Every NFL tailgate crew has a heart, a soul, and a story. For the Yooperman Tailgate, that story winds its way down a two-lane road in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, across the snowy plains of Chippewa County, and into the warehouse-lined streets of downtown Detroit. At the center of it all stands Megan “Yoopergirl” Stefanski — a devoted Detroit Lions fan, community leader, and the 2024 Detroit Lions Fan of the Year (and later named the NFL’s Ultimate Fan of the Year). Her journey began in the small town of Goetzville, Michigan — a place where her family has lived for more than a century, running the local postal route, tending the family farm, and welcoming neighbors into Yooperman’s Bar & Grill.

The Yooperman Tailgate was founded by Megan’s father, Donnie “Yooperman” Stefanski, a proud Lions fan whose enthusiasm for football and fellowship was legendary across the Upper Peninsula. Donnie started tailgating in Detroit long before it was easy for fans living hundreds of miles away. His larger-than-life spirit, warm hospitality, and tireless loyalty to the Honolulu Blue earned him a following among fellow fans who came to know his lot as a place where everyone belonged. When Donnie passed away in 2019, Megan picked up the torch and continued the tradition he began. Though her father can no longer make the trip from the UP, his presence is still felt at every game — in the laughter, the generosity, and the unmistakable Yooper pride that fills the air.

Today, the Yooperman Tailgate sets up shop at 1000 Gratiot Avenue, just up the road from Ford Field among Detroit’s industrial brick buildings and office spaces. On Gameday, that parking lot transforms into a celebration of Michigan itself — equal parts city grit and northern soul. Megan makes the 10-hour round trip for every home game, driving through the night with her Lions flag waving high. There’s cooking after midnight, a 2:30 a.m. carpool with her dad’s spirit riding shotgun, and a sunrise arrival in Detroit where the grills are fired up and the community begins to gather.

Attending the Yooperman Tailgate is like stepping into a family reunion where everyone is welcome. Plates overflow with hearty, home-cooked dishes inspired by Yooperman’s Bar & Grill back home, coffee and beer flow freely, and fans swap stories about their journeys, their team. Megan’s hospitality sets the tone — she greets rival fans with the same warmth she offers lifelong Lions supporters, reminding everyone that football is more than competition; it’s connection.

Beyond the fun and food, Megan uses the Yooperman Tailgate as a platform for good. Her charity work with the Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula has raised thousands of dollars, proving that even a tailgate can make a difference. It’s that combination of heart, hustle, and humanity that earned her recognition on the national stage — but for Megan, it’s never been about awards. It’s about people.

As the crowd packs up after the game, Megan’s crew lingers — sharing a final plate, trading hugs, and talking about the next matchup. For those who make the pilgrimage to Detroit, it’s more than a Sunday ritual; it’s a reminder that no distance is too far when you’re carrying on a legacy.

So if you find yourself near 1000 Gratiot Avenue on a Lions Gameday, follow the music, the laughter, and the unmistakable Yooper hospitality. There you’ll find the Yooperman Tailgate, alive with pride, passion, and purpose — a daughter honoring her father’s dream, and a fan base that proves family isn’t defined by where you live, but by how you love your team.