Football is synonymous with Fall.  It’s just a fact.  Though baseball use to be the American pastime, it has slowly but surely transfered over to football.  And that gets me wondering what it is about this sport that make’s it so special.  Maybe because it’s more exciting, there’s less down time (no pun intended), the athleticism of the players is awe-inspiring or because people just go crazy over their teams.  And then there’s the novelty!  With less games in a season, you become more excited as Sunday comes around.  Now, don’t get me wrong I am a huge baseball fan, but this game just has a way of bringing people together like no other sport can.

Take tailgating for example.  The Football Tailgate Party is almost a sub-culture.  Thousands of people gather outside football stadiums in everything from a beat-up junker with just a cooler to a 35 foot camper with a satellite, a huge tv and kegs of beer.  Grilling is also a tailgate way of life and I’m not just talking burgers, hotdogs and Brats here!  Smokers for all sorts of barbecued meats have been known to find their way into the parking lots of America.  So, while these folks are drinking their beer, smoking their meats and downing a hot dog or two, you’ll often see a few things flying around: footballs, horseshoes and bean bags.

All of this creates an environment for camaraderie.  It’s a place where you and your friends can not only enjoy listening to or watching your favorite team play, but you also get make it an rip-roaring event!  But let’s not forget all the new friends that are made here.  Folks roam around, discussing the teams, players and even their lives.  It’s the “coffee shop” of the football community!  I mean some people make this a way of life.  For many men it’s like their wife’s Bingo night, but instead of going to Nancy’s House they head to Lambeau Field.  And I’m reminded of another relationship that’s often strengthened by this experience: the Father-Son Bond. They get to spend time together enjoying a sport they both love, and when walking by one of these duos you just may catch”You could be playing here one day” uttered by a proud and supportive father.

So, if you’re a football fan and love to get outside, joining thousands of others in a cheering partnership, then this weekly event may be one you don’t want to miss.  I promise it’s happening at a stadium near you!

one area there’s small cars and people playing games but then another area has huge mobile homes and folks wearing jerseys