USA TODAY Great American Tailgate Announced
Partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame celebrates food and fandom
USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, the events division of USA TODAY Co., Inc. (NYSE: TDAY) announced the USA TODAY Great American Tailgate, an inaugural event that brings fans together for an epic culinary celebration in the spirit of football. In partnership with Pro Football Hall of Fame, the festivities will take place during football’s biggest celebration weekend from August 5-9 in Canton, Ohio.
USA TODAY Great American Tailgate is a standalone experience within Sugardale Fan Fest, a five-day event taking over the Pro Football Hall of Fame campus. The ticketed tailgate experience offers fans a one‑of‑a‑kind opportunity to enjoy iconic foods inspired by all 32 Pro Football teams, bringing the flavors and traditions of their respective home markets together in a nationwide tailgate celebration. From Maryland crab cakes and New York bagels to Philadelphia cheesesteaks and New Orleans jambalaya, this tailgate will unite football fans with a smorgasbord of food and festivities.
“We’re incredibly excited to launch the inaugural USA TODAY Great American Tailgate and bring fans together to enjoy everything that makes football culture so special,” said Jason Taylor, USA TODAY Co. Chief Revenue Officer. “Partnering with the Pro Football Hall of Fame sets a powerful standard for an experience that promises to celebrate the game, the community fanbase, and the history that connects generations of fans.”
2026 USA TODAY Great American Tailgate Schedule
August 5: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
August 6: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
August 7: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
August 8: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
August 9: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
General admission passport offers options of 6, 16 or 32 signature tasting samples, plus unlimited bottled water and opportunities to meet Pro Football Hall of Famers throughout the tailgate. Guests may also purchase full‑size portions of their favorite dishes. A limited number of VIP add‑on tickets are available, featuring commemorative gifts, access to a VIP tent with dedicated seating, and two full‑size food selections. Tickets for the USA TODAY Great American Tailgate are available at: https://ventures.enmotive.com/events/register/2026-usa-today-tailgate.
“Watching football and enjoying great food go together naturally,” said Jim Porter, President & CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “This partnership with USA TODAY will create a tailgate-like atmosphere with 32 delicious offerings that represent each NFL team market allowing Football’s passionate fans to sample game-day treats from every corner of the U.S. map in one place: right here in Canton, Ohio.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses seeking to reach an engaged audience of sports enthusiasts. Contact Vanessa Warner for more information at: vwarner@usatoday.com.