Tailgating Research

Results from the first Tailgating Institute research study. From a study of the tailgating habits of over 20,000 Tailgaters in 25 cities across America.

How old is the average Tailgater?	4% are between 12-20 60% are between the ages of 25-44 9% are over 55 years old.

Who Tailgates more, men or women?	79% are men 18% are female

What is the last level of education completed?	23% have a high school diploma 59% have a college degree 14% have graduate degrees.

How many times a year do they Tailgate?	46% Tailgate 6-10 times a season 21 Tailgate 11-15 times 8% Tailgate at more than 16 games in a season.

Who does the shopping?	44% of Tailgate food is bought by both the husband and wife 27% by just the husband 21% leave the shopping to someone else.

How much do they spend?	42% of our Tailgaters spend over $500 a season on food and supplies 31% spend between $200-$500.

How long does it take to get to the game?	49% travel less than one hour to the stadium 15% travel between 2-4 hours 8% travel more than 4 hours.

How early do they get there?	9% set-up 1-2 house prior 51% set-up 3-4 hours before the game 39% set-up more than 5 hours before kick-off.

Are they really cooking in the Parking Lot?	95% of our Tailgaters prepare their food at the stadium 5% bring fast food or prepared food to the stadium

What are they cooking on?	39% use a grill to cook 1% use a smoker 1% use a stove 59% Use a combination of grills, stoves, and smokers to cook
Based on their responses here is the make-up of a "typical tailgater"... College educated male Between the ages of 35 and 44 Spends over $500 a year on tailgating food Attends and/or hosts 6-10 Tailgate Parties each season. Uses separate coolers for food and beverages. Travels less than one hour to get to the game Tailgate party begins 3-4 hours before kickoff