🎉 How to Host the Ultimate College Football Tailgate
Fall Saturdays are sacred: it’s tailgate time 🏈. Whether you're throwing brisket on a smoker in Austin or sipping local brews in Boulder, a great tailgate is all about food, friends, and football.
We’re breaking down how to throw the best tailgate at five powerhouse campuses — and how to level up your food game with a little help from Tivity.
🟧 University of Texas – Austin, TX
Tailgate Vibe: Big, bold, and burnt orange everything.
Longhorn fans don’t mess around. Tailgates near DKR–Texas Memorial Stadium are massive, BBQ-fueled, and full of swagger. Bonus points if you know how to yell “Hook 'Em” with proper hand form. And if you're really going all in, start your day on Bevo Blvd, where the pre-game party feels like a Texas-sized festival.
🟡 University of Colorado Boulder (CU)
Tailgate Vibe: Chill mountain vibes with craft beer to match.
Buffs fans tailgate with a view — and often a cooler full of local brews. Whether you’re tossing a frisbee or grilling next to the Flatirons, the CU tailgate scene is relaxed but legit. Here's your official Buffs tailgate guide.
💙 University of North Carolina (UNC)
Tailgate Vibe: Southern charm + BBQ heaven.
From live music to pulled pork sandwiches under the pines, tailgating at UNC is all about great eats and better company. True Tar Heels know the best tailgates are near the Bell Tower or on South Road. Suit up in Carolina blue and don’t skip the sweet tea.
💛 UCLA – Los Angeles, CA
Tailgate Vibe: Chill, stylish, and a little bit bougie.
Tailgating in the Rose Bowl lot? Yes please. With food trucks, palm trees, and fashion-forward fans, it's a whole vibe. Expect mimosa brunch tailgates, avocado everything, and plenty of sunshine. Pro tip: sunglasses are as essential as your game ticket.
⚓ Vanderbilt University – Nashville, TN
Tailgate Vibe: Music City meets SEC energy.
Right in the heart of Nashville, Vandy tailgates bring that perfect mix of downtown energy and SEC tradition. Grab some hot chicken, roll out the cornhole, and enjoy a little live music before kickoff. The campus setup makes it super walkable — so you can bounce between tailgates with ease. Vandy’s fan guide has all the details.
🍔 Want to Win at Food? Book a Chef.
Let’s be real: prepping tailgate food is a lot. Want to skip the hassle and go gourmet? Tivity lets you Book a Chef for your next tailgate — so you can focus on friends, football, and fun while a pro handles the eats.
From sliders to smoked brisket, plant-based bites to party apps, Tivity brings the flavor straight to your lot or lawn. Total game-changer. 🙌
No matter where you're cheering from, tailgating should be legendary. With the right setup, the right snacks, and the right squad — you’re already winning.
Ready to eat like a champion? 👉 Book a Chef now.
