Tailgating Product Trends of 2025: What’s Rising and What’s Falling

by Docsports.com - 8/28/2025

At Doc’s Sports, we know tailgating is just as important as the game itself. Fans are loading up coolers, firing up the grill, and setting up in stadium parking lots across the country. But what’s the gear fans are really looking for this season?

We analyzed search data on the top 50 tailgating products in the U.S. using Google search data to see which ones are surging in popularity—and which ones are losing steam heading into football season.

Fastest-Growing Tailgating Essentials

Some items are shooting up the charts as fans prep for football season:

Portable Fans (+398%) – Heat is the opponent nobody wants to face. Fans are making sure to stay cool.
Folding Lawn Chairs (+309%) – Easy, comfortable seating that travels well is in high demand.
Car Sunshades (+175%) – Protecting cars (and coolers) from the sun is becoming part of the tailgating playbook.

Coolers Still Rule the Lot

Keeping drinks cold has always been non-negotiable. The difference this year is variety:

Backpack Coolers (+124%) – Perfect for fans on the move.
Coolers on Wheels (+124%) – Built for big parties that need extra hauling power.
Styrofoam Coolers (+83%) – Old-school and budget-friendly, they’re making a comeback.
YETI & Igloo Coolers (+83% and +82% growth) – Premium names remain undefeated.

Grilling Stays the MVP

Food is the centerpiece of every tailgate, and the grill still calls the plays:

Grill Utensils (+89%) – Every great chef brings the right tools.
Gas & Charcoal Grills (+82% and +50%) – No matter the method, fans are cooking up big numbers.
Blackstone Griddles (+83%) – Flat-top cooking is catching fire in the parking lot.

Games & Entertainment

Tailgating isn’t just about burgers and brats—it’s about fun:

Kan Jam, Spikeball, and Ladder Toss (50–83% growth) – Competitive lawn games are fueling pre-kickoff rivalries.
Giant Jenga (+22%) – Oversized games bring oversized energy.
Portable Speakers (+83%) & Bluetooth Speakers (+22%) – Music is still the soundtrack of the lot.

The Classics That Stay Strong

Some items don’t need growth numbers to prove their value:

Canopies & Gazebos – Shade and shelter remain essentials.
Picnic Blankets – A go-to for families and overflow seating.
Folding Tables – The unsung hero of tailgate spreads.

Products Losing Steam

Trash Cans (–18%) – Fans may be leaning on stadium cleanup crews.
Lanterns (–18%) – Flashlights and phone lights are taking over.
Heated Blankets (–45%) – Warm fall weather has benched this tailgate standby.

The Bottom Line

Tailgating in 2025 is about comfort, convenience, and community. Whether it’s portable fans, backpack coolers, or Blackstone griddles, fans are investing in gear that makes game day easier, cooler, and more fun.

Methodology

Doc’s Sports analyzed U.S. Google search data for 50 tailgating-related products using Google Keyword Planner. We compared average monthly searches from June–August 2025 to average monthly searches from March–May 2025 to calculate three-month growth trends. Products were ranked by growth rate and overall search volume to spotlight the gear shaping the 2025 tailgating season.

Start:	August 29, 2025 @ 11:59 PM
Expert:	Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
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