Welcome to this week’s edition of The Examiner’s “Tailgater of the Year” contest, where The Examiner selects the best tailgaters from college and professional football games in the Baltimore area.
We’re not looking for a small grill with hot dogs and hamburgers on it. We’re looking for extravagant, like a portable sports bar with menu items you can’t get for a dollar at a fast food joint.
We have high expectations for you, football fans. Please, don’t let us down.
Think you have what it takes?
This week, we were very impressed by Allan Price, John Meyers, Wayne Stinchcomb and Joe Carolan of Parkville before the Ravens game against the Titans at M&T Bank Stadium. The weekend warriors typically prepare a feast for more than 30 friends and family prior to each home game, and are best known for their slow-cooked meats and seafood gumbo.
Think you can beat four of the Raven’s biggest fans? Let us know where to find you when we attend the Towson game against Rhode Island on Saturday at Johnny Unitas Stadium. If you think you can tailgate with the best of them, please e-mail: [email protected].
The tailgate
» Location: Beside the silo in the lot at the corner of W. Ostend and Scott Streets
» Setup: The tailgate features several long tables with lots of food, two separate propane burners, three slow-cookers, a grille and an array of tarps and awnings to provide shade and protection from inclement weather.
» What’s on the grille: Pit beef, shrimp, pork, salmon, turkey and shish kabobs.
» Best side dish: Seafood gumbo, containing shrimp, crab and oysters. The group also served French fries and calamari prepared on-site in a fryer, cookies and egg rolls.
» Attendance: As many as 40 friends and family members wearing Ravens’ jerseys, purple camouflage pants and hats.
» Experience: The friends have been tailgating since the Ravens played at Memorial Stadium. They begin by having a few drinks and a bucket of fried chicken. They have rapidly evolved into one of the top pregame stops prior to kickoff at M&T Bank Stadium with more goodies than an Old Country Buffet. “If you go hungry,” Price said, “it’s your own fault.”
At the end of the season, each of the weekly winners will be posted on baltimoreexaminer.com and the one with the most votes gets bragging rights and a prize.
