Blacktop Culinarians Unite!
Since
2006, Hans Steiniger has traveled to major pro sports venues
across the country in an effort to understand how tailgating differs
regionally as one moves from city to city. Throughout this
journey, numerous
connections were made with local tailgating groups eager to share their
experiences and open their grill pits to the many travelers that Quest
for 31. This is their story...
Tailgate Joe
Tailgate Joe
At A Glance
Home Team: New York Jets
Website:
www.TailgateJoe.com
Tailgating Since: 2000
Location: Lot E-10
Typical Tailgate Size:
Regulars: Tailgate Joe, Nicky, Andrew, Sal,
Jay, Frankie
Signature Drink:
Best Local Beer:
Tailgate Cruiser:
Awards:
Member Since: September 20, 2009
Member Bio:
We began back in 2000, when a group of friends started regularly attending New York Jet’s home games. Huddled around a small Coleman camp grill with a cooler of beer, a core group of us gathered before the game. Each year the group got a little larger, as more friends of friends joined in. By the end of the 2008 season, TailgateJoe had grown to up to 30-40 tailgaters for some games. It was at that point that we realized two things. First, we had made some great friends and contacts over the years, and second, there were a lot of other people that were unable to enjoy such an important part of the game day experience. TailgateJoe.com started soon after that and we opened up our tailgate to anyone else who cared to join us on game day. If we could also raise a few bucks for cancer research, as I am a cancer survivor that would also be a sweet bonus.
In 2009, the last season in the old Giants Stadium, TailgateJoe was born, as the FIRST, and largest, game day New York Jets fan club and tailgate party. We have grown from 30-50 people per game in 2009 to over 300 tailgaters during the 2011 season and we continue to grow. We have been able to also raise a few dollars for charity, and are always interested in helping good causes. It has been a great experience for me, to share my love and passion for the NFL, the Jets, and cooking with others every game day. The TailgateJoe fan club is and always has been open for all those to come and enjoy.
The premise of the club is to bring the friendship and camaraderie of Jets fandom by throwing the biggest and best tailgate party possible for those who can’t or don’t want to do their own. We are at every home game, and quite a few away games as well. Generally we set up when the lot opens, 5 hours before kickoff. It is always free to join and hang with us and enjoy the TV system broadcasting other games as well as our music and entertainment. For those that want to partake in the all-you-can-eat-and-drink awesomeness, there is a donation bucket to help defray the costs.
