‘Great American Tailgate’ added to lineup at Sugardale Fan Fest Aug. 5-9 in Canton
USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures to bring iconic food offerings inspired by all 32 NFL teams
USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, the events division of USA TODAY, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame are collaborating to bring the inaugural USA TODAY Great American Tailgate to Canton this summer.
An epic culinary celebration in the spirit of football, the USA TODAY Great American Tailgate will take place in Stadium Park Lot, only a few hundred yards from the Hall of Fame’s iconic Rotunda, during “Football’s Greatest Weekend presented by Novartis,” Aug. 5-9. It will be a standalone experience within Sugardale Fan Fest.
The ticketed USA TODAY Great American Tailgate will offer fans a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy foods inspired by all 32 Pro Football teams, bringing the flavors and traditions of their respective home markets together in a nationwide tailgate celebration.
From Maryland crab cakes and New York bagels to Philadelphia cheesesteaks and New Orleans jambalaya, this tailgate will unite football fans with a smorgasbord of food and festivities.
“Watching football and enjoying great food go together naturally,” said Jim Porter, president & CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “This partnership with USA TODAY will create a tailgate-like atmosphere with 32 delicious offerings that represent each NFL team market, allowing football’s passionate fans to sample game day treats from every corner of the U.S. map in one place: right here in Canton, Ohio.”
“We’re incredibly excited to launch the inaugural USA TODAY Great American Tailgate and bring fans together to enjoy everything that makes football culture so special,” said Jason Taylor, USA TODAY’s chief revenue officer. “Partnering with the Pro Football Hall of Fame sets a powerful standard for an experience that promises to celebrate the game, the community fanbase and the history that connects generations of fans.”
The USA TODAY Great American Tailgate opens at 5 p.m. ET Aug. 5, then at noon each day Aug. 6-9, coinciding with hours for Sugardale Fan Fest:
- Aug. 5: 5 to 10 p.m.
- Aug. 6: Noon to 8 p.m.
- Aug. 7: Noon to 10 p.m.
- Aug. 8: Noon to 10 p.m.
- Aug. 9: Noon to 8 p.m.
A general admission passport offers options of six, 16 or 32 signature tasting samples, plus unlimited bottled water (available to all guests) and opportunities to meet Pro Football Hall of Famers throughout the tailgate. Guests also may purchase full-size portions of their favorite dishes. A limited number of VIP add-on passports are available, featuring commemorative gifts, access to a VIP tent with dedicated seating, and two full-size food selections.
Buy passports and learn more about the USA TODAY Great American Tailgate, including the 32 menus items, here. Connect with the Tailgate on Facebook and Instagram: @USATODAYTailGate
Get more information on the Sugardale Fan Fest and Football’s Greatest Weekend here.
Sponsorship opportunities for the Great American Tailgate are available for businesses seeking to reach an engaged audience of sports enthusiasts. Contact Vanessa Warner for more information at : vwarner@usatoday.com.
