Tailgating Traditions

Every year in late summer, as most people are thinking of going back to school and work after their summer vacations, there's the smell of pigskin in the air. But that it is not coming from inside the dozens of stadiums throughout the US. That delicious aroma is coming from their parking lots, where young and old gather before the big game to observe a tradition nearly as old as the game itself – tailgating.

From coast to coast, tailgating traditions are as wide and varied as the fans who create them. From hot dogs and burgers to steak to such delicacies as sushi, escargot, and smoked salmon, people paint themselves in their team's colors and brave weather both sweltering and frigid to show pride for their team and make sure everyone is well fed before kickoff.

The tailgating ritual has become as important as the game itself for many a fan. Perhaps nowhere is that dedication more apparent than Green Bay, Wisconsin, home of the only team in the NFL owned by its fans. For each home game, no matter what the weather, these stalwart midwest residents will brave any weather condition to support their team. Often, you will see as many people stay outside Lambeau Stadium as go in for the game. They listen to the game on their radios and watch on portable TVs content to be as close as possible to the action, all the while keeping the food warm so the party can continue after the game

The meal of choice for many of these fans? Bratwurst, a sausage made of ground pork, spices and herbs, sometimes boiled in beer and almost always grilled, can be found on most grills on game day. Not only in Green Bay, either. One Wisconsin company has made their tasty sausages available in many different varieties nationwide. They offer their bratwurst in flavors for any taste or occasion. In addition to their original braturst, you can get them pre-soaked in beer, with cheddar, Hot & Spicy, Irish O'Garlic, Smoked, Stadium style, and even Chorizo style. For those who prefer round buns, they also offer brat patties. Brats are so popular, there is even a special "Beer & Bratwurst" mustard made especially for them!

In 2004, the Johnsonville Sausage company even held a "Bratwurst Tailgating Hall Of Fame" contest where each month, winners were awarded a year's supply of Johnsonville sausages. The grand prize winner was treated to the world's largest grill, with "Brats," as they are called, served up for them and 99 of their closest friends at the 2005 Super Bowl game.

Recipes were submitted from all over the country and included a variety of tasty treats, including an Oktoberfest Hoagie, Brat Mac and Cheese, Philly Brats, a Brat & Kraut Strudel, and even New Orleans' style Bratwurst Jambalya! But perhaps nothing is better for the true tailgator than a plain old brat, soaked in beer and onions for a couple of hours, then grilled to perfection over charcoal — which also helps keep fans warm while waiting for game time.

So the next time you get invited to the big game, go a couple of hours early, fire up the grill, and try a brat! (Pass the mustard please?)