Detroit Lions Fans: Among NFL’s Most Hardcore Tailgaters
Football season is just around the corner and tailgaters are ready. The Detroit Lions are scheduled to take on the first game of the regular season on September 8 against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City. The first home game is on September 17 against the Seahawks. And that’s where tailgating kicks off for Lions fans.
In a study from Crestline, a promotion and merchandise website, NFL and NCAA fans were surveyed regarding their tailgating habits. The goal was to identify which fanbases are the most hardcore and determine the critical elements of the perfect tailgate. Interestingly, for the city of Detroit, having a winning team isn’t necessarily a requirement for their surveyors.
Supporters of the Detroit Lions are recognized as some of the most dedicated tailgaters in the NFL. When it comes to enthusiastic tailgating, these devoted fans convert the parking lots around Ford Field into a tailgating hub that stands up to any other in the NFL.
Detroit Lions fans rank in Top 5
Securing the fourth position in the rankings, Detroit Lions fans achieved a score of 78.30 out of 100, as outlined by the study. No big surprise there, especially considering that this year marked a historic moment as the team’s season tickets sold out at Ford Field for the very first time.
At the forefront of tailgating culture in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints fanbase claims the top spot with a score of 93.41 out of 100. Their survey revealed that nearly three out of five Saints fans continue their tailgating festivities even after the game ends, a trend that could contribute to their reputation as the most hardcore tailgaters. In a broader context, around three in ten football fans indicate that they have extended their tailgating experiences beyond the game itself.
The study also highlights that nearly nine in ten football enthusiasts enjoy tailgating more than attending the actual game. Interestingly, one in four football fans believes a lackluster tailgating experience is worse than seeing their team perform poorly on the field. Adding a unique twist, the study reveals that one in ten football fans admit to having romantic encounters during tailgating events.
Take a look at what else the survey uncovered here.