A new national survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Hormel Foods reveals that Louisiana and Alabama have earned the title of America’s top tailgating states. In the poll of 5,000 self‑described tailgaters and homegaters, 78% of respondents from Louisiana and 76% from Alabama said they believe they possess the secret recipe for the perfect pre‑game celebration.
Homegating on the Rise
The study also highlights a growing trend toward “homegating,” where fans host pre‑game parties in living rooms or backyards. Homegaters are most prevalent in Alabama, Texas (both 76%) and Wisconsin (74%). Across the nation, 39% of respondents now prefer homegating to traditional parking‑lot tailgates, citing comfort (62%) and flexibility (42%) as key reasons.
How Fans Spend Their Game Day
On average, participants attend two tailgates and three homegates each year, though residents of Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington report higher attendance. The typical pre‑game gathering includes about 11 people, six food items and six drink options. Remarkably, 61% of those surveyed say the pre‑game event can be more enjoyable than the game itself.
Fans start their tailgate roughly two and a half hours before kickoff, with some states—Arkansas, Ohio and South Carolina—beginning nearly three hours early. Homegaters tend to start slightly earlier, at about 2.6 hours before the game, while Ohioans host the earliest homegates at an average of 3.5 hours prior.
Food Trends on the Field and at Home
Traditional favorites like hamburgers (66% tailgate, 59% homegate) and hot dogs remain popular, but newer options are gaining ground. Pizza appears in 46% of tailgate menus and 52% of homegate menus, and chili cheese dip is rising in both settings. Respondents are also prioritizing protein, with 64% saying they aim for more protein to sustain energy throughout the day.
“With so many Americans dedicating an entire day to tailgating and homegating events, it’s no surprise that they’re looking for ways to stay energized throughout the experience,” said Lisa Selk, senior vice president of Brand Fuel at Hormel Foods.
Regional Highlights
- Louisiana – 78% claim the best tailgaters
- Alabama – 76% claim the best tailgaters and homegaters
- Texas – 74% claim the best tailgaters; 76% claim the best homegaters
- Wisconsin – 73% claim the best tailgaters; 74% claim the best homegaters
The survey, conducted online between June 15 and June 30, 2026, sampled 100 respondents in each state, totaling 5,000 participants. Full methodology details are available through the AAPOR Transparency Initiative.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
