Tens of thousands of Americans have plans to attend their favorite NFL team’s games this season to root in-person and catch the live action of the sport.
Whether you’re attending a game close to home or have a tradition of going on the road to show your fandom, plan to include tailgating expenses in your budget.
These tailgating expenses can include parking, food, drinks, and your favorite party snacks.
As this year’s NFL season kicks off, Oddspedia, a New York-based sports news platform, analyzed the best tailgate destinations for football fanatics so you can get the most bang for your buck and manage your tailgating costs.
Traveling the NFL: Cost-Effective Tailgating Adventures
With affectionate camaraderie and sizzling grills, tailgating embodies the spirit of NFL fandom. Oddspedia examined expenses for a group of four hungry game-goers while uncovering the nuances of different cities.
“To estimate the cost of tailgating for four people, we divided our research into two main categories: food and drink and parking,” said Dustin Saracini, a betting analyst with Oddspedia, who makes his home in Toronto.
They assembled a list of popular choices enjoyed at tailgate gatherings, complemented by economic insights retrieved from local grocery stores nestled close to each stadium.
The assembly of food and beverages presented a delightful array of engagement: four different dips with corresponding chips, sub rolls adorned with meats, cheese, and vibrant vegetables. This delicious smorgasbord brought fantasy to fruition.
Cheeseburger fixings took their place in the line-up, featuring burgers, soft buns, and fresh condiments adding layers of flavor to the afternoon excitement. Buffalo wings, pretzels, and hot dogs further enriched the culinary landscape.
The thirst-quenching beverages for these gatherings included cherished standards like a 16-pack of beer, refreshing two-liter bottles of Coca-Cola, and generous 1.5-liter bottles of water.
Coming in as the most extravagant tailgating experience is Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where costs hover around $292.33, with parking fees soaring to $132. Oddspedia’s data indicates that the luxurious SoFi Stadium in Inglewood demands an average parking fee of $100, resulting in tailgating costs reaching $257.55.
Meanwhile, AT&T Stadium, home of the revered Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, ranks third in expense, with average parking drawing $88, and tailgating costs adding up to $242.15.
Finding Frugality Among Football Fervor
Offering a more budget-friendly atmosphere, State Farm Stadium in Glendale presents an estimated cost of around $158.07, with parking charged at approximately $21.
Southern cities like Atlanta showcase tailgating costs wandering between $173 and $181, with Falcons fans enjoying the most financially manageable tailgate experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where parking is again priced at $21.
The average pregame experience for four tailgaters across various stadiums tallies to about $205.17, revealing an average expenditure of $147.79 dedicated to food and drinks, alongside $57.38 assigned for parking.
“We focused on official tailgating lots or those conveniently nearby, permitting fans to gather,” he elaborated.
Exploring options that fit a tighter budget revealed promising pathways. Saracini noted that the research team consulted official stadium sources and utilized resale platforms, such as Seatgeek, to uncover reasonable choices.
When calculating the total tailgate cost for a group of four, the team combined food and drink expenditures with parking fees, illuminating the overall expenses at each venue.
The Ripple Effect of Rising Prices
Two significant factors complicating the tailgating equation emerged: gas prices and escalating food costs. Saracini reflected on these challenges, sharing insights about how costs compound for ticket holders embarking on national trips.
“Attending far-out games has become much pricier, especially for those journeying across state lines,” he noted. Inflation in food prices has taken its toll, transforming the act of hosting a gathering into a potentially burdensome financial commitment.
Stadium upgrades, while enhancing the guest experience, understandably come with a price. “Though modern amenities offer comfort, they inevitably lead to higher costs for attendees,” Saracini acknowledged.
Strategies for Cost-Effective Tailgating
He suggests several money-saving techniques for budget-conscious tailgaters.
Establish a Clear Budget
Team Up for Games
Collaborate on Supplies
Smart Choices at Concessions
Savvy attendees can cut down on costs by opting for budget-friendly items at the stadium. “Consider crowd-pleasers like fried chicken, nachos, or even cupcakes,” Saracini suggested.
Timing is Key
If spontaneity doesn’t drive your game plan, consider flexibility. “If attending a particular game isn’t a must, you can find better prices. But if a game holds significance, early planning pays off,” he observed.
Gear Up Wisely
When shopping for jerseys and gear, attendees might find better deals outside major stadiums.
In a shift from traditional approaches, Adam Budelli, a spokesperson for StubHub in the San Francisco Bay Area, emphasized that single tickets might be more cost-effective than group purchases.
“Roster changes and rising fan enthusiasm have resulted in an uptick in sales for this season,” he remarked.
