RaceTrac Tackles Football Tailgating

ATLANTA — One month into the college and professional football seasons, the majority of U.S. consumers are preparing to attend the pre-game parties.

According to a recent online survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of RaceTrac Petroleum Inc., 79 percent of Americans have attended a live sporting event, and 81 percent believe you should never show up to a tailgate party empty handed.

However, they don’t have to. RaceTrac is on hand to help ensure every tailgate event is a touchdown for its guests this season, the company said.

Survey findings include:

• 78 percent of Americans prefer a variety of beverages at their tailgate;
• 77 percent of Americans believe purchasing tailgating supplies before leaving for the big game is the way to go;
• 77 percent think running out of something is the most inconvenient thing when tailgating; and
• 74 percent consider grilling items are "must haves" for a perfect tailgating experience.

To help fans prepare for the ultimate parking party, RaceTrac has partnered with Joe Cahn, the Commissioner of Tailgating, to share tips on how to be the star of the tailgate. Since 1996, Cahn has driven more than one million miles cross-country to football games and eaten his way through thousands of tailgate parties while advising other tailgaters at www.Tailgating.com, according to the convenience store retailer.

"Tailgating is as American as football and hot dogs and RaceTrac understands that," Cahn said. "In fact, I often stop at a local RaceTrac for any last-minute items for my parties. They make a lot of easy, ready-to-go snacks like hot dogs, buffalo chicken rollers and taquitos that are perfect for tailgates."

RaceTrac offers tailgating-appropriate products such as Nathan's Famous hot dogs; fresh, delivered-daily sandwiches, salads and wraps; and a wide variety of beers, including local, craft favorites stocked daily in the beer cave.

"RaceTrac's mission is to make people's lives simpler and more enjoyable, and that mission rings especially true during tailgating season in the South," noted Melanie Isbill, executive director of marketing at RaceTrac. "From our tasty roller grill items to our coolers, propane tanks and craft beer choices, RaceTrac has a little something for everyone to make their tailgate a sure touchdown for the whole crew."

Cahn will visit RaceTrac stores during October to share tailgaitng tips and tricks in person. Customers can also visit the RaceTrac tent to enjoy delicious food samples and participate traditional tailgating games at the following football games:

Georgia vs. Tennessee: 
Saturday, Oct. 1; 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. 
2625 Atlanta Highway
Athens, Ga.

University of Central Florida vs. Tulane game: 
Friday, Oct. 7; 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. 
11801 University Boulevard
Orlando, Fla.

Atlanta-based RaceTrac Petroleum Inc. operates more than 400 convenience store locations in Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Texas.