The Tailgate Connect® Podcast
The Tailgate Connect® Podcast
Podcast Description
Here at Tailgate Connect®, tailgating is what we do and we want to share that with the world. We’re passionate about fandom and celebrating that fandom with other fans, even if it’s fans of the opposing team; bringing people together to celebrate and party is what tailgating is all about. It’s something we get to see firsthand every week across 50+ locations and something we think is getting lost in the shuffle of NIL deals and the further commercialization of college sports. With The Tailgate Connect® Podcast we want to shine a light on the stories and people that exemplify that sense of community week in and week out. Whether it’s an interview with a legendary tailgating figure or one of our awesome hosts, a story about tailgates myths gone by, or just our team breaking down what the season looks like from inside the TGC machine, The Tailgate Connect® Podcast is your newest source for everything CFB and tailgating.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
This podcast focuses on themes of community, adventure, and the spirit of fandom in college football. Episodes include interviews with iconic tailgating figures like Ben Chase, who shares his record-breaking experiences attending 77 college football games in one season, and discussions of tailgate myths and the wider tailgating landscape.
The go-to podcast for college football tailgates, NFL game day culture, and the people who make it legendary. If you live for the parking lot as much as the game, you’re in the right place.
Every week host Luke Lorick brings you conversations with the tailgaters, hosts, operators, athletes, and personalities who define game day culture across America. Whether it’s a 25-year tradition at the University of Texas, a sold-out pregame at SoFi Stadium, or a first-time host figuring out how to run a paid tailgate — we tell the stories that don’t make the highlight reel but make the experience unforgettable.
We also cover the business side — how to host your own tailgate, how to sell tickets, how to build a community around your setup, and what it really takes to turn a passion into an operation.
Powered by Tailgate Connect — the easiest way to find and host tailgate events across the country.
New episodes every Thursday at tailgateconnect.com.
Jared Gillmore grew up a K-State fan in south central Kansas. He came to Nebraska to run track, graduated in 2008, and never left. Neither did his tailgate. The Big Red Tailgate Crew has been running since 2016 — and in that time has grown into one of the most distinctive setups in Lincoln: a trailer with a roof deck, four TVs, real back patio couches, a wireless mic, and a rotating menu that has included Chicago-style hot dogs for Northwestern, brats for Wisconsin, ”badger blood” and ”pond water” cocktails, and a chili bar that people genuinely plan their game day around.
Oh, and college football trivia. Full tournament. Five questions per category. Harder as you go.
Jared joins Luke to talk about the origin of the tailgate, why Nebraska fans are different from any fan base he's encountered, the away game adventures, and why two-thirds of his guests watch the game from the trailer rather than going inside.
What we cover: Growing up K-State and converting to Nebraska fandom · The Big Red Tailgate Crew setup — roof deck, 4 TVs, real couches, wireless mic · Rotating menus and game-specific drinks — badger blood, pond water, and more · College football trivia at the tailgate — the format and how it brings strangers together · Two-thirds of guests watch from the trailer rather than going in · Favorite away venue: Camp Randall (Jump Around, twice) · Bucket list: The Grove at Ole Miss, Army Navy, Nebraska in the Rose Bowl · Nebraska 2026 prediction: 8-4 in the regular season
Find tailgate events at Nebraska → tailgateconnect.com
Disclaimer
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