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Would You Rather Tailgate or “Homegate” for Football Season?
Football season comes with a choice. Do you head to the stadium parking lot for a traditional tailgate, or invite people over and watch the game from home?
A survey of 5,000 self-described tailgaters and “homegaters” found that the home option is becoming more popular.
Nearly 4 in 10 fans said they prefer a pregame party at someone’s home. Only 24% picked a traditional tailgate.
The top reason is simple: comfort.
Fans also like being able to come and go as they please. A home kitchen provides more ways to cook, plus more room for food and drinks.
Pregame Parties Are a Big Part of Football Season
The average tailgate starts about two and a half hours before kickoff. A homegate starts slightly earlier.
Add nearly three hours for the game, and the average football gathering lasts close to six hours. More than two-thirds of fans also keep the party going after the game.
For some people, the pregame gathering is the main event. In fact, 61% said the pregame party can be better than the game.
The survey found that the ideal gathering includes:
- 11 people
- Six food choices
- Six drink options
Nebraska Ranks Among the Top Tailgating States
Nebraska fans have good reason to feel confident about their tailgating skills.
Nebraska ranked eighth among states that believe they have the best tailgaters. Sixty-nine percent of Nebraska respondents said their state knows how to put together a strong pregame gathering.
Louisiana topped the tailgating list at 78%, followed by Alabama at 76% and Texas at 74%.
When it comes to homegating, Alabama and Texas tied for first at 76%.
What Is on the Game-Day Menu?
Hamburgers and hot dogs remain the most popular tailgate foods. Chips, dips and pulled pork barbecue also rank near the top.
The most popular tailgate foods include:
- Hamburgers, 66%
- Hot dogs, 63%
- Chips, 59%
- Dips, 49%
- Pulled pork barbecue, 48%
- Pizza, 46%
- Chili cheese dip, 40%
- Meat and cheese trays, 39%
The homegate menu looks similar, but pizza, dips, meat and cheese trays, and fruit or vegetable trays become more popular when fans have access to a full kitchen.
Easy preparation matters most when fans choose food. Many also want options that provide enough energy for a long afternoon or evening of football.
The survey was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Hormel Foods.