More to the Story with Staley: Tailgating

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The first Saturday in September is just hours away. And that means we will celebrate National Tailgating Day.

For many, tailgating is a lifestyle. It’s a culture unto itself. It’s fun, it’s fellowship and it’s food.

Dig this: a new survey indicates that two out of three sports fans prefer tailgating to the actual game.

“A lot of times people are there only for the tailgating. That shows you just how strong the culture really is,” said award winning pitmaster Erica Roby. “Sports and tailgating go hand in hand. I think you’ll always see a strong tailgating presence.”

Erica Roby knows! She is an award winning pitmaster. One of the leading pitmasters in America.

She’s won competitions on The Food Network. And she can whip out a tailgating dish with anybody.

Roby says tailgating with tacos is trending. She says a smoked shepherd pie is a perfect pregame treat.

But nothing beats beef. Almost 70% of people surveyed say a tailgate isn’t complete without beef.

“I love using beef because it is so versatile. You can add just about anything to beef,” Roby said. “And you can cook on multiple heat sources. It’s very important to look at these things!”

Roby says one of the main reasons tailgating has become so universally popular is technology.

Everything is now more portable. Smokers and grills are now battery powered. There’s no need for cords anymore.

Another reason for popularity? Folks are going local!

“The thing about tailgating food is you want to look around and really see where you’re at. And see what the locals are known for: what is tradition. And then you can add your own things to those traditions,” Roby explained.

Roby says people are embracing the fact that the sky is the limit for tailgating. And once you try it, you’re hooked.