for every game, sometimes for days at a time. The physical sacrifice we endure before and after the game is a direct homage to their efforts during the game. In fact, sometimes it’s harder. Let’s see JaMarcus Russell try to cram down 15 hot dogs before running out on the field. Maybe that isn’t the best example, but you get the point.

Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Maybe I’m being too dramatic. Just tell that to the Buffalo faithful, who brave freezing temperatures outside each winter to chomp down one more wing before watching their team heroically race for 3^rd in the AFC East. Or to the Houston fans who are forced, against their better judgment, to down beer after beer to stay cool in the sweltering southern heat. Ladies and gentlemen, these are the true fans. They sacrifice themselves to show both support and pride for their teams.

BUT! Tailgates are also a direct reflection of hometown pride. Think about it: you can get burgers at any tailgate. But only in Gillette Stadium can you feast on some of the world’s best New England clam chowder while some big guy named Sully screams aggressive things about your mother. And in New Orleans? You can have your fill of etouffee and gumbo, all while trying to decipher what language the locals are speaking (spoiler: still English).

And finally, tailgating is all about community. You’ll understand when you see it firsthand: the parking lot laid out in front of you, the air thick and smoky from a small army of grills, music blaring and flags flying high. It’s like someone stitched together everyone’s backyard cookout like a quilt. And even though the days when we would ask a neighbor for a cup of sugar are long gone, at the tailgate, where everyone is gathered together in the name of fandom, the feast is shared among fan and foe alike.

I could describe tailgating to you all day and night. But experience trumps all. So, do yourself a favor this season: go out there and celebrate your town, team, region, college or community, and enjoy a publicly approved excuse to drink beer at 10:00 in the morning.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going.

Stop in at the Man Cave, where the women are hot and the beer is cold.

Brian Cullen brings you the best tips and practices about tailgating all season at Tailgate Fan. Save him a brat, or follow him on Twitter @bucketcullen.

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »

By Christine Hinrichs

After months of TV watching, countless cheers and upsets, and numerous football parties, the Super Bowl is finally here. And with the Patriots and the Giants meeting for their second Super Bowl matchup in the last few years, it’s sure to be a great game. I enjoy having Super Bowl parties, but what I really love is creating theme recipes. Here are two recipes, one for New York fans and one for Patriots fans, and both are easy to put together and are sure to impress your guests.
 
 
 
 
 
New England Chowder with Old Bay Croutons
(serves 6-8 as a regular entrée)
adapted from Epicurious

If you don’t like clams, feel free to omit the clams and then substitute vegetable stock for the clam juice. For a more festive feel, serve the chowder in shot glasses!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ¼ pound canned clams, minced, juice reserved
• 2-3 cups clam juice OR 3 cups of vegetable stock
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ cup frozen corn
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 tablespoon dry white wine
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
   
  Directions:
  Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Combine the clam juice and juice from canned clams until you have 3 cups of liquid.

  In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion and cook until translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the flour and cook over low heat, stirring, for another 2 minutes.

  Whisk in the clam juice, bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Add the thyme and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. Add the diced potatoes and simmer partially covered until the potatoes are tender.

  In a separate sauce pan, combine the minced clams and half and half and simmer until clams are cooked through. Once the potatoes are tender, add the clam mixture to the soup pot and the frozen corn. Simmer together for another few minutes. Stir in the wine and Worcestershire sauce, taste and adjust salt & pepper.

  Meanwhile, toss the cubed bread, olive oil, and Old Bay seasoning. Arrange the bread cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Bake until the bread is crisp but still has some give, about 5-8 minutes. Serve the chowder in small bowls or shot glasses and top each serving with Old Bay croutons.
  
  Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets, and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.
  

  Related Stories

  • Top 10 Tailgate Resolutions
  • Tailgate Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip
  • Big Game Party Recipe: New York Pretzel Bites With Spicy Cheese Sauce
  • The Super Bowl of Feasts
  • [Photos] Die Hard Fans Tailgating The NFL Playoffs

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »

By Christian S. Kohl

The Super Bowl represents the lone day of the year where the best tailgate possible may well take place from the comforts of your own home as opposed to right outside the stadium. Ignoring the obvious problems of a difficult commute and wrangling space to tailgate among the droves of people, your on-site tailgate faces a logistical problem that your home tailgate will not: your car almost certainly not contain all the food you should be devouring on this magical day. The biggest day of the year unequivocally demands the biggest feast of the year.

Other major days of the year often involve the hearty consumption of food, such as Thanksgiving. As we all know though, such days often restrict the types of foods and sides you’re expected to prepare and consume. What makes Super Bowl Sunday consumption so glorious is not simply that you can eat all day long, from 3AM pregame coverage to the Lombardi presentation. What makes it the greatest feast day of them all is that there are no rules whatsoever, and absolutely anything goes.

Your spread can last as many courses as you want it to. You can start slow with appetizers like chips and salsa or nachos, working your way up to burgers, pizza, and ultimately dessert. You can barbecue all day and drop plate after plate of ribs, or pulled pork sandwiches on your kitchen tables for guests in one unending course until kickoff, then resume again at halftime. Desserts can be cakes and pies, or cookies and ice cream. Or you can very simply eat 300 wings a man and collapse in a ball midway through the second quarter.

Every player on the field has worked the entire year for this moment; it’s far and away the biggest day of the year. Such commitment requires celebration and food consumption on the part of NFL fans which matches their level of intensity. As a die-hard football fan, this is no doubt the biggest day of your year as well, and you simply cannot leave anything out there on the field. Even a person on a regimented and disciplined diet should break it for this one day. Take one day off from counting calories and count how many feet of the party sub you can ingest in four quarters. If you’re the tailgating chef, use every kitchen and grill resource you’ve got and use every last page of your playbook. You know Brady and Manning are going to air to out, and you absolutely should as well.

Whatever option you opt for, make sure it’s lasting and worthwhile. If there’s one thing everyone has realized about the Super Bowl, it’s that the Super Bowl is as much an event as it is a game. So as you assemble that menu for yourself, friends and guests, wherever in the world you might be, remember to make it an event everyone will remember for years to come. Tailgating champions don’t simply show up on Game Day. They prepare, and put in the work. Become that tailgating champion, at the game or at home. Harness the skills you’ve been developing all year, maximize your potential, and eat literally all that you can stomach.

Christian S. Kohl is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. Find out more about him at DailySpew.com.

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »

By Christine Hinrichs

After months of TV watching, countless cheers and upsets, and numerous football parties, the Super Bowl is finally here. And with the Patriots and the Giants meeting for their second Super Bowl matchup in the last few years, it’s sure to be a great game. I enjoy having Super Bowl parties, but what I really love is creating theme recipes. Here are two recipes, one for New York fans and one for Patriots fans, and both are easy to put together and are sure to impress your guests.
 
 
 
 
 
New York Pretzel Bites with Spicy Cheese Sauce
(makes about 100 small pretzel bites)
adapted from Alton Brown

Ingredients (pretzel bites):

• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• 1 yeast packet
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 ½ cups flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 10 cups of water
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 egg lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Coarse salt or pretzel salt
• Cooking spray

 
Ingredients (cheese sauce):

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half and half
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

 
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Wait until the yeast mixture starts to foam, about 5 minutes. Then add the flour and melted butter and stir to combine as best you can. The dough will be firm, so use some muscle. Turn the dough out onto a flat surface and knead it until smooth, about 5 minutes. Spray the bowl lightly with cooking spray, then return the dough to the bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Place in a warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise for about an hour.

Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper, and spray the paper lightly with cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

In a large pot, combine the 10 cups of water and baking soda. Heat on high – you’ll need the water to be at a boil once you’re done working with the dough. Once the dough has risen, combine the 10 cups of water and baking soda in a large pot. Heat on high, and then turn back to the dough. Punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces (a pizza cutter works well for this). Roll out each piece into an 18-inch rope. Then using the pizza cutter, cut each rope into 1-inch squares of dough.

Once your water mixture has come to a boil add the dough pieces in batches – 12-14 – and leave them in the boiling water for about 15 seconds. Fish them out using a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheets lined with parchment. Continue until all of the dough pieces have been in the baking-soda bath.

Arrange the dough on the pans so there is space between each piece. Using a pastry brush, brush each dough bite with the egg wash. Then sprinkle the dough with salt to your liking. Bake the pretzel bites for about 14 minutes. Let cool for about five minutes before serving.

In the meantime, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk to combine for about 1-2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and slowly whisk in the half and half. Return the pan to medium-low heat and slowly add the cheese, jalapeño, and spices, whisking in a figure-8 pattern. Once the cheese has just melted, remove from heat.

Keep the cheese sauce in a microwave-safe container so it can be reheated as needed. Serve alongside the pretzel bites.
Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets, and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.


Related Stories

• Big Game Party Recipe: New England Chowder with Old Bay Croutons
• Top 10 Tailgate Resolutions
• Tailgate Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip
• The Super Bowl of Feasts
• [Photos] Tailgating At The NFL Playoffs

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/27/big-game-party-recipe-new-york-pretzel-bites-with-spicy-cheese-sauce/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/13/end-of-game-celebrations/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/13/end-of-game-celebrations/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:29:39 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=231916 By: Christian S. Kohl We’ve all been there. You set aside an entire, glorious weekend day. Arrive at the stadium hours before game time and enjoy a spectacular tailgate as the sun reaches its highest […]]]>

By: Christian S. Kohl

We’ve all been there. You set aside an entire, glorious weekend day. Arrive at the stadium hours before game time and enjoy a spectacular tailgate as the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Head into the stadium, cheer until you’re so hoarse you can no longer speak. Just a few short hours later, after thrilling victory or crushing defeat, there’s little else to do aside from returning to the parking lot, spending three hours moving a total of 200 feet, and nosing the car out of the parking lot before heading back home. Unless of course, when you find your car again after that draining and exhausting game, there’s another tailgate waiting there for you.

Think about it. A postgame tailgate. You’re going to be stuck in that line of cars for hours anyway. Besides, it feels like forever since your last meal. It was morning then, and the sun is setting now. For all intents and purposes, it’s dinner time, but it could be an eternity before you again find refreshments and food. Unless another magical spread is upon you as soon as you return.

The best part of the postgame tailgate is that it’s appropriate no matter what happened during the game. An epic and triumphant victory for your team demands celebration. A bitter and costly defeat requires comfort, and a forum to discuss all that needs to happen for the season to turn around. What better place for all of that than huddled around a barbecue next to your car as you’re cooking meat?

This particular form of tailgating requires a special kind of person, however. In order for this to be executed properly, you need a Tailgating Hero. You need a person in your crew who comes to the games for the food and the camaraderie, but doesn’t live and die with the outcome or the score. Someone who feels like they need to stretch their legs even after halftime ends, and is content to listen to the radio, or get the live reports when you all return. Because that person, the Tailgating Hero in your crew, can leave in the third quarter and fire everything back up again. If every single one of you is a die-hard, this may be nearly impossible to pull off. Just remember though. Rooting with all your strength for your team is about hope, and belief. For the postgame tailgate to appear, and appear without a hitch: all it takes is one person.

I advise that this particular form of celebration best take place if your crew can all arrive in a single car, as the maximum number of people can enjoy the liquid festivities postgame as well. I would further advise that if that same person who takes the bullet and volunteers to set up the postgame tailgate also holds the keys and drives home, something very special has happened in your life. You have found the Tailgating Hero. Maybe not the hero your tailgate deserves, but the one it needs right now. And if you’re ever looking to thank that person, don’t even bother getting them an apron. Thank your Hero properly, and buy him a cape. For he has made the impossible a reality, and allowed all that is great about game day to truly last the entire day.


Christian S. Kohl is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. Find out more about him at DailySpew.com

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]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/13/end-of-game-celebrations/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/everyday-life-is-a-party-too/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/everyday-life-is-a-party-too/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:59:57 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=229158 By Christian S. Kohl Fans come from far and wide to gather and tailgate for some of life’s most exciting events. What better way to savor the anticipation of a highly awaited game other than […]]]>

By Christian S. Kohl

Fans come from far and wide to gather and tailgate for some of life’s most exciting events. What better way to savor the anticipation of a highly awaited game other than with sumptuous food, ample beverages, and great company? After all, tailgating as an idea is all about making things better. In this case, making the very best of times simply that much more unforgettable. Yet, I humbly propose the notion that tailgating actually makes everything better, so much so that it very well may redeem even the most unpleasant or generic of moments in life.

Everyone hates going to the Motor Vehicle Bureau. Takes all day, line feels like it stretches on to eternity, generally about eight ways unpleasant. Not if you’re all tailgating it, though. Think about it: you and a few buddies decide to all renew your license on the same day, and throw a party out in the parking lot. All you need is one guy to hold your place in line, and you can all switch out as burgers come off the grill, or if someone needs a refill. You can instantly turn one of the most irritating errands of life into a quality flag football game and a fantastic time.

Girlfriend wants you to come along while she shops for shoes? Let’s turn this into a group event instead. Ladies, you go hunt for bargains on slingback pumps, and we’ll be out here in the lot. We’ll even have dinner served and ready to go for you when you come back. This way, everybody wins, instead of one of us dying a painful death watching your purse outside the fitting rooms, a place where time stands still and all hope perished decades prior.

Tailgating, as all true die-hards know, is an event in its own right. The amount of preparation and attention to detail requires it be done right means you don’t just throw a few items in a cooler and head out. This is an outdoor banquet with a dress code of jeans and hoodies, something we can all appreciate. This is a feast for the senses and great times enjoyed by all. I mean to take nothing away from the joy of the game itself. I simply intend to demonstrate accurately the glorious value of the tailgate, even by itself.

Need some electronics repaired and they won’t be available until the end of the day? Give them your cell and not your home phone; you’re glad to wait. Every time you go the doctor’s office for a routine physical, the waiting room is jammed and it takes them forever to call your name. It’s the absolute worst. …or is it?

Go out there and give it a shot. I offer this as a personal challenge to all of you out there, even the most hardened of skeptics. Faced with an endless wait and potential hours of agonizing monotony, head out into what would otherwise be a bleak and dreary reality. I challenge you all to see if there is in fact a situation that some lawn chairs, quality music, coolers of the good stuff and endless sides of perfectly prepared beef can’t fully redeem. Make it fun, and most of all, make it count.

Christian S. Kohl is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. Find out more about him at dailyspew.com

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]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/everyday-life-is-a-party-too/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/wild-card-weekends-hottest-cheerleaders/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/wild-card-weekends-hottest-cheerleaders/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:59:40 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=229155 From Tebow to Manning, the gridiron was where the action was...or was it? Wild Card Weekend not only provided great matchups, but these hot cheerleaders too...]]>

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]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/wild-card-weekends-hottest-cheerleaders/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/tailgating-for-the-whole-family/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/tailgating-for-the-whole-family/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:48:39 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=228034 Tailgating is a time-honored tradition, handed down through the generations of fans who enjoy flame-kissed meat, coolers of beer, and outdoor parties just as much as they love rooting on their beloved teams. I mean […]]]>

Tailgating is a time-honored tradition, handed down through the generations of fans who enjoy flame-kissed meat, coolers of beer, and outdoor parties just as much as they love rooting on their beloved teams. I mean to take nothing away from such glorious experiences, and instead offer an opportunity to partake in them more often, and include everyone in the whole family.

In the interest of keeping the barbecue flames of tailgating burning for everyone, I’d like to suggest the following: sporting events at any level can be tailgated, and everyone can partake. After my high school football games, parents used to lay out a savory banquet for us. Not just brownies and desserts, we were treated to pound after pound of burgers and dogs, not to mention fall-off-the-bone fried chicken using a recipe one parent would make weekly from scratch. What better way to get everyone together: parents and players, teammates and friends, unite the whole community after a heroic win or tragic loss than unending mountains of delicious food?

The same idea works for tailgating your kid’s regional semifinal soccer match, or the last Little League game of the season which determines the regular season championship. In fact, the further away from professional ranks one gets, the more sense holding tailgates makes. Introductory levels of athletics these days are intended to introduce the kids to sports without heaping on the pressure of “winning is everything,” or exposing them to the dangers of full contact right away. To that end, the leagues are about more than just learning: they reinforce the idea of teamwork, friendship, and community.

At age seven, the purple team isn’t a sworn enemy; in fact, your next-door neighbor and best friend plays for the purple team. After three long periods of hockey at 7AM, or battling it out for six innings plus two extras on the local diamond, why not all get together afterward to share a few laughs and a hearty meal? Not to mention, with younger generations of players beginning to learn our greatest sports, a fantastic way to better understand them is often through conversation and story. Everyone, kids and parents, learn the rules faster, start talking strategy sooner, and may enjoy the game at a deeper level, all the while scarfing down the best food grills can offer. Tough to argue with that.

It goes without saying that tailgating for an event and its players should be age appropriate. Piecing together a spread for a rec or developmental league should probably contain water, soda, and juice in place of the NFL standards such as beer, and more beer. There may be more snack foods and sugar than homemade sauces and meat. The feast would take place after the game instead of before, but the concept remains the same. The idea of tailgating can be celebrated at every level of sports, not just elite college teams and the NFL. So give it a whirl, and let me know how it goes. Get the whole community out there warming up next to those barbecues, rooting on their hometown teams and the next generation of athletes. After all, a rock-solid tailgate simply makes the brutal losses that much easier to swallow, and the legendary victories that much more epic, and unforgettable.

Christian S. Kohl is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. Find out more about him at DailySpew.com


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]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/tailgating-for-the-whole-family/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/essential-playoff-tailgating-tips/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/essential-playoff-tailgating-tips/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:48:26 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=228031 Your team made the playoffs. Congratulations. You scored tickets to the game? Well that deserves a celebration. As winter sets in, the NFL cookout staple of tailgating becomes as much about surviving as it does […]]]>

Your team made the playoffs. Congratulations. You scored tickets to the game? Well that deserves a celebration. As winter sets in, the NFL cookout staple of tailgating becomes as much about surviving as it does gorging. Sub-zero temperatures, wind and sobriety can be a devastating combination. Here are some tips for your winter weather tailgate:

Hot Beverages: Many hardcore tailgaters will stick by their beer of choice, but for those willing to adapt; a hot cider, hot cocoa with a nice shot of choice will both be appropriate to warm you up. While on the topic of hot liquids…

Soup and Stew: Yes, you’ll grill out, that’s a given. But heat up some soup and stew to add to your cornucopia of delightful choices. Stew is easy to disperse, and spoons are a much easier glove-used-utensil than forks and knives. Make sure you remember the essentials: Pot, ladle, bowls, etc.

Precook Your Food: Minimize time between packaging and mouth. Always a plus. Spending less time standing around and more time eating is a must.

Styrofoam Floor: I know it may sound crazy, but take it from a seasoned Kansas City Chiefs extreme-weather tailgater; if you can stow away some sheets of styrofoam next time you get a package, it will make a world of difference beneath your feat or folding chairs when its below zero outside.

Bring the Right Gear: Don’t get caught unable to light your grill in the cold wind. Frustrated fans will quickly abandon your tailgate for warmer pastures if things go south. Try an industrial lighter to get the job done, such as the Zippo Flex Neck Utility lighter to dominate the cold and wind. A regular lighter, if it even lights, may suffer at the hands of winter winds.

Game Ideas: Tossing around a football in the cold will quickly turn into tossing a frozen rock at each other’s face. Combine that with wearing bulky gloves and you have a Marsha Brady situation waiting to happen. Bags (cornhole, bean bags, bag toss, whatever you call it) is the premier cold weather tailgating game. Simply, you can hold a drink in your other hand, and you won’t embarrass yourself by showing off your Drew Brees (or more likely Ryan Leaf) throwing skills.

Enjoy Yourself: Sitting around talking about how cold it is will only make you feel colder. Talk about how great Aaron Rodgers is or how decent Matt Ryan is. Toss a football around for thirty seconds until your hand freezes. Just be happy you aren’t a Chiefs fan or a Colts fan or one of the dozens of other team’s fans sitting at home.

Tailgating is a time honored tradition in professional football, and is proven to help your home team win (actual results may vary). Making sure you’re prepared for the cold weather will enhance your tailgating time. If you do decide to brave the cold and paint your chest and go hat-less, then don’t cry. There’s no crying in tailgating.

Kyle Ayers is a writer for CBS Local and KorkedBats.com, as well as a stand up comedian living in New York, Earth.

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]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/essential-playoff-tailgating-tips/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/extending-the-tailgate-keeping-camaraderie-alive/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/extending-the-tailgate-keeping-camaraderie-alive/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:09:18 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=225573 By: Harrison Goo A few days ago, I wrote an article about the concept of “extending the tailgate.” If you didn’t see it yet, you can read it here. And while the feedback I received […]]]> By: Harrison Goo



(credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

A few days ago, I wrote an article about the concept of “extending the tailgate.” If you didn’t see it yet, you can read it here. And while the feedback I received was generally positive, I found that people always ended up wondering the same thing. Will the idea really work? Like many things that sound good in theory, (socialism, communism, democracy, etc.) concepts like “extending the tailgate” are only as good as the proof you offer for their success. And, after debating how best to quantify this proof, I thought it best to offer a few anecdotes from my past. For anonymity’s sake I have used pseudonyms for the people whose stories are retold here. I must admit that these will be drawn from their favorite players or teams. Thus, if you know them they will be easily identifiable…which makes reading their stories all that more humorous. And…if not…, well, I hope you can still find some humor in them as well.

The (Self-Proclaimed) Sports Gooru:
The first real tailgating experience that I can remember happened when I was 7. It was with my dad and his friends, sitting around a car eating a bento an hour or so before the game. Truthfully, it wasn’t all that great. My young age and lack of football knowledge saw this experience as little more than eating outside in a noisy, crowded parking lot. Even when we went into the stadium, I didn’t know any of the players and cheered only when those around me did. Luckily for me though, this was the last game of the 1992 season (the year Hawaii went 11-2 and made the Holiday Bowl), so there was a lot to cheer about.

That is not to say, however, that this scarred me from ever tailgating again. In fact it was quite the opposite. Tailgating became a way for me and my buddies from high school to get together. Once we went off to different colleges, having extended tailgates were the only times when we KNEW that we would be together (provided, of course, that Hawaii qualified for the Hawaii Bowl which happened on Christmas Eve, when we were all on break.)

My tailgate memories, however, are not all nostalgia and happiness. My worst drinking experience ever happened at a tailgate, a couple of years ago between my two alma maters (USC and UH.) I’m truthfully not much of a drinker, and made the fatal mistake that day of allowing someone else to mix my drinks. In any case, after about an hour of drinking games and (what I thought was) quite a bit of sweet tea vodka and beer, I retired to my car hot, tired and slightly sick. Big mistake. When I woke up a half an hour later I was more hot, more tired and more sick. Then, after getting up and walking around I felt my stomach churn and…well…yeah you can imagine the rest at your own risk. This was definitely not my proudest moment.

Extended tailgates though, have easily been some of the best experiences of my life. My favorite happened in June of 2005, the summer after UH beat up on Roddy White’s Alabama Birmingham team in the Hawaii Bowl and optimism for the upcoming season was high. At the time, Oceanic Cable (the cable service provider here in Hawaii), had just come out with a “UH Sports on Demand” package, making every UH game from the last 5 seasons available and viewable for a small fee. So we potlucked, gathered at “The Tank’s” house (prior to him officially becoming “the Tank” since we were underage at the time), and sat for hours in front of his TV reliving the glory games of the past few seasons (against Fresno State in 2001 and BYU in 2002, among others.) It was a great day.

AP (I Drink) All Day:
I think it was Hawaii’s 2009 season opener against Central Arkansas. Yeah, that was it. I, along with the “Denver Ewok”, decided we were going to go beer for beer with “The Tank”. Big mistake. A few beers turned into flip cup, which turned into 10 games of flip cup. Maybe it was 20? Who knows. I don’t even remember when it was that I stopped remembering. I do know that I started to regain my memory midway through the second quarter but it faded in and out until close to the end of the 4th. The final score? UH – 25, Division III Central Arkansas – 20. Guess I didn’t miss anything. Hmm, on second thought, maybe it would have been better if I forgot the game completely. (Reaches for a beer.)

After that, I don’t remember who UH was playing, but I know we managed to get together an epic game of flip cup…Punahou (high school) Alumni vs. The World with 13 people per team. Sadly, the build-up greatly exceeded the actual event. After the first guy we were neck and neck. Then we stalled on “Dez(ire more beer) Bryant”. And stalled. And stalled. And stalled. Soon 13 people from “The World” were finished and Dez was still trying to flip his cup. It was a sad, embarrassing day.

The best extended tailgate I can remember? Actually to tell you the truth, all the best ones I don’t remember. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m cool just hearing about em afterwards.

The (Shark) Tank:
All of the extended tailgates happen at my place which is sort of how it’s always been. Since I live in the most central location, we’ve been getting together here, tailgate or not, for the better part of the last two decades. And you know what? Each time its special. Enough can’t be said for having a great group of friends who always get along and always have a good time. I’ve been blessed. Absolutely blessed.

That being said, I have a ton of tailgating stories. But really the most important thing for you to know is that no one out-drinks me. No one. 25 shots in one night at a bar in Whistler says it all. As does the Keggerator in my house.

Andrew (Not Very Much) Luck:
My story is the same as the Gooru’s. Only I drank for an hour longer and threw up an hour earlier. I’m a lightweight and I’m not ashamed to admit it! Andrew Luck got robbed! STANFORD FOR LIFE!!! (Okay this last part I just made up.)

The one extended tailgate that jumps out to me happened in 2001. We were having a Superbowl party at “the Tank’s” house to watch the Baltimore Ravens play the New York Giants. Terrible game. Terrible and boring. So what did we do instead? Walked over to the park and got our own football game going. Are we athletes? No, not by a long shot. But we had a great time and in the end, that was the most important thing.

Antonio (Natural HI) Gates:
My first ever tailgating experience was in high school with Dez’s family, and it was also my real first exposure to a Jam session. His Grandpa was playing guitar, two guys were on the Ukulele and there was another on a washpan bass. The most incredible part was these 4 old-timers seemed to know the words and chords to every song I could think of. It was amazing.

As for extended tailgates, the random dinners at “the Tank’s” were something I’ve always cherished. It wasn’t even anything particularly fancy, we’d just set up a grill with beer, music, drinking games and, of course, more beer (cut to AP nodding in agreement). As we got older though, these gatherings became more and more important because they were just about the only times that we’d all get together, just to hang out. Once people started becoming busy with school or work, it was hard to just take a breath and meet up, so I’m glad that this tradition is something that has endured the test of time, so to speak.

LaDainian (Ring My Del) Tomlinson:
Tailgating has been a tradition in my family since before I can remember. I think my parents told me that even before I was born, they used to tailgate with their friends. Then my mom stopped going and we’d go shopping instead while my dad and brother tailgated with our friends. Then after awhile my brother wasn’t as interested in football anymore so he stopped going too. Just my dad was left.

It was about this time, however, that I started dating “AP” and began to develop an interest in the game again (mostly so I could beat him in our fantasy football league.) So when he’d tailgate or get together with his friends, I’d tag along. Not sure what this really means. Is this even really a tailgating story? Sorry if it’s not. But I guess my point is that tailgating is probably more than just the game right? It’s a chance for friends to get together and have a good time. At least that’s what I love about it.

The most important thing about all these stories, you see, is not just their content, but the emotions they elicit. No matter what happened, whether it was a drunken flip-cup fiasco, or a football game in the park between friends, all our activities can be looked back upon fondly. I guess what I’m trying to say is that, while I’ve described a set of recommended circumstances for extending your tailgate, it is by no means mandatory to follow them. The main thing for this type of tailgate it seems, is that it’s not just what you do, but who you do it with.

Harrison Goo is a contributor to CBS Local and the founder of the blog Sportsgooru.com. To contact him, email him at harrison@sportsgooru.com follow him on twitter at @sportsgooru.


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• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #5
• [Photos] NFL Cheerleaders Are The Hottest And We Have Proof
• Tailgate Turf Wars: Pros and Cons of Location

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/extending-the-tailgate-keeping-camaraderie-alive/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-5/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-5/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:29:59 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=225523 When you think tailgating, you think fried, sauced and meaty heaven, but there’s another important part of tailgating that you can’t forget – team spirit. I’m not talking pom-poms and high-kicks; you must have team […]]]>


(credit: TailgateFanChallenge.com)

When you think tailgating, you think fried, sauced and meaty heaven, but there’s another important part of tailgating that you can’t forget – team spirit. I’m not talking pom-poms and high-kicks; you must have team shirts, hats, signs and most of all, the attitude. Hold your head high like you’re one of the big guns running out of the locker room and onto that dewy field. I want to hear cheers, screaming and team chants. After a really good tailgate, you should wake up in the morning with no voice, a full belly and maybe a chicken bone or two in your glove compartment.

Now some folks can go extreme – I’m talking full body paint, crazy wigs, and once I even saw a dude in a cheerleader skirt! To each his own, but here’s some of my personal “don’ts” when it comes to team spirit:

• Full body paint on game day is one thing. Shaving your team’s logo in chest hair is another… good thing football season doesn’t overlap with beach weather.
• Do not choose permanent spray paint when “sprucing” up your car with team spirit; and do not try to convince your wife that now it’s the coolest car on the block.
• Keep it friendly, folks. You don’t want to be the one taunting the other side when that big guy in row F comes your way.
• As much as you wish you could run out onto the field to help score that winning touchdown… don’t do it. Trust me on this one.

Want more tailgating advice? I have full intentions on spreading this bit of wisdom and more as I visit football stadiums across the country with Prilosec OTC to search for the best of the best in “A Better Way to Tailgate” challenge. Enter HERE to win in one of three categories: 1). Food Served, 2). Tailgate Set-Up and 3). Team Spirit. All entries must include a tailgate photo. Note the “Food Served” category also requires a recipe submission. In addition to game day tickets, other prizes include the ultimate tailgate gear. To view the official contest rules, click here: www.tailgatechallenge.com.

Content for this article provided by Prilosec OTC.


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Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-5/feed/ 1 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-6/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-6/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:29:41 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=225520 Larry the Cable Guy here. As many of you know, I have quite the fashion sense. My idea of formal attire is a tuxedo t-shirt, and “dry clean only” is when I hang my clothes […]]]>


(credit: TailgateFanChallenge.com)

Larry the Cable Guy here. As many of you know, I have quite the fashion sense. My idea of formal attire is a tuxedo t-shirt, and “dry clean only” is when I hang my clothes out on the line in my backyard. But what I’m probably most known for (aside from my sparkling personality) is my lack of sleeves.

For me, sleeves are just a nuisance, especially when tailgating. I mean let’s be honest, sleeves are only going to end up covered in sauce. Save yourself the load of laundry and cut those suckers off, am I right? But if I’ve learned anything in my life, it’s never to be wasteful. Everything has a purpose in this world, and while sleeves don’t necessarily belong on my shirts, they can definitely do some good when you and your pals are chowing down before a game.

For instance, do you lady tailgaters ever get cold and not pack enough layers? Cut off sleeves make a nice pair of leg warmers. Ever have your car parked smack in the middle of the stadium lot with no real distinguishing landmarks? Stick those sleeves on a plastic pole…I bet no one else there will be able to say “our tent is the one with the flannel sleeves flag blowing in the breeze.” And after a successful tailgate, there’s always grease and gook on the tables and grills. Nothing like a strong, durable shirt sleeve to wipe those nice and clean so you can do it all again next Sunday.

Do you already use sleeves to accentuate your tailgate? How does your football fiesta stand out from all the others? I have full intentions on spreading this bit of wisdom and more as I visit football stadiums across the country with Prilosec OTC to search for the best of the best in “A Better Way to Tailgate” challenge. Enter HERE to win in one of three categories: 1). Food Served, 2). Tailgate Set-Up and 3). Team Spirit. All entries must include a tailgate photo. Note the “Food Served” category also requires a recipe submission. In addition to game day tickets, other prizes include the ultimate tailgate gear. To view the official contest rules, click here: TailgateFanChallenge.com. It doesn’t get better than that. Show us what you got!

Content for this article provided by Prilosec OTC.


Related Stories

• Top 10 Tailgate Resolutions
• Tailgate Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip
• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #5
• [Photos] NFL Cheerleaders Are The Hottest And We Have Proof
• Tailgate Turf Wars: Pros and Cons of Location

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-6/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-purple-pride-pizza/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-purple-pride-pizza/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:06:35 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=225480 By: Christine Hinrichs It never hurts to serve a dish that represents your beloved team. To show your football pride, I suggest serving a homemade pizza complete with team-appropriate toppings. You can buy pre-made pizza […]]]> By: Christine Hinrichs



(credit: Christine Hinrichs)

It never hurts to serve a dish that represents your beloved team. To show your football pride, I suggest serving a homemade pizza complete with team-appropriate toppings. You can buy pre-made pizza dough at many markets around town, and a lot of pizza places will let you purchase some dough right from their shops. As for the toppings, be creative! Are you cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles? Top your pizza with sautéed onions and peppers, thin slices of steak, and provolone cheese. Hoping the Green Bay Packers win the game? Serve your party guests a four-cheese pizza, using whatever cheese strikes your fancy at the market. If you’re a Saints fan, try a Muffuletta-style pizza… the possibilities are endless. But I’m a Minnesota girl and all about the Purple Pride. So I put together a pizza recipe that is perfect for any Minnesota Vikings fan!

Purple Pride Pizza
Makes one 16-inch pizza

Ingredients
1 round of pre-made pizza dough
1 lb. purple potatoes, very thinly sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
1 cup (or more!), grated pecorino Romano cheese
2 teaspoons garlic salt or powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough until it measures about 16 inches across or it fits into your baking sheet in a rectangle shape. Place the dough on a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush the pizza dough with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the thin slices of potatoes on top of the dough in a single layer. Sprinkle the fresh rosemary on top of the potatoes and add the grated cheese on top. Sprinkle the garlic salt/powder on the crust portion of your pizza.

Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Eat, enjoy and Go Vikings!

Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets, and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.


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• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #5
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• Tailgate Turf Wars: Pros and Cons of Location

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-purple-pride-pizza/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-black-bean-corn-flautas-with-cilantro-lime-dip/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-black-bean-corn-flautas-with-cilantro-lime-dip/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:06:21 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=225474 By: Christine Hinrichs Try out this recipe for one of my favorite game-day appetizers: a zesty, filling dish that will keep the crowd happy. Black Bean Corn Flautas with Cilantro Lime Dip – makes about […]]]> By: Christine Hinrichs



(Photo credit: Thinkstock)

Try out this recipe for one of my favorite game-day appetizers: a zesty, filling dish that will keep the crowd happy. Black Bean Corn Flautas with Cilantro Lime Dip – makes about 30 flautas.

Ingredients
2 cups frozen corn
1 15oz can black beans, rinsed
2 cups Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
4 green onions, chopped fine
1 jalapeno, chopped fine
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
Dash of cayenne pepper
Pinch of salt & pepper
1 package of wonton wrappers

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Combine all of the ingredients (except the wrappers) in a large bowl. To assemble the flautas, place a tablespoon of the mixture onto one of the wonton wrappers. Roll tightly, and wet the edge of the wrapper with a bit of water, pressing to seal. Repeat until you are out of mixture or out of wrappers.

Place the flautas seam-side down on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Once all of the flautas are on the baking sheet, spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake until browned, about 15 minutes. Serve warm with salsa or cilantro lime dip (recipe follows).

For the Dipping Sauce
Makes about ½ cup of dipping sauce
Adapted from Big Girls Small Kitchen

Ingredients
4 ounces plain Greek yogurt
½ lime, zest & juice
Large handful of cilantro
2 garlic cloves, pushed through a garlic press or chopped fine
¼ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon cumin
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse to combine. Serve cold alongside the flautas.

Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets, and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.


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Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-black-bean-corn-flautas-with-cilantro-lime-dip/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/extending-the-tailgate-theres-always-next-year/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/extending-the-tailgate-theres-always-next-year/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:48:51 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=218957 If you’re like me, a fan of a middling team, with a middling coach, and some unsubstantiated but not totally unbelievable point shaving allegations, then your college football season is over. You’ve suffered through countless […]]]>


(credit: Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

If you’re like me, a fan of a middling team, with a middling coach, and some unsubstantiated but not totally unbelievable point shaving allegations, then your college football season is over. You’ve suffered through countless amounts of heartbreak and disappointment, and you’ve found yourself periodically questioning whether or not your fan-hood was strong enough to handle this type of emotional instability year after year (which, of course, it always is.) See, the thing with sports fans, or at least those masochistic enough to support a perennial loser, is that their best hope is always, always, next year’s hope.

The question then becomes, what is the most effective way to build on it? How do you (the fan), after yet another losing season, effectuate excitement when the future of your team seems utterly bleak? When, even after a 6-7 season, you can tell that most of your talent for the following year will be mediocre, or inexperienced, or, both? (yes, Greg McMackin, I am still bitter at you.)

Well, never fear, for I have a solution for you. Having been a University of Hawaii fan my entire life, I’ve had 26 years of experience nurturing (and maniacally rationalizing) the concept of “there’s always next year”. Case in point, in the last decade they have gone (mostly under June Jones): 10-3 | 9-4 | 8-4 | 5-7 | 11-2 | 12-0 | 7-6 | 6-7 | 10-3 and 6-7. Okay, I admit it, that’s not too bad. But let’s go back one more decade (closer to the beginning of my life.) In the eight years prior to hiring June Jones the team was: 4-7 | 11-2 | 6-6 | 3-5-1 | 4-8 | 2-10 | 3-9 and 0-12. So while I don’t intend for this to be a history lesson of the ups and downs of University of Hawaii football, I think it’s a great illustration of the wide swings generally experienced by fans of college football teams. One decade of dominant (okay maybe above-average) play here was preceded by a decade of getting dominated. One decade that produced some of the best talent the school has ever known (Colt Brennan and Davone Bess) was preceded by a decade that was best known for producing … a kicker (Jason Elam). What does all this mean? That I’ve spent a lot of time finding out the hard way that no matter how hopeless your team looks, if you stick around long enough, things always get better.

So, I’m happy to share with you today, my carefully developed and fool-proof method to enjoying an otherwise depressing offseason. A method that centers around one thing. Regular off-season tailgating! It cannot be stated frequently enough, that one of the single most important parts of college football is not just the game itself, but how it manages to bring people from all walks of life together. It follows then, that there is no better way of fostering hope for the future then by tailgating even after the season has long since ended. How do I know this? Well, quite simply, because I asked.
Chuck H., 25, Government Employee : “What gets me excited about college football during the offseason? Tailgating, because it’s a chance to hang out with friends and share (the team and the sport) that we love the most.”
Scott O., 25, Engineer: “”Tailgating is definitely something I look forward to because I go to these games not just as a fan, but also as someone who wants to hang out and eat good food with friends.”
Travis T., 26, Accountant: “There’s nothing better than gathering with your friends, eating, drinking and then watching the game.”

So, while this sample is quite small, their sentiments were echoed by just about everyone I asked (several of whom declined to be quoted here today.) After a few more discussions with people, some commonalities began to emerge.
Scott O.: “I’m also really excited to see who will step up and become a potential draft pick.”
Travis T.: “One of the things I always look forward to is seeing the potential of the team. Are they gonna be good this year or not?
Wade T., 25, Research Engineer: “What excites me the most about college football in the offseason? I like looking at the list of commitments/recruits. Having good recruits gives me a ton of optimism about the potential of the upcoming season.”
Mike T., 26, Med Student: “I really like reading about the recruits. Not only the ones that we are targeting, but also the local guys and seeing where they end up. Excited to see their potential growth.”

Don’t see it yet? In their own way, Scott, Travis, Wade and Mike were each excited about the same thing. The “potential” encased in the future. Potential and Hope are, after all, two of the most malleable emotions contained within a sports-fan. Why else would Oregon buy a billboard of Joey Harrington in Times Square? Or the University of Hawaii to make an hour long DVD about Colt Brennan? Heck, for that matter, why would Kim Kardashian marry Kris Humphries? Or Lane Kiffin seriously offers a scholarship to a 14 year old? The answer is simpler than you’d think. Each was a carefully calculated move to build people’s hope and potential for the future. For Oregon and Hawaii it was to get exposure for their respective candidate’s Heisman campaigns. For Kim it was to make more money, and continue her “fairytale” life in front of the camera. And for Lane Kiffin, it was to show exactly how serious he was about bringing talent to USC.

So how does all of this relate to offseason tailgating? Well, truly effective tailgating can be thought of as a Billboard, a DVD, a marriage and a scholarship offer all wrapped into one. That is, effectively extending a tailgate past the end of the regular season requires hype, highlights, stability, and hope for the future, all at the same time. See, an offseason tailgate full of desperate fans is like a gathering of a new set of hungry employees. They’ll believe whatever you tell them and they are starving for positive references. Thus, all it takes is one amazing run in practice (Dillon Baxter, circa USC 2010), or one amazing YouTube video (Leon Jackson, circa Hawaii 2006) to break open the dam of negativity and skepticism that was built up over the previous season. And, with the advent of large TV’s, watching these highlights has become easier than ever. So, whether you’re warm in Hawaii or freezing in Boise, Idaho, take some time after the college season is over to get together with your friends. Make it an “official” event (just like a fantasy football draft is) and mandate that everyone wear your team’s colors. Tell your girlfriend or wife its “therapy” or (best case scenario), if she’s a fan, bring her along. The beauty of extended tailgates is that they really don’t require a complicated mix of things. Good friends, good food, good highlights, good conversation and, most importantly, a good attitude. Can you see? Extended Tailgating; there’s nothing bad about it.

Harrison Goo is a contributor to CBS Local and the founder of the blog Sportsgooru.com. To contact him, email him at harrison@sportsgooru.com follow him on twitter at @sportsgooru.


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Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/extending-the-tailgate-theres-always-next-year/feed/ 1 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/tailgate-recipe-beer-cheese-dip/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/tailgate-recipe-beer-cheese-dip/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:04:38 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=218923 Love beer? Adore cheese? Then this flavorful dip is for you. We’ve got one of the most delicious pre-game eats to supplement (and make) your tailgate perfect. Beer Cheese Dip: Makes about 2 cups of […]]]>


(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Love beer? Adore cheese? Then this flavorful dip is for you. We’ve got one of the most delicious pre-game eats to supplement (and make) your tailgate perfect.

Beer Cheese Dip: Makes about 2 cups of cheese dip. Adapted from The Joy of Cooking

Ingredients
1 cup of good beer
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
8 ounces sharp cheddar, grated
3 ounces gruyere, grated or chopped into small pieces
1 ounce cream cheese, broken into pieces
¼ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions
Heat the beer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch. Once the beer is warmed, add the cornstarch mixture and whisk together until thickened, about two minutes.

Add the cheeses about a half of a cup at a time, stirring in a figure-8 pattern with a wooden spoon. Once the cheese has melted, add another half of a cup, until you have added all of the cheese. Add the Worcestershire sauce and mustard, stirring to combine.

Serve the cheese dip hot with an assortment of bread cubes and vegetables. If you have a small crockpot, serve the cheese in that to keep it warm. Otherwise, put the dip in a microwave-safe bowl so you can re-heat as necessary.

Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets, and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/tailgate-recipe-beer-cheese-dip/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-4/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-4/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:53:21 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=218914 Hey, Larry the Cable Guy here. This go around, I want to talk to you about another important factor in your tailgate: team colors. When it comes to those two or three colors that represent […]]]>


(credit: TailgateFanChallenge.com)

Hey, Larry the Cable Guy here. This go around, I want to talk to you about another important factor in your tailgate: team colors. When it comes to those two or three colors that represent your team…the more you use them, the better.
Nothing beats being the envy of all others on game day. Here are a few tips to earn you those coveted bragging rights…which are almost as rewarding as your team winning the game itself!
• Team colors never go out of season. The more festive your tailgating site, the better.
• Bonus points for having someone in your crew dress up as the team mascot…but I would advise you not to bring an actual version of your mascots to the party.
• Anything inflatable always draws attention to a party. Balloons, giant inflatable football players, moon bounces…they all scream “You WISH you were at my tailgate.”
• They’ve got EVERYTHING in team colors nowadays. Cups, plates, napkins, tables…bring it all. Each utensil will leave your tailgate crew more and more amazed with every bite!
• Have you seen those branders that put your team’s logos on your steaks and burgers? Now THAT is some serious dedication. It’s great to feel like you’re supporting your team with every bite.

Now in order to make sure I’m ready to go on game day I have my secret tailgating strategy: Prilosec OTC. As a frequent heartburn sufferer, if I take Prilosec OTC once a day in the morning, I can rest assure that I’ll be heartburn-free for 24 hours*. That gives me plenty of time to show off my stand-out tailgate and enjoy the beauty that is football.

Is your tailgate already the talk of the parking lot? Prove it! I have full intentions on spreading this bit of wisdom and more as I visit football stadiums across the country with Prilosec OTC to search for the best of the best in “A Better Way to Tailgate” challenge. Enter HERE to win in one of three categories: 1). Food Served, 2). Tailgate Set-Up and 3). Team Spirit. All entries must include a tailgate photo. Note the “Food Served” category also requires a recipe submission. In addition to game day tickets, other prizes include the ultimate tailgate gear. To view the official contest rules, click here http://www.tailgatechallenge.com. So enter now, and I’ll check out how great your pigskin party really is! Show us what you’ve got!

*It’s possible while taking Prilosec OTC. Use as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn. Do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every 4 months unless directed by a doctor. Not for immediate relief. This Tailgate Tip has been provided by Prilosec OTC.


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Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-4/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-3/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-3/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:10:23 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=214711 Larry the Cable Guy here. It’s always important to stay protected on game days, whether you’re on the field with the pigskin, or in the lot roasting that oinker to perfection, and I don’t just […]]]>


(credit: TailgateFanChallenge.com)

Larry the Cable Guy here. It’s always important to stay protected on game days, whether you’re on the field with the pigskin, or in the lot roasting that oinker to perfection, and I don’t just mean potholders. My buddies and I have an epic tailgating story – a tale of teamwork, pride and the ultimate benefit of wearing a two-can helmet.

When you’re committing to a full day of hard tailgating work, you gotta stay hydrated for crucial grilling and chilling activity. A two-beverage helmet accessory is key to both your performance and physical appearance.

Now, one cold November day, my boys and I were circling the lot, looking for the perfect spot to set up shop, when we pulled into a space just as another group was too. Trucks facing head on, we got out to figure things out and claim our spot. Now, tailgaters are friendly folks and they like to have a little fun; so we decided to settle things with a little parking lot football scrimmage – winner got the primo lot spot.

After one hour of sweating it out for the prize, the score was neck and neck, and I was ready to finish this game and replenish the missing calories I had just burned with some beef, because I gotta keep my figure. I put it in high gear and sprinted with the ball to the end-zone to score the game winning touchdown. Only problem was, it’s tough to stop this body’s momentum, and I kept on going head first into the 10 foot tow-zone sign. Lucky for me, I had my two-can helmet on, which suffered a pole-shaped dent and the loss of about half a beverage. But that’s why you’ve got the second can, right?

Want to hear more about my tailgating style? I have full intentions on spreading this bit of wisdom and more as I visit football stadiums across the country with Prilosec OTC to search for the best of the best in “A Better Way to Tailgate” challenge. Enter HERE to win in one of three categories: 1). Food Served, 2). Tailgate Set-Up and 3). Team Spirit. All entries must include a tailgate photo. Note the “Food Served” category also requires a recipe submission. In addition to game day tickets, other prizes include the ultimate tailgate gear. To view the official contest rules, click here www.tailgatefanchallenge.com. So enter now, and I’ll check out how great your pigskin party really is!

This content has been provided by Prilosec OTC


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Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-3/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/tailgate-turf-wars-pros-cons-of-location/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/tailgate-turf-wars-pros-cons-of-location/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:02:03 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=214703 For the modern football fanatic, there’s only one great turf debate left to take place. But forget about the grass (or lack thereof) on the field, because we’re not just talking football; on the contrary, […]]]>


(credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

For the modern football fanatic, there’s only one great turf debate left to take place. But forget about the grass (or lack thereof) on the field, because we’re not just talking football; on the contrary, we’re talking tailgating! And when it comes to places where great pre-game parties take place, it’s a turf war of words (unless you’re a Raiders fan, in which case it’s probably an actual gang war).

From the grass and asphalt outside your favorite stadium, to attached arena parking structures, to that seedy bar across the street from the game you can’t afford a ticket to, there’s a litany of environments to experience, each with its own up and downsides. Before you get sucked into yet another unexpected tailgate celebration, be sure to check out our list of turf pros and cons!

Is the Grass Really Greener?
You may not find too much green grass outside of an NFL game, but hit up any NCAA event and it’s a helluva lot more likely you’ll be trampling some good ol’ fashioned Kentucky Blue Grass.

PRO: As is the norm with former players who failed to do anything else thus far in their lives, the sight and smell of green grass will undoubtedly lead to them breaking out the ball and attempting to reclaim the former glory of tackle-football games long since forgotten.

CON: Even though Brett Favre probably isn’t one of your pals, and real life rarely turns into a sepia-tone Hanes commercial, it’s VERY possible that this alcohol-infused pick-up game could just morph into an excuse for you and your buds to text each other pictures you’ll later regret.

Gravel: A Lazy Man’s Lawn
Gravel?! Where the hell are you tailgating? The trailer park where my imaginary grandmother lives? Believe it or not, gravel is everywhere, including stadium parking lots across the country…

PRO: The ground might not showcase the same sense of gridiron grandeur as that of a grassy field, but gravel certainly tops asphalt. Plus, seemingly safer than the grass, a gravel lot is certainly more conducive to a gentleman’s exhibition of classic-style two-hand touch.

CON: Every game of two-hand touch ever played has always devolved into a tackle-laden, injury-causing battle of friends-turned-enemies. Fueled by cheap beer, cheaper insults and the cheapest of meats, this situation can only go awry. And gravel is totally to blame for the injuries.

You Can Kiss My Asphalt!
Tailgating on asphalt is a lot like wearing plastic underwear. Sure, you might black out and make a total mess. Thankfully though, you can easily grab a bucket of water and wash the mess clean.

PRO: Ever notice how people toss out apple cores and cigarette butts while driving on freeways? That’s because asphalt is a naturally trashy environment, second only to a landfill. It attracts all varieties of filth, but at a glance, still somehow retains a look of cleanliness.

CON: Look a little more closely at the ground just feet from the plate of food you’re holding… notice anything? It’s stained beyond any sight you’ve ever seen, more similar to that favorite pair of boxers from when you were 15 than the windows of a nice Catholic Church. Gross.

Top o’ the Structure to You
It doesn’t get more industrial than tailgating on the top level of a stadium parking structure. But that said, where else can you pre-game at such a high elevation? Nowhere! (Maybe Denver.)

PRO: If you’ve ever been to a great Mardi Gras celebration, you know how empowering it can feel to stand on a balcony high above the rigmarole as people look up and cheer, like you were some kind of king. Pre-gaming at the peak of a parking structure is quite similar.

CON: It will only take so long before some obnoxious drunk carelessly dumps a Weber full of smoldering coals down onto the dumpster area below, inevitably starting a six-story flame that leads to a full blown riot, which subsequently gets the very game you’re tailgating cancelled.

Taking the Sports Bar Exam
If you can’t afford a ticket, and want to soak your sorrows in suds, what better place could a person be than inside a sports bar next to the stadium, packed with people of the same ilk?

PRO: Cheap beer, free food, instant friends…there isn’t much more an excited fan could ask for on a game day than an amazing tailgate, sans the elements, cars, exhaust and all other negatives of a common tailgate experience. And it sure beats doing it alone in one’s own driveway too.

CON: Finding a way home from such a situation isn’t always the easiest thing. And let’s face it: if you don’t have enough money to pay for even the cheapest seats at a game, dropping drunken dollars on an errant, post-game cab ride probably won’t be too friendly for your wallet either.

Did we leave out your favorite turf or tailgate environment? Got your own pre-game story to tell? Let’s continue this social conversation in the comment board below!

Elijah Bates leads the creative department at CitizenGlobal, a social media company in Venice Beach. When he’s not working, or contributing Best Of and Mancave articles to CBS, you’ll find him surfing the California coast & evading stingrays like trips to the dentist.


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Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/tailgate-turf-wars-pros-cons-of-location/feed/ 0 http://tailgatefan.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2011/11/29/auburn-vs-alabama-tailgating-at-the-iron-bowl/ http://tailgatefan.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2011/11/29/auburn-vs-alabama-tailgating-at-the-iron-bowl/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:11:15 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=212196 ]]>

(credit: Drew Hoover/CBS Local Sports)


]]> http://tailgatefan.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2011/11/29/auburn-vs-alabama-tailgating-at-the-iron-bowl/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-2/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-2/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:55:24 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=212186 You’re sitting at your tailgate, burger in one hand, beverage in the other, the sounds of jocks fighting to the finish in the background – what could be any better? One word – cheerleaders. Figure […]]]> You’re sitting at your tailgate, burger in one hand, beverage in the other, the sounds of jocks fighting to the finish in the background – what could be any better? One word – cheerleaders. Figure out how to get the ladies to join to your tailgate and you’ll feel like you made the game winning touchdown. Now I’m a good looking guy, so the ladies flock to me like a moth to a flame, but I know you guys need more advice, so listen here:

 

• Keep those dang low-fat chips, cut up veggies and pretty pink cupcakes on hand. When the girls have a hankering for a snack, you’ll be ready.
• Get a wingman on your side… and no, I don’t mean the guy with the best buffalo wings on the lot.
• Two keys to success – babies and puppies. Get those suckers to your party and let the cuteness take its course.
• Start practicing your cartwheels and handstands, because it’s time to fill in for the male cheerleader and help the ladies practice their fancy routines. But don’t even think of shaking those dog-gone pom-poms.
• 10 tailgater guys in 10 sleeveless shirts – you got yourself the makings for one good looking human pyramid.

The bigger and better your tailgate, the more new friends you’ll make. Make it count. Trust my advice now? I got more where that came from. I have full intentions on spreading this bit of wisdom and more as I visit football stadiums across the country with Prilosec OTC to search for the best of the best in “A Better Way to Tailgate” challenge. Enter HERE to win in one of three categories: 1). Food Served, 2). Tailgate Set-Up and 3). Team Spirit. All entries must include a tailgate photo. Note the “Food Served” category also requires a recipe submission. In addition to game day tickets, other prizes include the ultimate tailgate gear. To view the official contest rules, click here http://www.tailgatefanchallenge.com. So enter now, and I’ll check out how great your pigskin party really is!

This content has been provided by Prilosec OTC

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]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-2/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/grill-grrrl-recipe-grilled-mini-caprese-pizzas/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/grill-grrrl-recipe-grilled-mini-caprese-pizzas/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:33:31 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=212155 Pizza is not just for ovens anymore. The grill is a great place to do pizza because you get nice grate marks on the dough that adds a nice touch as the grill actually cooks […]]]> Pizza is not just for ovens anymore. The grill is a great place to do pizza because you get nice grate marks on the dough that adds a nice touch as the grill actually cooks the pizza dough.
These mini pizzas are easier to do because it is easier to flip multiple pizza dough disks than it is to do one gigantic piece of dough and also allows you to avoid “hot spots” on the grill that might burn the dough.

This recipe is great for tailgating as it requires minimal ingredients and everything can be prepped the night before.

Ingredients:

• One package refrigerated pizza dough (or you can make your own)
• Fresh Mozzarella cheese- cut into bite size pieces
• basil
• salt, pepper
• olive oil
• One-Two tomatoes

Directions:
Preheat grill to medium heat. Then, roll out the pizza dough on a flat surface. Using a small bowl or wide mouthed glass, cut the dough into small circles to make the mini pizzas. Roll leftover dough pieces together, flatten and repeat cutting into small circular cutouts.
Brush both sides of the dough with olive oil. Make sure your grill has been sprayed with non stick spray. Grill the dough until grate marks appear, about 5 minutes. Flip the dough, then, with recently grilled side up, add tomato slices, a piece of basil, and the mozzarella.
Grill for 5 minutes or until cheese has melted.
This recipe can easily be adapted for meatlovers with the addition of cappicola or pepperoni.

Robyn Lindars, aka “The Grill Girl”, writes about BBQ and Grilling on her site Grill Grrrl and hosts Womens Grilling Clinics to encourage women to learn the art of grilling.

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]]> http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/grill-grrrl-recipe-grilled-mini-caprese-pizzas/feed/ 0 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/11/29/always-root-for-the-home-team/ http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/11/29/always-root-for-the-home-team/#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:43:25 +0000 mreal197 http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?p=210731 Most fan manifestos mandate that you have to root for the professional team in your city or region. Now, many have some qualifications and exceptions but it’s like trying to interpret the IRS tax code. […]]]>

Most fan manifestos mandate that you have to root for the professional team in your city or region. Now, many have some qualifications and exceptions but it’s like trying to interpret the IRS tax code. Usually one such allowable circumstance is if your city does not have a team then you can pick another team. However, that exception comes with some clause that the choice must not be based on any enumerated item.
Where did all this regulatory code come from? I don’t know but it’s Un-American. We must stop this movement, led by who I call the Manifestos, immediately.

We allow more freedom of expression in our choice of religion, politics and sexuality. But choose to root for a pro team outside of your geographical boundaries and you have committed an unforgivable sin.
Let’s pull back a bit now, as I am not a fan anarchist. I am more of a libertarian who still has a few rules about team loyalty.

The big one is pick a team and stay with it. However, you get one time to be converted and root for another team. Unlike my Manifesto brethren, you don’t need a pre-defined reason. It might help to have a good explanation to fend off charges of being a reviled bandwagoner but as long as you stick with that new team you by definition are not a bandwagoner. You see, a bandwagoner will show their true colors and jump again and again.

I think that I understand the inherent desire to root for the pro team that inhabits the area where you live. That’s what you’re being fed on a regular basis through the media and what’s all around you. So, it makes sense that most people in an area root for that team. But that’s pretty much why a lot of fans that root for “national” teams got attached to their team.

Something called television has been around for the masses since the 1950s and it beams images of teams from these far way locations that enable sports fans to also see teams from other areas. Yes, seeing your team live is an added bonus and I would suggest a true fan make at least one pilgrimage to the city of their adopted team. But many fans that live in the same city as the team they cheer for don’t go, or have the opportunity to go to many – if any games. So, please spare the sideway glances that say your rooting interests are pure and superior.

Those that look at its citizenry who root for an outsider live and die by their convoluted dogma usually mumble something about rooting for the home team reflects local pride. Hmm, the success of a team with a roster that on average 91.5 % (made up stat) of the players were not born or raised in that area reflects geo-pride (made up word)?

Using that same logic, you would think living near a college would require a fan to root for Local Tech or Nearby State. But where are the Manifestos lighting the stakes for those who gravitate toward National U. Now, of course, may people whom root for a college team are graduates and that seems okay no matter where you are from. But what that says is that only those who have gone to college have a sports right to make an independent decision as to who to root for.

Sounds like elitism to me.

Perhaps my perspective is unduly influenced being born and raised in Central New Jersey, right smack dab in the middle of the New York and Philadelphia media markets. I had a plethora of pro sports teams to cheer. And although most aligned with teams from either metropolitan area, many sports fans within this Shangri-la sports corridor either feel no great connection to teams without New Jersey in their name or simply realize the options can also extend beyond geographical boundaries.

I grew up with two older brothers and the oldest like a birthright for the eldest became a fan of the Yankees. The middle brother went for the Mets. I could have mimicked either one or followed the other home rule option and rooted for the Phillies. Yet, the free thinker that I am I became a fan of the Cincinnati Reds.

Long live pro-choice!

Martin Sumners is an NBA columnist for IamaGM.com. Find out more about Martin at sumsoul.com and follow him on Twitter @sumsoul.


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