The camaraderie that takes place at NFL games begin hours
before the teams kick off. The smell of barbecue, grilled steak and hamburgers blankets the area outside stadiums as hip-hop, soul and R&B blast from car
stereos. Children toss footballs as their parents gather around the grill to debate sports and recipes. Sunday mornings are always a special time
for avid tailgaters. During a recent Atlanta Falcons game at the Georgia Dome,
rolling out sports caught up with several tailgaters who provided insight on putting together the perfect tailgate party. –a.r.
Wayman Britton
Tailgate Specialty: Fried Tilapia
What Makes a Perfect Tailgate: “It takes a good
football rivalry and great friends. We all work hard everyday of the week and
this is the only time that we can get together. We have all been tailgating for
years.”
Byron Riggins
Tailgate Specialty: Barbecue Ribs
What Makes a Perfect Tailgate: “Good music, food and
family. It’s a family affair. My kids come out here and they like it. We bring
relatives and friends out here and enjoy.”
Angela Minor
Tailgate Specialty: Green Monster (Alcoholic
Beverage)
What Makes a Perfect Tailgate: “The perfect tailgate
consists of good food, family and liquor. We have a drink called the Green
Monster. It’s a drink that gets everyone in the mood. I have been tailgating
for 11 years. The tradition is to get here early and we party for 10 Sundays a
year.”
.
John Jackson
Tailgate Specialty: Barbecue Chicken Wings
What Makes a Perfect Tailgate: “The key to tailgating
is having a variety of food and beers to drink. You also need patience to come
down early on Sunday mornings to cook. We have to get here at 7 a.m. It takes a
team effort and my wife is very instrumental. She prepares the food at night and
I grill in the morning.”
