Illustration by Lars Leetaru
When I found out that Cincinnati’s earliest tailgate-like events in the 1800s were organized around public executions, it made a lot of sense. Being a fan of our local professional sports teams has felt like punishment in recent years, though I’m not sure what crime we committed. Maybe unnatural hope? Emotional intoxication?
Apparently Cincinnatians used to bring picnic baskets to congregate and watch criminals be hanged at downtown public squares. A crowd of 15,000 people in 1829 almost rioted when the condemned man was pardoned at the last minute, with many demanding he be hanged anyway since they’d made the trip into town. I’d imagine a similar uproar today at a Bengals tailgate party if Joe Burrow injured himself in warmups.
Cincinnati has a colorful tradition of pregaming big sports events, as explored in “Tales from the Tailgates”. The fall calendar is bursting with football on the pro, college, and high school levels, and each and every game offers an opportunity to gather with friends and family in order to extend the day’s enjoyment. And there’s strong passion here for the world’s version of football, with FC Cincinnati fans incorporating European-style pregame marches into their routine.
Our tailgate section also highlights one non-football fall event, the Camargo Hunter Trials in Indian Hill. They do pregaming right, with a big tailgate competition alongside the horse-riding and jumping trials. Imagine bringing home a ribbon or trophy in Best Bite for your secret recipe Pigs in a Blanket! What’s next, a cornhole tournament for cash and prizes before a UC game? Sign me up. I might not even make it inside Nippert Stadium.
Tailgating has become more and more popular beyond sports events, so it’s not surprising to see fans pregaming in the parking lot before a concert, a Marvel movie, or a night at BLINK. What’s next, hot toddies and a gift exchange in the Cincinnati Playhouse garage before A Christmas Carol?
September is tailgate season, so make your plans now. What’s next? That’s entirely up to you.
