Tailgate Parties Food Safety Advice From USDA
A tailgate party is a
social event held on and around the open tailgate of a vehicle. Tailgating,
which originated in the United States, often involves consuming alcoholic
beverages and grilling food. Tailgate parties occur in the parking lots at
stadiums and arenas, before and occasionally after games and concerts. People
attending such a party are said to be 'tailgating'. Many people participate
even if their vehicles do not have tailgates. Tailgate parties also involve
people bringing their own alcoholic beverages, barbecues, food etc. which is
sampled and shared among fans attending the tailgate. Tailgates are intended to
be non-commercial events, so selling items to the fans is frowned upon.
Tailgate parties have
spread to the pre-game festivities at sporting events besides football, such as
basketball, hockey, soccer, and baseball, and also occur at non-sporting events
such as weddings, barbecues, and concerts