In Green Bay, we know how to tailgate. It’s been a time-honored tradition for as long as the Packers have been tearing it up on the frozen tundra. In fact, modern tailgating can actually be traced back to the mid-1800s when Americans began dining from wagons while they watched some of the country’s very first college football games.
The smell of brats on the grill, the sea of green and gold, or the sound of polka music blasting from someone’s truck bed—Green Baes (yes, still trying to make that happen) have tailgating down pat. Which is why we went right to the source to find our best tailgating tips!
In this edition of our Ask a Local series, we crowdsourced the best tailgating tips from the locals who know this city best. Before you throw on your cheesehead and fire up the grill, check out these tried-and-true tips from locals who have turned pregame parking lots into an art form.
Safety is the MVP
One of the top tips we got from locals was to BE SAFE. “First things first,” says local Redidtor Garnacho-CFC, “have a safe ride home option in place.” Consider “booking a hotel early and using the hotel shuttle to get back to your room,” says local Dakota. After all, the best game-day memories don’t include scrambling for a ride at the end of the night or getting behind the wheel drunk. Make keeping yourself and others safe a priority for a stress-free tailgating experience.
Plan ahead
“My best tip is to plan ahead,” says local Redditor Thirty_Helens_Agree, “know how long it’ll take to get from your car to the stadium and into your seats so you can figure out what time you want to be on the move, and plan back from that. Know how long it’ll take to get the grill ready, how long it’ll take to cook your brats or whatever and to eat, and how long to pack up and get ready to go.”
Have a parking plan
Finding prime parking may be a challenge, which means you should plan ahead. One local gave us this tip for free parking: “You can find free parking on the road in the 1000 block of Langlade Street and often closer.” Many locals also offer paid parking in their driveways or yards. Look for the signs around the neighborhood, and you may just find primo parking for half the stadium pricing. If you want to be right in the heart of the action, though, definitely spring for a parking lot pass. You can find tickets to reserve your stadium parking spot here.
Head to Lot 1 to be in the thick of things
Every lot has some tailgating action, but Lot 1 is where to go if you’re looking for THE party. “No other spot has as many fans, the media filming, and a global fanbase with people returning regularly from across the planet,” says local AJ. In fact, AJ suggests heading to social media and searching the #lot1 hashtag. You’ll find plenty of pics and videos that give you a taste of the action!
Get ready to make friends
Green Bay is known for its welcoming fanbase, so you won’t find any shortage of people to party with. You might even make some new friends! “I personally go right in front of the atrium with my 80s lawn chairs, and I just make brats for everyone who goes by,” says local Jason.
“I was still 2 blocks from the parking lot and I’d already been handed a brat and a beer by a group,” says another local.
And another: “There was a group behind us that had multiple grills going and a small TV in the back of a hatchback. So we joined forces with them. Watched the game on a big screen and ate some amazing bites, all while drinking some cold beer! Would go back just for tailgating!”
Fire up the grill
It’s not true tailgating without some classic brats, burgers, and hot dogs (and beers, if that’s your thing). “Kwik Trip is within walking distance on Lombardi Avenue for less expensive needs compared to the elevated prices around the stadium on game day,” says local Dakota.
Try the Tundra Tailgate Area or Titletown for kid-friendly fun
“For kid-friendly, I would recommend the Tundra Tailgate area on the west side of Ridge Road. Live music, good food, and there are lots of games and a mini football field for kids/family,” says local Redditor petarisawesomeo. Another great place to tailgate with your family is Titletown, with plenty of open space, kid-friendly activities, and easy access to Lambeau. From games and playgrounds to food and drinks, it makes game day fun for all ages!
Don’t forget your hot cooler
“Everybody knows about cold coolers,” says local resident Jordan, “Cold coolers for all of your cold noodle salads, your beers, your cheese curds, but nobody talks about hot coolers! If you’re preparing a hot dish ahead of time, i.e., your brats, your hamburgers, your hot dogs, the hot cooler is the way to go. So if you need to do any sort of pre-prep that you don’t want to do at the tailgate, load it into your hot cooler, everything stays warm—done!”
Stay warm
You don’t want to tap out early just because of a little freezing weather! Prioritize staying warm on those extra chilly days so you can tailgate til the cows come home. Several locals recommended dressing in layers and picking up some hand and foot warmers for your gloves, boots, and pockets. “
Want the hands-off approach? Head to the bar!
There are tons of local Green Bay bars right near the stadium that host their own tailgate parties. And while it may not be the authentic tailgating experience, “it’s really the easiest,” says local Redditor toast355. Some of the bars suggested by other locals include Kroll’s West, Titletown, Anduzzis, Great North Commons, and Stadium View.
Try a Tailgate Party Pass
If you don’t want to have to worry about bringing your own stuff, grab tickets for the Bart Starr Plaza Tailgate Party at the Resch Complex right across the street from Lambeau before home games. Packages start at $65 each and include up to unlimited burgers, brats, hot dogs, and snacks, as well as unlimited beer, soda, and water, live music, special promotions, games, and more. “It’s the perfect way to party if you don’t have your own car or don’t want to make your own food,” said one local. Get tickets for Tailgate Parties here.
Have fun
Of course, our number one tailgating tip is simple: have fun! Tailgating in Green Bay isn’t just about brats, beer, or parking logistics—it’s about soaking in the atmosphere, making memories, and celebrating the team with thousands of your closest green-and-gold-clad friends. Whether you’re firing up the grill in Lot 1, joining forces with neighbors in a driveway, or going hands-off with a Bart Starr Plaza Tailgate Pass, remember that the goal is to enjoy yourself. Stay safe, stay warm, share a brat or two, and most importantly, have a blast. After all, the game may last four quarters, but the stories from the parking lot last a lifetime.
