You’ve probably seen the book 1000 Places to See Before You Die. I thought it would be interesting to see what you all consider the must-visit tailgate experiences to see before you die.  I’ve put together a short list of the five adventures that I hope to complete before I’m done (completed only one of these so far and planning to do another next year).

Kentucky Derby Infield – about 80,000 fans pack the infield every year.  You will probably never even see a race, but you will be part of the biggest party you will ever see.  The Kentucky Derby website even compares the Saturday Derby infield to Mardi Gras.  Not a bad comparison.

The Grove @ Ole Miss – arguably the best place to tailgate in all of college football.  The massive, oak-lined area is home to the classiest tailgating function you’ll find in the SEC.  and the hottest coeds.

McCovey Cove @ San Francisco Giants (Opening Day) – really, this is one you could do for any of the Giants 81 home games.  Rent a boat (or make a friend who has one) and party in the Cove before the game.  It is a blast – you’ll see dozens of other boats out there with fans getting ready for the game.  It is a “tailgating” experience that is truly unlike any other.

World’s Largest Cocktail Party (Florida vs. Georgia) – the newly-banned name says it all.  Held every year in Jacksonville on the last Saturday in October, the pre-game tailgate party out-draws the game itself.

Lambeau Field – for the best of NFL tailgating, you have to head to Wisconsin.  Doesn’t matter who they’re playing, you are sure to put down plenty of beers and the finest brats anywhere.  Taking in a Packers game on the Frozen Tundra is a nice bonus here.

Tailgating Ideas has a few other suggestions in their Tailgating Bucket List, including the College World Series.  Good call.

I’m quite sure there are dozens of others that belong here.  What tailgate parties do you think every fan should experience at least once?

Kentucky Derby Photo by MCHart.  McCovey Cove Photo by permanently scatterbrained.