The National Football League is one of the most captivating sports leagues in the United States. Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, but football is the nation’s true passion. The Super Bowl, the season’s pinnacle, has risen beyond the sport itself, evolving into a pseudo-holiday for devoted enthusiasts and casual fans alike. If the game on the field is the central focus, tailgate culture is the sport’s fundamental essence.
Tailgating: What is it? And it’s history
American football cannot be credited with originating the practice of tailgating. Community gatherings centered on competitive activities have been documented since ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. American football tailgating has historical origins dating back to the Civil War. In the summer of 1861, residents gathered for a picnic to see the First Combat of Bull Run, the first significant land combat of the War.
And if you’re still wondering, what does a modern-day tailgate in the United States exactly… It’s a sporting ritual involving drinking, feasting, and socializing.
American tailgate enthusiasts are responsible for preparing food, arranging decorations, and fostering a sense of community for other fans. It is normal to see large televisions, an abundance of drink, and a generous selection of cuisine that most would associate with significant holidays or special occasions.
Tailgating in The Tar Heel State
Attending a game at Bank of America Stadium to support the Carolina Panthers and the tailgates are unbeatable. While tailgating at NC NFL games isn’t the be-all and end-all, they’re certainly the best.
Uptown Charlotte streets are bustling with Carolina Panthers supporters on football Sundays, especially if the organization faces off at Bank of America Stadium.
Uptown has several tailgating sites to select from. The parking areas situated behind Bank of America Stadium are often used for pre-game tailgating. Locate your parking place and start the grill in one of the parking lots on Cedar or McNinch Streets.
The Pecan parking lot B-3, located off Cedar Street, is the preferred spot for the dedicated PantherFanz Tailgating Club. You will easily see the PantherFanz bus adorned with paint, team flags fluttering, and the aroma of cooked barbecue in the atmosphere.
It’s a Carolina Panthers Tailgate Party
There are other locations outside the parking lots surrounding Bank of America Stadium where you may enjoy a tailgating environment with other Panthers fans.
The Roaring Riot is an organization that offers game-day events for ardent fans who like tailgating, both at home and away. The group’s Tailgate with a Purpose generates donations for the Roaring Riot Foundation by hosting vibrant pre-game tailgates in the parking lot at 628 W. Morehead St. Roaring Riot members, and their guests may indulge in complimentary meals and buy beverages before heading to the stadium.
CLT Hub sponsors tailgate parties for all Panthers home games a few doors down. Enjoy reduced prices on drinks and choose from one of the food trucks available on-site to prepare for the game. If you lack tickets for the game, you may stay and watch the action on one of the TVs within the arena.
Visit the Carolina Blue Zone by Gameday Hospitality before each Panthers home game. Buy one of four tailgate ticket packages for entry to a feast, beverages, games, entertainment, and many amenities. The pre-game tailgating begins three hours before the game starts at 1022 S. Tryon St.
We also understand the enthusiasm of North Carolina residents for forecasting the outcomes of their favorite games. Now, with the advent of NC betting apps, engaging in wagers within the state has become more convenient than ever, allowing fans to place bets right from the heart of their tailgate parties.
Wagering antics aside, The Doghouse, hosted by WFNZ, is renowned as the premier tailgate event in Charlotte. The game-day festivities occur in the station’s parking lot at the intersection of Mint and Morehead Streets. They include a complete bar, televisions, live entertainment, and a live broadcast of the game from WFNZ.
Final Thoughts: A North Carolina tailgate summed up in one word
If one word could best describe the tailgates of The Tar Heel State, it would be ‘community.’
Regardless of the team colors present, anticipate a level of togetherness that falls between the closeness of a family gathering and the wildness of a college fraternity event. Competitive sports like beer pong and playful teasing of visiting supporters are all done in good spirits, and everyone participating is in high morale.