Where U of M Ranks Among Most Hardcore NCAA Tailgaters
College football fans are buzzing with anticipation, ready to celebrate their teams and kick off the tailgating season. Tailgating doesn’t belong exclusively to the NFL. Some enthusiasts might argue that tailgating at college football games is even more enjoyable.
In a study from Crestline, a promotion and merchandise website, NFL and NCAA fans were surveyed regarding their tailgating habits. The goal was to identify which fanbases are the most hardcore and determine the key elements of the perfect tailgate.
Fans of the Michigan Wolverines are recognized as some of the most dedicated tailgaters in the NCAA. These die-hard fans turn the parking lots around the Big House and all over Ann Arbor into the ultimate tailgating hotspots. Ones that can go head-to-head with any other in the NCAA.
Michigan ranks among the top 20
Sitting comfortably at the 13th spot, Wolverine fans notched a score of 73.55 out of 100, per the study’s findings. Shifting gears to the heated rivalries, the University of Michigan claims the upper hand in the all-time series against Ohio State, yet the Buckeyes take the lead in the tailgating scene at #8.
According to their study, the southern teams have the best college tailgates. Securing the top 5 spots are LSU (87.91), University of Tennessee (82.60), University of Texas (80.12), Texas A&M (80.12), and the University of Alabama (79.69).
The top conferences for most hardcore tailgaters
Given that over 100 Division I football teams are in the U.S., they decided to rank the top conferences based on their tailgating abilities. Emerging at the forefront is the SEC, securing a score of 82.24 out of 100. Completing the list are the Big 12 (78.09), Big Ten (76.20), ACC (75.54), and PAC-12 (74.70).
The study also highlights that nearly nine in ten football enthusiasts enjoy tailgating more than attending the actual game. Interestingly, one in four football fans believes a lackluster tailgating experience is worse than seeing their team perform poorly on the field. Adding a unique twist, the study reveals that one in ten football fans admit to having romantic encounters during tailgating events.
Take a look at what else the survey uncovered here.
9 Tailgating Supplies To Make Your Football Season The Greatest
Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill
At the very top of this Must Have list of Tailgating supplies lies this portable grill. If you’re tailgating it means you’re getting to the stadium hours before you plan to head in and watch the game. For my family, that means we’re going to be eating before we go in. A portable charcoal grill is exactly what we need.
Giant Four in a Row (All Weather) Outdoor Game
As much as I’d like it to be, tailgating is about more than just grilling and eating; you’ve got to keep the people happy and the kids from getting bored. Bring along this giant four-in-a-row all-weather outdoor game and you’re sure to be the most popular group in the bunch.
Men's Football is my favorite season Short Sleeve Tee
This may not technically fall under “supplies” but this ‘Football Is My Favorite Season’ T-Shirt is the perfect attire for those preseason games when it’s still warm enough to tailgate without winter gear. While you’re over there adding this to your cart, check out the full line of their football themed shirts.
Vinyl Bottle Opener
Keep this dual-ended team-branded vinyl bottle opener slim enough to fit it into your pocket for easy can or bottle opening. Available in your favorite NFL team colors with a logo.
Pop Up Canopy
Any tailgate needs a source of shelter for when those pesky showers, both rain and snow, pass through or you just need some relief from the sun and this 10×10 pop-up patio tent does the trick. UV-resistant, tear-resistant, and fade-resistant this affordable tent is a Must Have for any tailgate party.
GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Collapsible Rocking Chair
This all-in-one chair is the perfect seating option for all your outdoor activities, not just tailgating. It’s a rocking chair, it’s collapsible, it comes with a storage bag, and it comes with a beverage and phone storage pocket on the side.
GoPong 8 Foot Portable Beer Pong
You can find any old portable tailgating table but why not spice things up with this football field-themed version? And if you’re feeling up for it, the table just happens to be regulation size for beer pong, the unofficial game of tailgating.
Portable Power Station
There are many reasons why I added this portable power station to this list of Must Have Tailgate supplies, one of the top being it’s super slim, portable and compact design. You’re often limited to one parking spot but you’ll always have enough room for this rechargeable generator. The features you get on this model far exceed its price point.
2 Tier Folding Camping Table with 4 Mesh Cup Holders
Keep your drinks within reach with one of these folding tables with 4 cup holders. I can guarantee that one of these will be delivered to my house in the next few days.
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at [email protected].
