I like tailgating. You like tailgating. Everybody likes tailgating!

So, besides the steaks, what are the funnest parts of tailgating? (For our purposes here, “funnest” is, indeed, a word.)

Picture this: You’re in the parking lot of your home stadium. Your best buddy is manning the steak on the grill (he’s got all types of steak from strips to filets to ribeyes), the tent man got there early to pick a primo spot and set up the shade, a group is playing cornhole, another is flipping cups, the DJ has the perfect game-time music blasting and your truck is providing the perfect seating for all the festivities.

This is shaping up to be the best tailgate ever. It’s a tradition that has some murky beginnings – no one really knows for sure where and when it started. But tailgating has swept the country over the years and we’re all getting in on the fun.

So where is it the funnest? (See? I did it again.) Well, inthenation.com says the top 5 best cities for NFL tailgating today are:

1. Baltimore
2. Denver
3. Houston
4. San Diego
5. Cincinnati

And, as you can see from this list, it doesn’t even matter how good the teams are. Sorry, Chargers. It’s all about the food and party. Sweet!

So, no matter the outcome of the game, your goal is to win the pre-party. And win it, you will!

That same site says that there are an estimated 50 million tailgaters in the U.S. Now that’s a lot of burgers! And up to $12 billion is spent on the revelry every year. I mean, what a huge industry.

Plus, up to 35% of those tailgaters are so dedicated to the art of the tailgate that they don’t even set foot inside the stadium. So it makes perfect sense that that party in the parking lot better be a good one!

What are your favorite tailgating traditions?

Baseball? Preseason football? Your kid’s soccer tournament? Badminton?

It doesn’t matter. It’s tailgatin’ time all around the U.S.A.!

Wherever you live, whoever your team, we all have one thing in common – we need to cheer on our players and we need to eat.

Preferably at the same time.

Whether you’re actually set up out of the back of your truck or car or you’re in your living room or basement, the food has GOT to be right!

And this takes planning, my friends.

Portable grills are perfect for grilling steak in a parking lot. I’ve been known to dig in to the finest steaks in parking lots all around the country.

It’s about dedication, people.

So be sure to pack up the portable grill, a cooler full of steak and accompaniments and all your sides. Plates, napkins, beverages and trash bags are must-have also. Plus containers to transport the leftovers – if there are any.

So what are the best steak cuts for tailgating?

For us, it’s Kansas City Strips and Sirloin steaks, hands down. No question.

Why?

They’re hearty and meaty and perfect for creating Steak Sandwiches. For tailgating, sandwiches are king! Everybody can personalize their sandwich with their own choices – sauces, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, etc.

Delish!

Plus, the smell of steaks grilling is enough to get any fan riled up – whether it’s in the stadium lot or your own backyard. There’s just something in the smoke.

Maybe throw on some filets for the purists who prefer not to create a sandwich and just want the full steak experience.

I can appreciate that, too.

While you’re planning, take a look at these Tailgating Favorites including the all-important Steak Sandwiches, all-beef hot dogs, burgers, brats, brisket, ribs and more.

You’re sure to find some inspiration for creating the perfect tailgating experience for your crew. Go team!