It may be hard to believe, but Pittsburghers didn't invent tailgating. In fact, the act of tailgating predates most sporting events.
The ritual gathering of fandom originated 155 years ago not on the football field but on the battlefield at Bull Run, the first major land battle of the Civil War. It occurred near Manassas Junction, Va., and supporters from both the North and South took to the neighboring hillsides with picnic baskets to cheer on their “team” from a relatively safe distance.
As for actual tailgate dining, that began on the westward trails to Texas, as the chuck wagon operator would holler, “Come and get it!” — and drop the rear gate to serve “grub.”
Over a century later, chuck wagons turned into station wagons that filled football stadium parking lots as the fans gathered in pregame rituals that have become a part of Americana.
Every football season, Pittsburghers load up their “wagons” with enough gear and beer to feed the settlers on their own little plot of pavement in the Steeler Nation.
Whether it's a football game, baseball game or a Kenny Chesney concert, the latest gear can take your tailgating to a whole new frontier.
E-Z Up Speed Shelter
The E-Z Up Speed Shelter ($590) quickly transforms from a compact storage size of 52 inches to a massive 8-foot-by-12-foot structure with 7 feet of headroom. With a high-strength steel frame and durable polyester top, the tent is capable of withstanding Pittsburgh's ever-changing elements. The frame and fabric top are color customizable, with 25 top colors and six frame colors. But the only two colors you'll ever need are black and gold. ezup.com
Portable Buddy Heater
The Portable Buddy Heater ($105) from Mr. Heater connects to a 1-pound propane canister to create enough warmth to heat up to a 200-square-foot enclosed area. A simple rotate of a knob and push of a button bring on the heat. The portable heater is perfect for warming up under a tent before heading out into the harsh elements of an away game at Cleveland. mrheater.com
Banquet Chair XL
Standing around for hours can be hard on the black-and-gold loafers. Grab a seat with the Wenzel Banquet Chair XL ($39.99). The extra-large chair can comfortably accommodate Steeler fans up to 450 pounds. That's 100 pounds more than the team record-setting weight of nose tackle Daniel McCullers. Thanks to its oversized cupholder and built-in steel tray, you'll have a place for your beer and plate of pierogies. The entire chair weighs less than 11 pounds, folds up easily and fits into the included carrying bag. wenzelco.com
on the cover:â¢Tailgating Tavern
The Tailgating Tavern ($89.99) from Tailgaterz is an instant bar in a bag that transforms your tailgating into a North Side neighborhood pub. It has everything you need to serve your guests, including removable, insulated cooler trays for holding ice and/or beverages; a built-in prep surface; cup holders; and plenty of storage “behind the bar.” All that's missing is the bar patrons arguing over who was the better quarterback, Big Ben or Bradshaw. Bouncer not included. tailgaterzgear.com
Pelican Progear 45QW Elite Cooler
The cooler serves as the centerpiece to any tailgate gathering. It holds within it the coveted lifeblood of the Steelers fan: cold cans of Iron City Beer. You cannot entrust the sacred duty of keeping cans cool to any old ice-filled box. With freezer-grade gaskets and 2 inches of insulation, the Pelican Progear 45QW Elite Cooler ($379.99) keeps the contents cool for up to 10 days! The cooler features wheels and an extended handle for one-handed hauling. It also has clasps and tie-downs to keep your precious cargo safe. The guaranteed-for-life Pelican cooler has been approved as bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, so you won't have to worry about Chicago fans swiping your brewskis. Just being able to use the phrase “Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee” makes this the toughest cooler on the lot. pelican-case.com
Braun Pure Mix Blender and Smoothie to Go
As sacrilegious as it may sound, not every game-going tailgater is a beer drinker. Why not mix things up with the Braun Pure Mix Blender (179.95)? Its five speed settings can blend, mix and crush ice to create perfect margaritas, daiquiris and smoothies. The large 56-ounce ThermoResist glass pitcher can handle hot and cold mixtures for your whole party. The included smoothie cups allow you to take your concoctions from the blender and on the go. braunhousehold.com
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1040, Camp Chef Outdoor Entertainment Gear Big Screen
• Turn your tailgate into an outdoor theater to keep up with the pregame shows, relive Super Bowl highlights or play a little Madden NFL 17 on the big screen. The portable and lightweight Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1040 ($799.99) provides 3,000 lumens, bright enough to handle projecting outdoors. It connects easily to a DVD/Blu-ray player, gaming system or MHL compatible smartphone. The PowerLight projects brilliant images up to 300 inches and features built-in speakers. It's your own personal Jumbotron! epson.com
• Pair up the projector with Camp Chef Outdoor Entertainment Gear Big Screen 92 ($159.99). The outdoor screen is made from a reflective nylon material that provides high resolution and vibrant colors. It's quick and easy to assemble and comes with a carrying bag for storage. Be sure to get the optional screen leg kit ($69.99) for keeping it upright. campchef.com
Davy Crockett Pellet Grill with Wi-Fi
The staple of every tailgate and backyard has gone high tech with the Davy Crockett grill ($399) from Green Mountain. The portable electric grill uses wooden pellets, eliminating the need for gas or charcoal. The grill can plug into your car via an auto adapter or into a standard electric outlet at home or via a generator. It ignites with the flip of a switch. What really sets the Davy Crockett grill apart are its Wi-Fi capabilities. With its high-tech connectivity, you may never burn a burger again. The grill uses a self-feeding motorized hopper to distribute a controlled amount of pellets. Combined with the smartphone app, it allows for precise temperature monitoring and control. The app also provides suggested temperature settings and timers for your favorite foods. Smartphone alerts keep you aware of when it's time to flip the burgers and turn the steaks. greenmountaingrills.com
Alfrescamoré Outdoor Pizza Oven
Cooking out doesn't have to be all burgers and hot dogs. Cuisinart offers a delicious alternative to the ball-game classics with the Alfrescamoré Outdoor Pizza Oven ($249.99). The propane-powered portable oven cooks up brick oven-style pizza in as little as five minutes. Mix up your own dough at home and cook it up at your tailgating party. The oven also includes accessories including a stainless-steel pizza peel, cordierite stone and a recipe guide. All that's left to add is your favorite toppings … kielbasa and pierogie pizza? Why not? cuisinart.com
P2200 PowerSmart Inverter Generator
Running electric grills, speakers, projectors and all the other gadgets and gear that make for a memorable experience requires a lot of electricity. Without power, it's just a bunch of useless junk. The P2200 PowerSmart Inverter Generator ($649) from Briggs and Stratton was designed with tailgaters in mind. The gas-powered portable powerhouse includes three outlets (one DC/Auto and two household) along with a USB port. With 1,700 watts running, you can operate multiple devices at once, from projectors to blenders. The inverter power makes for a steadier electrical flow for sensitive electronic devices, preventing power surges that could fry your phone. At 59 decibels, it runs quieter than most obnoxious Ravens fans. briggsandstratton.com
Joe Wos is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.
