Tailgating etiquette?

[PalsPal]

In all the years of attending games, we've never been ones to attend tailgates. Mainly because we were arriving just prior to kickoff.

Well, now, my middle daughter loves going to games, and getting there early for the pregame festivities.

I've started going with her some if she has no one else to go with her, and we're going tomorrow.

Concerning other people who have set up and cooking various things, are they usually doing it just for themselves, or do they intend to share with passersby usually?

Do I ask, or just walk up, give a "Go Vols"' and then help myself ?

 

[MUP]

That last line might be considered theft.

 

[Gravey]

You don't just walk up and help yourself. Typically it's friends and family of the host. Now you can always strike up a conversation with somebody and maybe they'll invite you to join in.

Quick story…at the Alabama game my wife couldn't go so my brother did. My daughter had been with me the week before for the Florida game but she was back for a reunion or something with The Cross (she graduated from there in 22 and 23). We met up with her and some of her friends and went to a tent. Well eventually they all left and it was just me and my brother. They had some food and drinks and had somebody come by and ask if they could get a drink. I said sure it's not mine.

 

[UCStandSitter]

I never offered randos my food/drink. If someone stopped for a few to chat and we got on, they would be invited but it certainly wasn't community property. Capitalism FTW!

 

[DayDay]

Some tailgaters have more food and drinks than they can handle themselves with the intent to share. They will talk with others and share food, including sharing with visiting fans of the other team. Some stick to themselves and their fans only. Some just stick to themselves.

 

[DaveTN]

Do I ask, or just walk up, give a "Go Vols"' and then help myself ?

Yes. But tell your daughter to stand back and watch how you do it first. Then report back to us about the new friends you made.

Darn it…From the title I thought this was going to be a road rage thread.