The college athlete experience is about way more than playing a sport–sometimes it's fun to watch, too. With that in mind, are you looking to go to a school where the fans take supporting their sports teams to the next level? Look no further because here are the three schools that put together some of the best tailgates in college football.

#3: University of Michigan

What gives the University of Michigan the competitive advantage in not only their football games, but also their tailgates is the fact that their stadium can fit 115,000 fans, which is the most across all of America. On top of this, the Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club opens up its fairways before football games for fans to gather together and put on an amazing tailgate.

Related: Rate the University of Michigan

#2: Ole Miss

Now if there is any school that has tailgates with food worthy of my #2 pick, it would be Ole Miss. But the food isn't the only reason they're second on my list–There is a saying at Ole Miss that goes, “We may not win every game, but we never lose a party.” One of the craziest parts of the Grove–a 10-acre “wonderland of tents” that have amazing cookouts and rowdy fans–is that the fans are somehow able to create a sense of elegance at a tailgate, which gives them bonus points on my list.

Related: Rate the University of Mississippi

#1 LSU

At this point you may be wondering what makes LSU tailgates so special. It comes down to multiple factors, but the one thing that gives them the extra edge is their food. With deep-rooted traditions and the Cajun flare that comes with being in the New Orleans area, you can get ready to watch a winning football program with some of the best fans in college sports and eat some tasty authentic food all at once.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Now that Covid is winding down, the best part about tailgating at these schools is that fans all show up in numbers. They have found other ways to take their tailgates to the next level with amazing food and great venues for setting up tents and grills to prepare to watch some football. So grab your friends, fire up the grill this fall, and cheer on your favorite football team!

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* Originally published on August 4, 2022, by Royce Linder