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Though the term tailgating, as we know it, is a modern concept, the idea can be traced back to various social and communal practices involving outdoor eating. The idea of having a meal or gathering around the tailgate of a truck, though common to us, was most likely the back of a chuckwagon or horse-driven cart in the beginning.

The first American college football game, played in 1869, is considered the start of the sport of football in the U.S.; yet, it’s said the idea of tailgating didn’t come about until sometime after World War II.

With the combination of a growing fan base, increased car ownership, and a cultural emphasis on community and leisure activities, the practice of tailgating became a form of leisure and somehow forever associated with the game of football.

As we know here in West Virginia, tailgating is a staple of football culture, at college as well as professional games. Tailgates can vary widely, from simple picnics to elaborate setups with grills, tents, and full-scale parties. It’s not just about the food or the football, but also about the camaraderie — the building of traditions and rituals, shared among fans on both sides of the field.

Tips for a winning game day

• Create a stadium-like atmosphere with classic decorations of team colors and flags.
• Make a plan to serve your foods at half-time, or have lighter fare early on and heavier offerings further into the game. Write yourself a timeline and keep it on the kitchen counter.
• Just like the competing teams, prepping ahead is the way to a low-stress gathering, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your friends and the game.
• Consider incorporating a few store-bought short cuts by bulking up your spread with chips and hummus or store-bought guacamole, and save your time for more elaborate creations.
• Add an upgraded touch by plating store-bought items on real dinnerware, rather than whatever it came in from the grocery store.
• Set up a specific drink space or cooler where everyone can help themselves.
• Be sure to provide easy access to trash and recycling for guests to clean up after themselves.

Taking it to the streets

• When tailgating on the road, portable and easy-to-eat options are key. Grilled kebabs or skewers are ideal for their convenience and flavor.
• Pack a cooler with pre-made items such as paper-wrapped sandwiches, fresh-cut fruit, and a couple appetizers for easy snacking.
• For a chilly day, bring along a portable grill for hot dogs or sausages, and consider a thermos or crock pot of homemade chili to keep things cozy.
• Make sure to have plenty of napkins, plates and even a small thermos of warm water to aid clean up.

Simple, but great-tasting ideas for your game day

• Baked Potatoes: Include an assortment of toppings like bacon, sour cream, sausage gravy, chili and grated cheese. Label each container and have serving pieces decided before you leave home. Starting one to three hours ahead of time, bake those potatoes and store them in a cooler. The potatoes will create their own heat and stay piping hot for hours. Trust me, we would bake hundreds of potatoes for catering events, and all were nearly too hot to handle when the box was opened!
• Buffalo Sauced Bites: Made from cauliflower, these go down easy, taste shockingly good and leave room for other treats. Served with a good blue cheese dressing.
• Pimiento Cheese, hot or sold: Pimento cheese is the dream boat of appetizers, as far as I’m concerned. Serve it hot (yes! over a bit of shredded chicken) or serve it room temp or slightly chilled. Have a good assortment of dippers, and everyone will love you!

No matter how or where you celebrate, in the end it isn’t about who won or whose food was best, but the way tradition and community can come together. Whether over the smell of barbecue or the shared anticipation of the kickoff, tailgating remains a cherished ritual that enhances the joy of the game, proving that the true excitement often starts well before the first whistle blows.