Ready for Tailgating Season?

AAA Insurance Experts Share Tailgating Safety Tips to Protect Fans, Vehicles, and Homes

As a new season of football kicks off, millions of fans are gearing up for one of the sport’s most cherished traditions: tailgating. With that also come risks like fire hazards and impaired driving. AAA-The Auto Club Group is helping fans celebrate safely with comprehensive guidelines to ensure your game day gathering remains memorable for all the right reasons.

“Fan excitement can sometimes overshadow basic safety precautions,” said Molly Hart, spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Whether you’re firing up the grill in a stadium parking lot or hosting friends in your backyard, safety should be part of your game plan.”

Grilling Outside the Stadium

Tailgating in stadium parking lots brings fans together, but it also brings open flames, hot coals, and flammable materials into close quarters. To keep the party safe, AAA recommends:

Positioning your grill away from vehicles, tents, and flammable gear.
Keeping a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach, not just for emergencies, but as a proactive tool to cool coals or stop flare-ups before they spread.
Never leaving your grill unattended, even for a quick run to the cooler.

A fire extinguisher might not be the most exciting tailgate accessory, but it could be the one that saves your car, your gear, or even lives.

Post-Grill Safety Tips for Stadium Tailgating

Parking lot celebrations present unique challenges that require special attention. In 2022, a tailgating fire at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami destroyed 11 vehicles after an unattended grill ignited a blaze beneath a parked car. While rare, incidents like this highlight the importance of proper grill placement and fire prevention.

Safely shutting down and storing your grill at a stadium tailgate is just as important as firing it up. Here are some smart, insurance-conscious tips to prevent fire hazards and protect your vehicle and others:

Fully extinguish all flames and coals. Never assume they’ll cool on their own. Close the grill cover and seal both the top and bottom vents to cut off oxygen. If needed, use a fire extinguisher to douse hot coals, and stir them to ensure no embers remain.
Let everything cool completely. Hot grills, coals, and grease trays should be left to cool in a safe, open area—never under or near vehicles.
Dispose of ashes properly. Use a metal container with a lid to store cooled ashes. Never dump them on the ground or in plastic bags, which can melt or ignite.
Avoid storing hot equipment in your car. A grill or coal tray that’s still warm can spark a fire inside your vehicle.
Clean up grease and food debris. Leftover grease can attract pests and pose a fire risk. Wipe down surfaces and pack up trash securely.
Check for flare-ups before leaving. Do a final walk-around to ensure nothing is smoldering or leaking fuel.
Secure your grill for transport. If you’re packing it into your vehicle, make sure it’s cool, clean, and tightly fastened to prevent tipping or damage.

These steps aren’t just about safety; they can also help you avoid costly damage and insurance claims.

At-Home Tailgating Safety Tips

“Hosting an at-home tailgating party is a fantastic way to bring the stadium spirit to your backyard,” added Hart. “But keeping it safe is just as important as keeping it fun.”

AAA insurance experts recommend these precautions to protect your guests and property:

Position grills away from decorations and overhanging branches.
Keep fire extinguishers nearby and easily accessible.
Maintain clear walkways to prevent accidents.

Alcohol Awareness

Alcohol is often a staple of stadium and at-home tailgating, but overconsumption can pose serious safety risks. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic fatalities involve alcohol-impaired drivers. Keep safety in mind with these key alcohol awareness tips: