Docs Website

53 Years Strong! A Trusted Leader In Sports Picks, Best Bets and Predictions Since 1971.

Main Menu

How Much Does NFL Tailgating Really Cost?

A new report by Doc’s Sports examines the actual costs NFL fans face when tailgating at stadiums across the United States. We analyzed expenses for food, drinks, parking, fuel, and equipment to create a realistic, per-game budget picture.

The study focuses on what families spend per game—not stadium concession prices. All costs reflect real market prices from the 2024 NFL season.

Key Takeaways

  • A typical family of four spends $158.10 per tailgating experience (up 37% from $115.41 in 2021).
  • Individual fans spend about $108.72 per game (up 38% from $78.72 in 2021).
  • Prices have risen across all categories, with equipment up ~80%, parking up ~44%, and fuel up ~39%.

Price Increases of Tailgating by Item

The table below shows category-level changes since 2021, with equipment costs rising the most.

Price for Individuals vs. Family

Families face higher absolute costs but benefit from economies of scale on shared items (parking, canopy, table, fuel).

Total Cost Per Tailgating Session

Individual Tailgater

  • 2021: $78.72
  • 2025: $108.72
  • Change: +$30.00 (+38.1%)

Family of Four

  • 2021: $115.41
  • 2025: $158.10
  • Change: +$42.69 (+37.0%)

Cost Breakdown by Category

Food & Beverages (per session)

  • Individual: $15.23 (2021) → $19.02 (2025)
  • Family: $48.17 (2021) → $61.65 (2025)

Equipment (amortized over 20 games)

  • Individual: $9.00 (2021) → $11.45 (2025)
  • Family: $12.75 (2021) → $18.20 (2025)

Fuel & Parking (per game)

  • Individual: $54.49 (2021) → $78.25 (2025)
  • Family: $54.49 (2021) → $78.25 (2025)

Items with Economies of Scale for Families

  • Portable table: one table serves everyone
  • Canopy/tent: one tent covers the family
  • Propane canister: similar fuel consumption
  • NFL stadium parking: one spot for all

Inflation Impact

  • Individual and family totals up ~37–38% since 2021
  • Equipment costs hit hardest (e.g., camp chairs up ~80%)
  • Food & fuel increases affect all tailgaters

Family Economics

  • Families face ~4× food and some equipment costs
  • Shared items (parking, tent, table) reduce per-person spend

For families, current costs of $158.10 per game add up quickly over a season—an eight-game slate now exceeds $1,265 in tailgating expenses alone.

How This Study Was Conducted

Our Research Method

We analyzed a standardized basket of tailgating essentials (groceries, parking fees, fuel, equipment, and supplies). Stadium concession prices were excluded. All data represents actual costs from 2021 to 2025.

Equipment costs are allocated across multiple games for four family members. Parking assumes four people sharing one vehicle’s fee. Food costs reflect national average prices. All calculations use current market prices, not promotional or sale pricing.

Data Sources & Verification

  • Government & Official: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (CPI); Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; USDA Food Price Outlook
  • Equipment & Retail: Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Target product pages (camp chairs, tables, tents, propane, soft drinks)
  • Stadium & Parking (High Reliability): Official NFL stadium websites; Washington Times parking report

Methodology

  • Food/beverage data from BLS monthly CPI
  • Equipment from major retailer price surveys
  • Parking from official stadium sources

Cross-checked and verified as of September 2025.

Get NFL picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bet premium picks by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.

Most Recent NFL Handicapping

One E-mail A Week Is All You Need!
Our weekly newsletter is loaded with exclusive free picks,insight and advice from our expert handicappers