A beginner’s guide to Panthers tailgating: the map, the food, the rules

Fall is the glorious season that brings back some of our favorite things: pumpkins, jeans weather and, most importantly, football tailgates.

Tailgating isn’t just an American institution, it’s a Southern rite of passage. For some, the tailgate is the main event. Those are the people that have a tent, a state-of-the-art grill, expensive speakers, cornhole boards and a TV mounted to the back of their truck. They might even have a generator because that’s how serious they are. #respect

If you’re a tailgating newbie, you don’t need all that fancy gear. All you have to worry about is finding a place to park your car and getting some tasty food.

The Map

First, you have to find your parking spot. Here’s a map of some tailgating friendly parking lots close to Bank of America Stadium. Prices and availability vary by game. Some lots allow you to reserve spots ahead of time.

The Food

Next, you need to get your food in order. For a beginner, my advice is to go with a tailgating box from Bojangles’. What’s better than chicken and sweet tea? Plus, you won’t have to fool around with a grill and it’s a quicker clean-up.

Quick question: What’s your favorite tailgate tradition? Go. #LongLiveTheTailgate

A photo posted by Bojangles’ (@bojangles_1977) on

Here’s a breakdown of their tailgating specials:

8-piece Tailgate Special

• 8 pieces of chicken
• two picnic fixin’s
• Four biscuits
• Half a gallon of tea

12-piece Super Tailgate

• 12 pieces of chicken
• 3 picnic fixin’s
• 6 biscuits
• Half a gallon of tea

20-piece Jumbo Tailgate

• 20 pieces of chicken
• 4 picnic fixin’s
• 10 biscuits
• Gallon of tea

For a limited time, Bojangles’ is also offering football shaped Bo-Berry Biscuits. The perfect complement to all that savory chicken.

Go ahead…play with your food.

A photo posted by Bojangles’ (@bojangles_1977) on

The Rules

Don’t be that person. Know the proper rules and tailgating etiquette before you show up on game day.

• Never operate an open flame cooking device within 25 feet of a building or within 10 feet of a motor vehicle.
• Never leave a grill unattended.
• Any parking area or lot being used for parking and tailgating activities shall be provided with metal containers for the safe disposal of coals, cinders or hot ashes. Containers shall be clearly labeled “For Coal and Ash Disposal Only.”
• Make sure you clean up all other trash and throw it away before leaving.
• Never drink and drive. Have a designated driver for after the game or call an Uber.
• Be a good neighbor in the tailgating lot. Don’t heckle fans of the opposing team. It’s called southern hospitality. Save trash talk for inside the stadium.

Now you’re ready for your first tailgating experience. Go out there and cheer on our Panthers!

(This content was co-created with Bojangles’.)