Welcome to the final edition of The Examiner?s “Tailgater of Year” contest, where The Examiner selected the best tailgaters from college and professional football games in the Baltimore area.
We?re impressed. From Johnny Unitas Stadium to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to M&T Bank Stadium, we saw hundreds of passionate fans who knew how to throw a tremendous party. It was tough to select just one winner each week.
Now comes the easy part ? at least for us. Beginning next week, please visit examiner.com to vote on which tailgater you believe is Baltimore?s best. Vote as often as you want, and the tailgater with the most votes wins.
But first, here is the last winning tailgate entry: Jerry Bunty, Mark Stoecker and Robert Morningtsar of Essex ? all of whom braved a dreary Sunday evening to party before the Ravens defeated the Steelers.
But is the trio Baltimore?s best? Only time will tell….
» THIS WEEK?S WINNERS: Jerry Bunty, Mark Stoecker and Robert Morningtsar of Essex
» LOCATION: Parking Lot H
» SET-UP: The centerpiece of their tailgate party is a refurbished 1971 Bluebird bus. The trio originally purchased the bus for $650 and have spent $20,000 restoring and customizing the vehicle. The bus, with the license plate tailg8r, is painted black with the Ravens logo on it. Inside, the bus? floor is painted like a football field and many of the seats came from Memorial Stadium. All of the seats are purple, except one blue one marked No. 19, as a tribute to Johnny Unitas. The bus also includes a board with signatures of many former Baltimore Colts.
» WHAT?S ON THE GRILL: Pork and deer kabobs, fried rock fish, turkey and sausage.
» BEST SIDE DISHES: Shrimp Martini ? a dip composed of shrimp, salsa and a shot of tequila that is served in a martini glass.
» SIGNATURE DISH: “Eddie Burgers,” which are made with ground round, mixed with garlic powder, pepper, salt, parsley flakes, dried onions and AI steak sauce.
» ATTENDANCE: 12
» EXPERIENCE: The trio started about five years ago, and purchased the bus in 2003. The group bought the bus as a way of transporting friends and family each week. Those who come pay $10 for gas and maintenance costs and bring a food dish. “We wanted a way to celebrate the Ravens without forgetting about all of the good times with the Colts,” Morningstar said.
