Some of the best memories people create throughout football season are what happens before and after the game during the tailgate. As you make your plans this season and in future ones, we thought we’d provide the NFL stadiums you need to check out that are best for RV tailgating!
Arlington, Texas: AT&T Stadium – Dallas Cowboys
Everything is bigger in Texas. This definitely applies to AT&T Stadium as well as its parking with one of the larger lots you’ll find. The same goes for tailgating. RVers can pull in as early as 8:00 A.M. CT the day before the game creating an overnight tailgate experience you don’t find as often as you’d think. Parking can be purchased at their ticket station, or you can go online ahead of time. Of note, there are no hookups available, but there’s a dump station onsite.
Baltimore, Maryland: M&T Bank Stadium – Baltimore Ravens
When in the northeast, seafood is king, and you’ll find plenty outside of M&T Bank Stadium on game days. You won’t have a hard time finding a number of Baltimore specialties including Chesapeake Bay crabs, crab cakes, and steamed clams as early as five hours before kickoff.
Chicago, Illinois: Soldier Field – Chicago Bears
During football season, it can get cold and windy, but the weather doesn’t stop the passionate and loyal Bears’ fans from packing the parking lots well before kickoff oftentimes grilling their signature Chicago style hot dogs. RVers interested in tailgating can purchase parking passes online for guaranteed spots in the South Lot or Waldron Deck. Both of the surface lots and the upper level of the deck allow tailgating parties before the game. Fans can show up as early as four hours before kickoff. You then have two hours after the game ends.
Denver, Colorado: Empower Field at Mile High – Denver Broncos
In Denver, one of the top beer cities in the country, Broncos’ fans are all about enjoying local brews before the game. Lots C and M are open for RVers on a first come, first served basis. They open as early as 8:00 A.M. MT for day games and 12:00 P.M. MT with those at night.
East Rutherford, New Jersey: MetLife Stadium – New York Giants and New York Jets
MetLife Stadium is universally considered among the best venues to watch a football game in the country with a very crowded tailgate scene. Tailgating is allowed in almost all of lots. In order to get a spot though, you’re going to need to secure a prepaid parking permit. These can be found via either the NFL Ticket Exchange or Ticketmaster.
Foxborough, Massachusetts: Gillette Stadium – New England Patriots
If you’re a seafood connoisseur, you absolutely must make the tailgate scene at Gillette Stadium a top priority for one of your upcoming game day destinations. For four hours before kickoff, you’ll be taking in some of the best shrimp, lobsters, clams, and chowder all of New England has to offer. Tailgating before a Pats game includes all kinds of fresh seafood – from lobsters to clams, shrimp and chowder. Make sure you bring cash though as they don’t accept credit cards.
Houston, Texas: NRG Stadium – Houston Texans
Kansas City prides itself on the best barbecue in the country, but don’t tell that to Houston, a city believing they ultimately deserve that crown. Find out for yourself taking in elaborate barbecue spreads where you’ll get a lot bit of everything. NRG Stadium opens its lots for tailgating four hours before kickoff although note it’s always on a first come, first served basis. You’ll also need to buy two parking spaces, and park in the designated areas within each lot.
Kansas City, Missouri: Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City Chiefs
It’s no secret Kansas City is known for their barbeque, and Chiefs’ tailgates certainly don’t disappoint and are the furthest thing from an exception to the rule. Prior to kickoff, the parking lot around Arrowhead Stadium is filled with rows of smokers with a full buffet of ribs, brisket, and chicken. The city is also immersed in the craft beer scene where you’ll have plenty of local options to choose from. RV parking is on a first come, first served basis. RVers will need an oversized vehicle pass, which are sold in the Red and Gold lots.
Orchard Park, New York: Highmark Stadium – Buffalo Bills
In the words of ESPN’s Chris Berman, “nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills!” This certainly applies to the camaraderie and togetherness you feel during some of the rowdiest tailgates you’ll ever encounter full of people who just know how to have a great time. There’s a Camper Lot for RVers, but if that’s full, there are other private lots available too. Unlike most stadiums though where paying for a spot ahead of time is a must, you can almost always show up on game day and be able to find an open one. A nice feature too is adjacent to the Camper Lot, you’ll find a clean and heated comfort station with showers, restrooms, and changing areas.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia Eagles
Parking outside of Lincoln Financial Field fills up quickly in the allotted five hours leading up to kickoff so Eagles’ fans can get started on preparing their pulled pork, legendary Philly cheese steaks, brisket, and much more. Like most venues, overnight parking isn’t allowed. There’s a nearby option though in Lake Kandle Campground for the night before or after the game.
Santa Clara, California: Levi’s Stadium – San Francisco 49ers
Levi’s Stadium allows for tailgating, but only in designated areas. RVers looking to tailgate can purchase a parking spot in advance by calling their box office. It’s also possible you come find a spot on game day, but they’re on a first come, first served basis. Based on the popularity and demand, we highly recommend booking in advance to avoid the risk of not securing one of these highly desirable spots as that’d surely put a damper on your overall experience in the Bay Area.