It doesn’t matter where you live or who you cheer for, pre-game tailgating is a universal rite of passage for football fans everywhere. Since beer and football go hand-in-hand, we’ve taken a journey across the country to bring you the best in AFC/NFC local eats, brews and traditions. From Foxboro to San Francisco, fans are creating new ways to celebrate their favorite team through delicious food and beer pairings that make tailgating as memorable as the game.
Division: AFC North
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Local Brew: Iron City Beer Premium Lager (4.5% ABV)
First Home Game: Sunday,
September 12 @ 1:00 p.m.
Whether you’re in it for the food, the beer or your own Myron Cope “Terrible Towel”, Pittsburgh has everything for the true Steelers fan. Brewed daily, Iron City Premium Lager has been Pittsburgh’s signature beer since 1861. Steelers fans aren’t your typical burgers and hot dog fans, so this hometown lager is often accompanied by smoky kielbasa and even pierogies. Steelers fans are also wildly gracious. Even if you show up with no food or beer, fans are quick to share a bite and brew.
Division: NFC North
Team: Green Bay Packers
Local Brew: Leinenkugel Original (4.6% ABV)
First Home Game: Sunday,
September 19 @ 1:00 p.m.
Known as the “Tissue Capital of the World,” Green Bay doesn’t need a hankie when it comes to the Packers. The “Packers” name is the oldest team name still in use in the NFL. With a long history of local support and serious tailgating, Packers fans bring more to the table than cheese. These tailgating titans love to cook up a mess of Green Bay Kielbasas (which is actually a BBQ sandwich) with a bowl of Pretzel dip as a starter. First brewed in 1867, Leinenkugel Original American Lager is the favorite hometown brew.
Division: AFC South
Team: Houston Texans
Local Brew: Shiner Bock (4.4% ABV)
First Home Game: Sunday, September 12 @ 1:00 p.m.
The Houston “Apollos”? Really? It almost happened. Thankfully the “Texans” mascot was triumphant and owner, Bob McNair, spent a record setting $700 million for this NFL franchise with good reason. Texans fans know how to party. Typical tailgating fare consists of hot and spicy Tex-Mex – perfect for a beer like Shiner Bock. With a mellow taste and almost no bitterness, Shiner Bock is refreshing especially with zesty food.
Division: NFC South
Team: New Orleans Saints
Local Brew: Abita Amber (4.5% ABV)
First Home Game: Thursday, September 9 @ 8:30 p.m.
Saints fans are tough – there’s no debating that. Five years after Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf, fans fill the Superdome to celebrate with Gumbo the dog, the Saints’ beloved mascot. Armed with coolers of Abita Amber lager, tailgating chow includes crawfish, smoked sausages and jambalaya. Abita Amber is a Munich style lager with a smooth and malty flavor which pairs well with Cajun food.
Division: AFC East
Team: New England Patriots
Local Brew: Sam Adams Lager (4.9% ABV)
First Home Game: Sunday, September 12 @ 1:00 p.m.
Boston is a city full of history, culture and a fierce loyalty for their Patriots. You don’t have to be Tom Brady to know that Patriots fans love to tailgate with seafood and beer. Sam Adams Boston Lager is a full, hop filled beer with strong malt characteristics. The perfect beer to stand up to cold New England winters. Pair it with clam chowder for a hearty, traditional meal.
Division: NFC East
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Local Brew: Yuengling Lager (4.4% ABV)
First Home Game: Sunday, September 12; @ 4:15 p.m.
The “Eagles” name was inspired by the eagle insignia of President Roosevelt’s National Recovery Act. But while their emblem is regal, Philly fans are notoriously rowdy…and they know how to pre-game party. What’s on the menu? Hearty cheesesteaks are a must followed by soft pretzels and yes, TastyKakes. Yuengling, America’s oldest brewery, offers its Traditional Lager, a smooth, red lager that’s easy to drink and a hometown favorite for football festivities.
Division: AFC West
Team: Denver Broncos
Local Brew: Flying Dog Pale Ale (5.5% ABV)
First Home Game: Sunday, September 19 @ 4:05 p.m.
Even though Flying Dog moved their brewery to Maryland a couple of years ago, they got their start in Colorado and the first brewery was in Denver. The Doggie Style Pale Ale has been named best Pale Ale in the country by numerous groups, including the Great American Beer Festival – which takes place in Denver. Whether grilling baby back ribs or nibbling on spicy chicken wings, this light, hoppy ale is a great pairing.
Division: NFC West
Team: San Francisco 49ers
Local Brew: Anchor Steam (4.9% ABV)
First Home Game: Monday, September 20 @ 8:30 p.m.
The 49ers were the first major league sports franchise to be based in San Francisco and in 1984 they became the first team to finish the regular season with fifteen victories. With those stats, you don’t need a fortune cookie from Chinatown’s “Ross Alley” to know that tailgating is huge. BBQ is the food of choice for 49er fans and Anchor Steam brew is a local tradition. Its rich flavor and creamy head make it a go to brew.
