Tailgating has gone too far.
At least if you look at what the Raiders are trying to do out in Las Vegas. From the NFL team that brought you $650,000 dollar field side suites at the Super Bowl comes… $20,000 tailgating spaces. No need to put your reading glasses on. I can assure you that you read that number correctly.
The Las Vegas Raiders are attempting to make people spend even more money lure in fans by offering a state-of-the-art tailgating experience. As they describe it, there will be premium tailgate space for home games, with each unit being able to host 20 rowdy fans:
“The Raiders are offering premium tailgate space for home games this season at Allegiant Stadium. The climate controlled two story structures feature room for 20. All-inclusive packages start at $20,000 per unit.”
The Raiders are offering premium tailgate space for home games this season at Allegiant Stadium. The climate controlled two story structures feature room for 20. All-inclusive packages start at $20,000 per unit. Story coming in @reviewjournal. #vegas #raiders #raidernation pic.twitter.com/it2UU4KIMz
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) June 20, 2024
Notice that all inclusive packages start at $20,000. Very important qualifier there. That means the cost, even split between 20 people, could be even more astronomical.
Whatever happened to a tailgate where you pulled up in a pick up truck, parked it, unpacked your folding chair and cooler packed full of beer, and had yourself the best time that a parking lot can offer? The art of tailgating is all about simplicity. Hot dogs and cold brewskis are basically the only things you need (maybe add in corn hole boards) for a successful, rocking tailgate.
And correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think ultra rich people are doing much tailgating. They show up 5 minutes before kickoff, take a special elevator up to their suite, barely watch the game… tailgating is embraced by the common man, not the country club folks. It’s antithetical to the entire spirit of tailgating. It’s about comradery, not exclusivity.
Although… there’s a sucker born every minute:
The Raiders are offering premium air-conditioned tailgate spaces at Allegiant Stadium this season, starting at just $20,000 each. https://t.co/Yo2WU2IbMH pic.twitter.com/KbXCntE9Ub
— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) June 20, 2024
Just seems a little over the top, does it not?
Social media certainly thought so. They didn’t hold back and called out the Raiders for producing yet another unnecessary and expensive game day feature:
$20k for a tailgate is nonsense
— SniperJones🏴☠️🎙🇨🇴 (@RaiderSniper) June 21, 2024
$20,000 to tailgate. You’re kidding, right? 😂
— ╰☆☆ ʲẸ𝓷ᑎ𝕚 ☆☆╮ (@BrowBron_) June 21, 2024
This is the most California thing ever.
— 𝔍𝔲𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔫 (@helveticagothic) June 20, 2024
Rather watch the game at the house too hot in Las Vegas
— intricateone (@intricateone) June 20, 2024
20k to rent a trailer with ac for a few hours, trippin…
— wind underneath my freakin’ Wings, Man (@IvanIdahomie) June 20, 2024
If you are going to stay in the air-conditioning, kick your feet up, and eat shrimp cocktail, you might as well stay at home. That is, unless you’ve got $20,000 to light on fire…
