Top 5 Tailgate Setups That Raised the Bar in 2025

Presented by the Tailgating Hall of Fame

Long before kickoff at any NFL stadium, the parking lot comes alive—not just with the rhythmic buzz of a fanbase preparing for battle—but with the sights, sounds, and scents of modern Americana. It’s here, in these vast swaths of asphalt and open sky, where tailgaters — dubbed by Joe Cahn himself, the self‑proclaimed Commissioner of Tailgating as, “the last great American neighborhood” — find common ground. Beneath the wide canvas of waterfalls of team color, strangers become neighbors, homespun chefs become lifelong friends, and hospitality knows no team boundaries.

In 2025, that neighborhood has seen its bar raised by tailgate setups shaping legends on the blacktop. From inventive street‑party feeders in Kansas City to the small‑town charm of Titletown  camaraderie, these gatherings have rewritten the rules of pregame celebration. They embody tailgating’s communal heart—an ever‑evolving tapestry of tradition, innovation, and neighborly spirit, just as Cahn envisioned: thousands of backyards without fences, where “the kitchens come into the parking lot”.

In 2025, that neighborhood has seen its boundaries redrawn by standout setups across the country. These gatherings aren't just tailgates—they're living events, each with its own personality, rituals, and community heartbeat. From sleek party rigs to vintage relics turned gourmet kitchens, these tailgates have redefined what pregame celebration means.

Here are five tailgates that have raised the bar this year, blending innovation, fellowship, and style in ways that make Joe Cahn's vision tangible:

Red Pinto Tailgate (Buffalo Bills)

The Red Pinto Tailgate, led by the legendary Kenny “Pinto Ron” Johnson, brilliantly exemplifies what it means to elevate tailgating into art. Drawing hundreds (sometimes over a thousand) to the Hammer Lot at Bills games, it turns a humble red Pinto into a culinary stage for creative cooking. The unpredictable methods—cooking chicken wings in an army helmet, stir-frying on a hubcap, frying bacon on a sawblade, even baking pizzas in a repurposed filing cabinet—all speak to a playful ingenuity that blends performance and practicality. Each device is chosen as much for its unexpectedness as for its utility, and the result is food that’s talked about and remembered long after kickoff.

Perhaps the most iconic moment, the Ketchup Opening Ceremony, encapsulates Pinto Ron’s flair for spectacle. At exactly 11:30 a.m., he emerges holding a burger, prompting the crowd to chant “Ketchup!” in unison—then three massive 64‑ounce condiment bottles are unleashed, drenching him and the burger in a torrent of bright red sauce. Immediately following, women armed with caulk‑gun mustard take their turn, transforming what was once a burger ritual into a communal experience full of laughter, ritual, and showmanship. It’s a simple gesture turned legendary, earning a cult following and headlines as one of sports’ most joyful pre‑game traditions.

But Red Pinto isn’t just about quirky antics. It’s about fostering community. The tailgate draws locals and visiting fans who come for the theater—and stay for the food, drink, and camaraderie. Despite its chaotic appearance, the operation is rooted in hospitality: photo ops with Pinto Ron, a lineup of unique cooking stations, and thoughtful mechanisms to include everyone in the fun . From the bowling‑ball shots to photo moments, it’s a gathering that transcends fandom—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the shared love of the game.

Bengal Trailer (Cincinnati Bengals)

The Bengal Trailer tailgate isn’t your average parking-lot barbecue—it’s a multi-sensory spectacle that continually raises the bar for NFL tailgating in 2025. Spearheaded by the flamboyant Bengal Trailer Boyz and hyped by DJ Diamond spinning from an elevated stage, this tailgate could double as its own mini-festival. Strategically parked with a tubular-frame awning to shield fans from sun or rain, the trailer is stacked with: commercial-grade grills, deep fryers, three working kegs, and a booming sound system. With that much infrastructure, it’s no surprise this setup draws crowds that treat the bus like home base all day.

What really sets the Bengal Trailer apart—what makes it feel like a carnival blown up onto 50 yards of asphalt—are the interactive quirks and adrenaline-pumping theatrics. Picture this: fans lining up for ceremonial shots poured straight from a red gas can right into their mouths—it's audacious, it's dangerous, and it's become a signature highlight. That’s followed by fireballs launched from goal-post cannons, circus performers juggling and unicycling through the crowd, and even a local weatherman on the nightly news. The energy is contagious, and even rival fans can't help but stop and get sucked into the chaos and camaraderie.

Beyond the flagrant pyrotechnics and high-decibel spectacle, the Bengal Trailer tailgate fosters a sense of community unlike any other. The masterminds open their arms to fans of all stripes—home or away—and create an inclusive, celebratory environment where the party is just as important as the Pats or Ravens on the scoreboard . And this isn't just a Sunday routine; these legends travel to away games, packing up the trailer and spreading the spirit wherever the Bengals go. In 2025, the Bengal Trailer remains a gold standard in tailgating innovation—a fusion of pageantry, hospitality, and showmanship that proves, every week, that NFL tailgating can still shock, wow, and unite.

Battle Wagon (Minnesota Vikings)

Slide open the Battle Wagon’s rear doors and you’re face-to-face with tailgate luxury: an actual working fireplace. Imagine crisp Vikings mornings with a propane-fueled warm glow spilling into the parking lot—that’s not just a setup, it’s an experience. This fireplace isn’t an afterthought; it’s the focal point around which the crew (led by Terry, Doug, TJ, and Michael) creates a homey, inviting atmosphere. Instead of crowding around stoves or grills, fans huddle near the hearth as the coaches pore into strategy and shared laughs—true warmth, both literal and communal.

What makes the Battle Wagon stand out even more is how it marries innovation with tradition. Their interior doesn’t just house a fireplace—it’s a fully-equipped mobile den, decked with tailgate comforts: swivel chairs, hearty chili, themed décor, and big-screen replays of earlier games. The result feels like stepping into a beloved family basement rather than a parking lot. On gameday, the lot becomes a retreat—complete with pre-game football talk, halftime scout sessions, and post-game debriefs—all centered around that roaring fire and genuine camaraderie.

The Battle Wagon’s legacy is built on more than novelty; it’s about redefining what fans expect when they tailgate. Its creators have taken the concept of “neighborhood” and amplified it to playoff-level connectivity. Whether you're a first-timer or an old-timer, walking up to that fireplace and being invited to pull up a chair feels like coming home. That’s why in 2025—and well beyond—the Battle Wagon continues to raise the bar on what a premium tailgate looks and feels like.

Dumdog Bus (Cleveland Browns)

The Dumdog Bus tailgate in Cleveland is a living icon of Dawg Pound creativity, masterminded by tailgaters Scott Nunnari and Loretta Mikoloski. This transformed school bus stands tall in the Muni Lot, outfitted as a colossal Cleveland Browns dog—complete with oversized paws, a mighty helmet-cockpit, and a towering snout that barks pride into the crowd. It’s a visual spectacle that captures attention from half a stadium away, and its unique design reflects the spirit of the Browns faithful—loyal, spirited, and always game for something bold.

Step inside, and you’ll find the Dumdog Bus isn’t just a novelty—it’s a cozy, full-service tailgating lounge on wheels. Soft lighting, Browns-themed décor, and a fully equipped bar await visitors, creating a welcoming retreat when the elements outside turn chilly. Whether you’re pouring a perfectly chilled beer or grabbing a cup of hot cider, the interior delivers a comfortable space for lively conversation and shared jabs about the day’s big plays. It’s that blend of novelty and hospitality—part mobile clubhouse, part neighborhood pub—that elevates the Dumdog Bus beyond the ordinary.

What truly sets the Dumdog Bus apart in 2025 is how it has rooted itself at the heart of Browns fandom. Every game day, the bus becomes a rallying point for friends old and new, Dawg Pound veterans and first-timers alike. Scott and Loretta’s warmth ensures everyone feels part of the family—from the first sip from the bus’s bar to the collective howl when the team scores. The Dumdog Bus proves that a tailgate isn’t just about food and drink—it’s about creating a community. In the world of Browns tailgating, this clever metamorphosis from bus to "dog" symbolizes both the creative flair and the passionate devotion that define next-level setups in 2025.

Tubgaters (Detroit Lions)

Detroit’s Tubgaters are legendary for reinventing tailgating comfort—literally. Led by Tubmaster Denny Arney, haul a full-sized hot tub to the Eastern Market before Lions home games, heating gallons of water to a steamy 105°F in freezing Detroit mornings.  The tub isn’t just decoration—it becomes a communal focal point, where passersby and visiting fans, have jumped in and joined the party. One selfie in the hot tub with Lions-clad celebrants is a right of passage for anyone in Detroit’s tailgate scene.

What makes the Tubgaters unique isn’t just their signature hot tub—it’s the way they’ve built an entire gameday experience around it. On Sunday mornings in Detroit, the Tubgaters roll into Eastern Market with their trailer-mounted tub, ready to transform a frozen parking lot into a full-blown celebration. Their presence is unmistakable: a sea of Honolulu Blue, the rumble of Detroit beats, and the unmistakable rallying cry of the “We Tubbin’” anthem kicking off the festivities. Denny Arney and the crew keep the energy high with music, laughter, and a laid-back vibe that’s equal parts Lions loyalty and Motor City grit. Fans from all over—locals and out-of-towners alike—stop by to soak up the atmosphere, share a drink, and be part of one of the most iconic tailgates in the NFL.

Finally, the Tubgaters show why tailgating isn’t just an event—it’s tradition. Thanksgiving at the tub is highlighted by a full feast—turkeys, gravy, and all fixings—served into the bubbling hot tub to enduring tradition. Every year reminds us: this isn’t just a warm soak, it’s a social institution—a neighborhood block party the size of motor city. That’s why, even in 2025, the Tubgater mobile hot tub remains unmatched—unique, beloved, and unreplicated.

These five tailgates—each a flagship in its own right—illustrate why tailgating remains the core of fall American culture. From sleek taps and gourmet tools to carnival extravaganzas and RV block parties, they fuse innovation with hospitality, forging communities miles before game time.

They are the embodiment of Joe Cahn’s vision: "the kitchens come into the parking lot," creating spaces where hospitality thrives in steel canopies, grills, and shared laughter. Whether you’re a first-timer or lifelong local, stepping into any of these setups feels like finding home.

In 2025, the bar isn’t just raised—it’s landed in the stands. These tailgates are more than events; they’re prototypes for what pregame tradition can be—warm, loud, generous, and unforgettable.