New York Giants - Big Blue BBQ

New York Giants - Big Blue BBQ

New Jersey

Inducted: November 8, 2009
Captains: Greg Scharfstein, Joe Irovando, John Vingara and Scott Tourville
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey

Greg Scharfstein, Joe Irovando, John Vingara and Scott Tourville

Greg Scharfstein, Joe Irovando, John Vingara, and Scott Tourville captain Big Blue BBQ, crafting a festive Giants tailgate filled with live DJs, gourmet grills, and community spirit. Each brings unique strengths — Greg’s detail focus, Joe’s warmth, John’s hospitality, and Scott’s enthusiasm — creating a family celebration and proud tradition that’s a must-stop for any MetLife Stadium game day.

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When you step off the curb into Lot J19 on a Sunday morning in East Rutherford, the smell of brisket and the sounds of a live DJ welcome you into a world where the only thing bigger than the platters of food is the heart of the people serving it. This is Big Blue BBQ, one of the most celebrated tailgates in the NFL and a cornerstone of Giants gamedays for more than 30 years.

Founded in 1994 by Greg Scharfstein and Scott Tourville, the Big Blue BBQ began the way so many great traditions do—humble and hungry. Two lifelong New York “Football” Giants fans landed season tickets and decided to make the most of every gameday. A single extra ticket led to a growing crew, and before long, their modest pregame cookouts turned into a full-blown tailgate experience. What started as four fans and a hibachi grill has grown into a tailgate that welcomes up to 1,000 guests per game, drawing in families, fellow die-hards, and even former players from all over the country.

Today, Captains Greg Scharfstein, Joe Irovando, John Vingara, and Scott Tourville lead a team of dedicated volunteers who make every gameday feel like a celebration. The Big Blue BBQ setup is a marvel: a full tailgate trailer with a built-in bar, satellite television, heated tents, and even a private half-bath for the ladies—because when you’ve been doing it this long, you know the little things matter. From their signature seven-dish hot menu that changes weekly to the booming beats of Magic Touch DJs, Big Blue BBQ delivers a game-day experience that’s as much about community as it is about competition.

Every Sunday in Lot J19 is a party, but it’s a party with purpose. The crew posts their menus online and asks for a modest donation (usually around $30) to help offset food costs. Any player appearances—frequent and unannounced—often involve photo ops and autograph sessions that support charities chosen by the players themselves. And yes, Giants Legends like Rodney Hampton have been known to stop by for brisket and a handshake.

But what sets Big Blue BBQ apart isn’t just the food or the fanfare. It’s the atmosphere. Newcomers are treated like family. Opposing fans are welcomed with a smile and a plate. And for the regulars, many of whom have been tailgating here for decades, every Sunday feels like a reunion. Whether it’s a sun-soaked September opener or a bone-chilling December rivalry, the vibe remains the same: good food, good friends, good times.

Tailgating at MetLife Stadium is a culture unto itself. Five hours before kickoff, cars line up early at the gates, eager to claim prime territory. Parking in the Meadowlands is earned, not given—and Big Blue BBQ has earned its spot at the top. They've built an empire on blacktop, fueled by tradition, teamwork, and a never-wavering love for the Giants. If you bring a game of cornhole, you’ll have strangers joining in before you’ve finished setting it up. If you show up wearing blue, you’ll be handed a plate and a beer within minutes.

And don’t be surprised if you meet fans from out of state—or even overseas—who planned their entire trip around joining the Big Blue BBQ crew for a game. The tailgate is that good.

Whether you’re a lifelong Giants fan or just passing through MetLife for the first time, Big Blue BBQ is a must-stop experience. With its legendary food, warm hospitality, and vibrant energy, it represents everything tailgating is meant to be: a celebration of team, community, and the joy of game day.

 So next time you’re headed to a Giants game, swing by Lot J19. You’ll smell the brisket before you see the trailer, hear the music before you catch a glimpse of the crowd, and feel at home before you’ve even finished your first bite.

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