What is Tailgating?

Tailgating is an American invention that has become a very popular activity before football matches. It is estimated that people spend billions of dollars every year on tailgating.  The party is famous around the world, but what is it?

A tailgate party is an outdoor social event that is normally held in the parking lot near a sporting event.  Think of a tailgate as an outdoor pre-game celebration. It is most often associated with American football, but the popularity of this type of party has spread to other sports as well, including baseball, racing, and soccer.

Many fans look forward to setting things up early and hanging out for hours before the game.  Experienced tailgaters will avoid the post-game traffic jams by hanging out after the game and making another meal. They take this time and enjoy the entire sporting day experience and celebrate the victory.  Most tailgaters are very friendly and will encourage you to try their food for free, even if you are a fan from a rival team. As long as you are respectful and friendly, they will be also, but expect some jokes between rivals.

Seriously, some people think of tailgating as equal to, or even more important than, the football game itself. There are groups of sports fans who actually never go into the actual event, choosing instead to stay in the parking lot and listening to the game on the radio or with large screen televisions that they have brought with them.

Comprehension

1) How much money do people spend on tailgating each year?
2) What do experienced tailgaters do to avoid post-game traffic?
3) Are there any games that are played during tailgating events?

Vocabulary

Match the words to the definition:

1) to be held
2) spread
3) look forward to
4) set up
5) avoid

6) encourage

a) to prepare an event or activity
b) to be excited about a future event
c) to stay away from
d) to give support to someone/something
e) extend to a bigger area
f) to take place, to have an event

Grammar Highlights

Use plural form for countable nouns when speaking in general.  DON’T use “the”

The experienced tailgaters will avoid …”

When listing objects, never list more than 3 items, and never say “etc” or “…”

“…including baseball, racing, and soccer.”

“…including baseball, racing, soccer, etc…

*This article was adapted from another article to make it more suitable for English learners. You can read the original article here.

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