First and Ten Tailgate, better known as F.A.T.T., was founded on a simple belief that has shaped every gathering since its beginning: great tailgates are built by great people.  While the group proudly supports the Chicago Bears, they describe themselves first as "fans of fans," believing that everyone who shares the football experience deserves a place around the tailgate.  That philosophy has transformed F.A.T.T. into one of Chicago's most welcoming gameday communities, where Bears fans, visiting supporters, families, and longtime friends gather before every home game to celebrate not only football, but the relationships that make football worth following.

The group traces its roots to a close circle of South Side Bears fans whose friendships naturally evolved into a permanent tailgating tradition.  Over time, the gathering grew beyond its original members, welcoming fans from every part of Chicago while maintaining the close-knit atmosphere that first brought everyone together.  Leadership is shared by the group's "BAR" committee—Billy, Bear, Andy, Alex, Raf, and Ray—whose collective approach reflects the spirit of the tailgate itself.  Decisions are made together, responsibilities are shared, and every member contributes to creating the experience that returning guests have come to expect.

A Sunday with F.A.T.T. feels remarkably personal despite the number of people who stop by throughout the morning.  Families gather beneath rows of navy and orange canopies while children play nearby and longtime friends catch up over breakfast and lunch.  New visitors are introduced with the same enthusiasm as members who have attended for years, creating an atmosphere where conversations begin easily and often continue well beyond kickoff.  Whether someone arrives wearing Bears colors or those of the visiting team, they quickly discover that respect and good company matter far more than rival allegiances.

Food has always played an important role in bringing the community together.  Several members of the group own respected Chicago restaurants, allowing F.A.T.T. to showcase meals that reflect the city's rich culinary traditions.  Italian beef sliders, deep-dish chili, handcrafted sausages, and other neighborhood favorites regularly appear alongside new recipes inspired by the people gathered around the grills.  The menu changes throughout the season, but the purpose remains the same.  Every meal provides another opportunity for people to slow down, share stories, and strengthen friendships before heading into Soldier Field together.

The sense of community created by F.A.T.T. extends well beyond Bears home games.  Members regularly partner with fellow Chicago tailgates while traveling to road games, building friendships with fan bases across the National Football League.  Their annual veterans tailgate at American Legion Post 231 has become another important tradition, raising funds while honoring those who have served.  The same people who gather for Bears Sundays also support one another throughout the year, celebrating Chicago's other professional teams, participating in charitable efforts, and treating the tailgate as an extension of everyday life rather than a once-a-week event.

Every F.A.T.T. gathering concludes with a familiar tradition.  Just before everyone makes the walk toward Soldier Field, members raise a collective toast of "First and Ten!" It is both a rallying cry for the Bears and a celebration of the friendships that brought everyone together in the first place.  That simple moment captures the character of the tailgate itself.  First and Ten Tailgate has demonstrated that hospitality is not measured by the size of a setup or the menu on the grill, but by the willingness to welcome others into the community.  Their belief that they are "fans of fans" has made F.A.T.T. one of Chicago's defining tailgates and secured its place in the Tailgating Hall of Fame.