TAILGATING 101 - Introduction / Commandments

Congratulations on entering the tailgating world. If you take the right attitude, you will fall in love with your new hobby. You'll find yourself tailgating in the parking lot for your kid's soccer games. You'll set up tailgates in your backyard, call your friends up, and drag all your crap out there to the grass, “just because”. If you throw a tailgate during the off-season, just to see all your friends again and to plan your tailgate parties for the upcoming season, then you officially have the sickness.

If you're here, you're interested in being a good tailgater. And that's a great start. Here are some other tenets of tailgating…commandments, if you're so inclined.

I. Thou shalt respect your elders: Fans of college and professional teams have long-established tailgate traditions. Friends and family have come to the same spots to gather and party for years. When I say the same spots, I don't mean the same parking lot. I mean the same patch of land, under the same tree. Don't be scared off by this, but respect this. You'll soon have your own weekly tradition, and you wouldn't want it trampled on by a few Johnny-come-lately's who are unpacking brand new crap for their first ever tailgate party.

When setting up your first tailgate party, ask your new neighbors. “Is this where you usually tailgate? Is there a regular group here?” They will appreciate that you care enough to ask. They'll give you advice. And I'm also willing to bet that by the time you finish your first beer together, you'll have new friends. Isn't that neat?

II. Thou shalt be welcoming and hospitable to wandering souls: You're not throwing an exclusive bash. Invite passers-by for free food and drinks. Make new friends. It's fun.

III. Thou shalt not use a generator, unless you REALLY have to: Unless you're planning to have Iron Maiden play a gig at your party, there is no reason for a generator. They are loud, they stink, they are loud, they annoy everyone around you, and they are LOUD. NO ONE LIKES LOUD, STINKY, CRAP!!

You'll learn how to enjoy the marvels of modern electronics, sans generator, in a later section.

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