NFL Rules Prohibiting Super Bowl Tailgating

Tailgaiting is a tradition at many sporting events, with groups of friends gathering in the parking lot outside the stadium several hours before the game begins. At these gatherings, food is served off grills, drinks and snacks are available, games such as bean bags and ladder ball are played, and music is often blaring. For some Super Bowl venues, however, tailgating is not permitted on the property.

  1. Stadium Policy

    • The policy regarding whether or not tailgating in the parking lots outside of the stadium varies from establishment to establishment, and as such from Super Bowl to Super Bowl. Super Bowl XLIV at Miami's Sun Life Stadium had a ban on tailgating on the property. If you are unsure if tailgating will be permitted, contact a representative of the host stadium.

    Lots

    • When a ban is put in effect for a stadium, it prevents tailgating in the parking lots of the stadium; however, tailgating may be permissible in other nearby lots. Police officers for Super Bowl XLIV kept a close eye on unauthorized use of lots, so it is important to ensure that you have permission to tailgate.

    Alcoholic Beverages

    • When tailgating is permitted on a property, there is often leeway given to those of legal drinking age possessing and consuming alcoholic beverages. If the lot for the game is subject to a ban on tailgating, however, such leeway will not be granted, and possessing an open container can lead to a fine.

    Party Size

    • One way that bans control pregame tailgating activities is to put a limit on the amount of space that a single party can occupy in the parking lot. This means that setting up large structures such as tents over tables of food will not be permitted.

    Open Flames

    • Most tailgating groups will include one or more grills for cooking food in the hours before the game. If the Super Bowl you are attending has a ban on tailgating, it is possible that there will be an open flame ban, meaning that you will not be permitted to light a grill, and will need to bring cold foods.

    Official Events

    • Moving a tailgate off of stadium property to nearby locales can also be a difficult process. The Super Bowl pregame festivities take up a great deal of space, and will often occupy much of the surrounding area around the stadium. This is often both a reason behind limiting tailgating as well as a hindering factor in moving tailgating.