TEAM Tailgate

The Tailgate Finale & New Beginning ...

2011-12-10T10:14:00.006-06:00

Here we are again ... an eventful few weeks in the KU Football universe since summarizing the stellar Baylor tailgate. Settle in, let's take this one step at a time.

1. Arrowhead Game vs. Mizery

Could this be the final Border War football game of our lifetime? Quite possibly. As a result, TEAM Tailgate deemed it mandatory to get aggressive, real aggressive. Jeff D., MTB, and QC Tim, earned "first in Lot H" status and had tailgate popping by 7AM. Much appreciated the love from our friends at InBev for the early grass pass. Great to have a solid showing for the final tailgate of the year.

The food lineup was equally impressive. We'd been holding a few back in the bag o'tricks all season, just waiting to unleash the fury during the final epic tailgate of the year. Behold. Frito Pie. Yep, chili served right in the bag topped with cheese & jalapenos. BOOM!

Enjoyed by the masses, no doubt about it. First up, QC Tim getting after it.

Next up ... the birthday girl herself ... Libby. Without question, the #1 fan of TEAM Tailgate's culinary efforts. Showering praise, offering constructive criticism, and spreading the word! Big Ups.

Next up ... Bacon Spread! Yes, you read that correctly ... Bacon Spread! Look - anybody can serve a flipping cheese burger. Come on, child's play. TEAM Tailgate has already wowed with the Spud burger (topped with hash brown patty). Yup, we've taken it to DEFCON 1. Feast your eyes on this culinary masterpiece: Cheese burger, topped with hash brown patty slathered in Bacon Spread! Face.

2. Charlie Weis - Head Coach, University of Kansas

Still seems weird to say, let alone wrap your head around. Regardless of where you shake out ... Love it? Lukewarm? Skeptical? Please allow TEAM Tailgate to share some extremely insightful tidbits:

A. There is no way, and we mean no way, that things can get any worse than they were two weeks ago today!
B. KU has been throwing around the pigskin for 122 years. Our program has gone to back-to-back bowl games ONE time! ONE time! Our team has won TWO conference games in three seasons. TWO freaking games! Dr. Z just locked up a coach who has FOUR Super Bowl rings!

Zenger brought this "power surge" to put butts in the seats at Memorial Stadium. Reports indicate that over 300 NEW season ticket packages were sold yesterday. Well, to be perfectly honest, the buzz has carried over to TEAM Tailgate, too. We have seen our shareholder requests jump over 65% in the last 48 hours! As you know, we have a grueling screening process, so please be patient. All applications will be processed in the order they were received.

3. Spring Game - Date & Time TBA

More details forthcoming, but rest assured, TEAM Tailgate will be mobilizing in record fashion to help usher in the Charlie Weis era.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Border War Preview

2011-11-24T08:17:00.003-06:00

First off, Happy Turkey Day to our extended Blogosphere family!

We hope you can join us for the last Border War of our lifetime. Remember this ... someday, you will have grandkids. And someday, said grandkids will hop up on your lap and ask you "What was it like when KU played Mizery in football?"

Yep ... do yourself a favor and participate on Saturday! Because at the end of the day, I'm certain you'll want to go into detail about how much you crushed with TEAM Tailgate during the last Border War game ever ... right?

It's safe to say that Arrowhead is set for a collision course on Saturday ... This place about to blow!

Baylor Recap

2011-11-13T08:29:00.005-06:00

Lawrence tailgate finale was pretty much par for the course ... TEAM Tailgate continued to bring the thunder, and the KU Football team continued to find new ways to add to their losing streak. Bravo on both fronts. Won't waste any blogspace recapping the colossal 4th quarter melt down, but it's worth documenting some of the day's tailgating happenings.

We gave you a little teaser earlier in the week of the limo being properly Christened! Well, here she is in all her glory. Ladies and Gents ... we present JAYHWK1. Amazing!

Thought we could hand out a few end-of-season awards ...

PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD. Week in, week out ... this trifecta is automatic. Jeff D., MTB, and Uncle Tim. Great season, boys.

LONGEST TRAVEL DISTANCE AWARD. According to Google maps, Seattle, WA to Lawrence, KS logs in at 1,926 miles. It's nice to know that TEAM Tailgate has loyal followers spread all over the US of A. Well done, Bruce.

Just as an added bonus, Bruce schooled us with his PacNW outdoorsman knowledge, too. Bloody mary, check! Pork loin & swiss croissant sandwich, check! A properly tethered tent, check! Well played, kind sir.

MVP AWARD. It's quite simple, really. There are tailgates WITHOUT a subwofer ... and then there is TEAM Tailgate and this bad boy. Pound-for-pound the undisputed champion of 11th & Mississippi, no question!

Here's the deal: Saturday, November 26th. Arrowhead. Border War. Open Invite. We party.

Always Doing Work

2011-11-09T18:08:00.005-06:00

Yup ... TEAM Tailgate has officially been on ice for two weeks now. However, for those of you who know us well, it's not like we have just been lollygaggin' around during the non-tailgate weekends. Nope. Doing work, per usual.

First off, limo was officially dedicated by Jeff D. & MTB. Applause.

Classic.

Secondly, recipe testing is always a favorite pastime of ours ...

#1 - Mediterranean Flat-bread

Ever been to Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder? Great eats! Now, you just have to make your way over to Meadow Lane b/c it is being replicated (perfectly I might add) at Dreiling Mansion. Behold.

#2 - Tomatillo Pulled Chicken Sammies

Shredded chicken + homemade tomatillo-garlic sauce + Jack cheese + Torta = Feast

The final Lawrence tailgate of the season is rapidly approaching ... hope to see you all there on Saturday. 1:00 p.m. kick-off.

Jamie's Wish

2011-10-23T20:17:00.006-05:00

Jayhawks and Wildcats united for a special tailgate experience this past Saturday at 11th & Mississippi. We don't take to hyperbole too often here at TEAM Tailgate, but this tailgate was epic.

TEAM Tailgate was on K-10 at 5 bells to get the tailgate prepped for the masses. Once the tents were popped, the pink balloons hung, and the grills fired ... it was go time.

The crowds flocked to 11th & Mississippi with a purpose. Ready to eat ... ready to drink ... and ready to DONATE! (More on that $$$ later). Although the crowd was littered with Blue & Purple ... the Pink was out in full force as well, to support Jamie's Wish.

Our sponsors stepped up huge. Need to hand out a few ATTA BOY awards.

The crew at CLEAR 10 vodka kept the libations flowing ...

Our boy, Angel, at the Krispy Kreme near 103rd & Metcalf dropped us 20 dozen donuts ... no that wasn't a typo ... 20 dozen! And we all know how TEAM Tailgate appreciates a good Krispy Kreme ... hot off the grill, of course!

Through our glorious years of tailgating we've gained somewhat of a reputation for the following: Serving an absurd amount of ice cold beers; creating culinary gems; staffing mixologist extraordinaire MTB; and, of course, exploiting every golden opportunity to bust each other's balls on a regular basis ... hardly the characteristics of a fundraising dream team.

TEAM Tailgate caught wind of Jamie's Wish over the summer and we were asked to help with this special Sunflower Showdown tailgate event. As the event grew closer, we made the executive decision that we were going to own it! Then something else happened ... as the week-of arrived, word spread like a brush fire ... newspaper articles, TV spots, etc. and we started to realize that Jamie's Wish was getting bigger than we could possibly fathom. When it was all said and done, it was a Great tailgate, with Great people, for a Great cause!

TEAM Tailgate is honored, humbled, and proud to be have teamed up with Jamie's Wish. We learned a few things over the last 48 hours ...

1. Real men wear pink!

2. The human spirit is alive and well in the State of Kansas. Jayhawk or Wildcat? Crimson & Blue vs. Purple? We all united to support Jamie's Wish, wear PINK, and ante up the green! Yep ... over 6 grand! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

TEAM Tailgate goes on ice for a few weeks ... See you November 12th.

Tailgate for a Cause

2011-10-18T21:23:00.003-05:00

TEAM Tailgate invites you to join us this coming Saturday as we support Jamie's Wish.

We will be taking the tailgate to a completely different stratosphere this weekend and the best part ... 100% of all money raised will go directly to Jamie's Wish. So please, take the rest of the week and reflect on what level of awesomeness TEAM Tailgate has contributed to your own lives via our tailgate domination over the years. NOW ... time to give a little back.

For the regulars ... same spot as always!

For the rooks ... 11th & Mississippi! Once your eyes gaze upon this glorious Jayhawk van, you know you're there.

Oh ... and you'll probably hear the 300 watt subwoofer once you get within a mile radius. Here is a link to parking map for reference ... Lot #96.

We are honored to be associated with this worthy cause. I'll let Matt Tait of KU Sports provide some additional color. Great read!

**Please take special note of article comment by Patty Dreiling ... as most of you know, this is our fearless leader's mother!

Hope to see you on Saturday ... Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

OU Recap

2011-10-16T20:35:00.004-05:00

Well ... well ... well ... TEAM Tailgate is at it again.

Sailing thru some uncharted waters with this whole 8:15 PM kick-off situation, we vacillated all week about arrival time. What time is reasonable to arrive for such a late start? Don't you worry ... first operational tailgate at 11:00 a.m. Sorry for partying! And no, we don't count these clowns who set up tents and chairs early in the AM and "begin" tailgating 2 hours before game time. Weak sauce.

Our fellas over at Clear 10 continue to bring the fury, fueling TEAM Tailgate and guests with libations.

It appears word travels fast these days ... the Italian Stallion lore spread like a brush fire. Folks came from far and wide to feast on this culinary dynamo. A grilled Italian sausage with provolone, topped with Italian beef and marinara. Hells yes! A few loyal TEAM Tailgate followers popped in from Austin, Chicago, and Prairie Village to chow down. Happy gullets indeed.

And these two fellas, accompanied by none other than the Godfather of TEAM Tailgate, Larry P. They jumped "the pond" to partake in this sandwich extravaganza. Yep, all the way from England! Good times mates ...

10 hours of tailgating can drain ya, no question. Unless ... an impromptu game of flip-cup breaks out on the track. Really took the energy up a notch. Great call, Mr. Johnson.

Next Saturday ... 11 AM. KU v K-STATE. 11th & Mississippi will be a rockin'.

Homecoming Recap - Texas Tech

2011-10-02T20:29:00.006-05:00

As loyal followers/supporters of TEAM Tailgate, you have come to appreciate that an 11 AM kickoff means a wire-to-wire tailgate. Add in the Homecoming spectacle, though, and we feel obligated to take things up a rung.

Pop quiz: You ever set up a tailgate at 6 AM? I mean, you ever wired a complete audio/visual system with surround sound? Yep ... proper gear is in order! Hey Johnny Spelunker ... eat it. Nice work, Jeff D.

We've always thrown our chest out there a little bit, thinking our setup was pretty top shelf. Well ... MTB's buddy, Tom, did us a little favor and quietly reminding us the game can always be taken to another level. Umm ... yeah. This gear won't quite fit inside the Jayhawk van, gonna need it's own trailer.

Let's get up close and personal with this bad boy. Six burner grill with more BTUs than a 747! See those smoke signals coming off this puppy? Yep, full side box smoker with enough capacity for multiple smoked meats! And finally, no your eyes are not deceiving you, that is a freaking deep fat fryer! Done and Done.

A deep fat fryer!?! The possibilities are endless, right? Well ... today's menu called for crawfish pies. They did not disappoint - brought some Cajun fury. (Go get yourself some of that green Louisiana Jem sauce. You're welcome.)

There's something about a grill loaded up with Krispy Kremes that gives the crowd that extra skip in their step.

Just a picturesque day in Lawrence, Kansas.

The weather Gods were shining down ... the football Gods? Not so much.

See ya October 15th.

GRIDIRON

2011-09-14T21:19:00.002-05:00

Grab a coldie and settle in ... great stuff.

May wanna pay special attention to tailgate scene around the 11:26 mark ... Yep, TEAM Tailgate strikes again!

Week 2 Recap - Northern Illinois

2011-09-12T19:47:00.008-05:00

After a debacle of a tailgate to kick-off the 2011 campaign, TEAM Tailgate did some soul searching over the last week and got back to our roots. What follows are the ingredients to an A+ tailgate and good times in Lawrence on a football Saturday ...

Got the DeLorean out and Jeff D. dialed up this legendary throw back

Breakfast of champions right here

Solid group shot of the early crew. Surround sound? Check! College Gameday? Check!

Over the years, we've all come to appreciate that MTB is a man of many hats ... yep, we'd like you to meet MTD (Mike the Driver). Bravo.

TEAM Tailgate welcomed Jason as a guest smoker this week to dazzle the crowd.

This Baron of BBQ did not disappoint. The mass quantities of brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends, as well as ribs were an instant crowd pleaser. Here is a shot of his glorious rack!

Always on the lookout for new culinary improvisations, TEAM Tailgate created a nice synergy with Jason's BBQ spread. Behold ... a true FOOT LONG from our guys at Fritz's, sprinkled with pulled pork and slathered up with BBQ sauce. Hot damn! Collaboration at its finest!

No matter how off-the-charts a tailgate is, the game often dictates if the party will continue. What a freaking game! Our stable of Clydesdales at the running back position continue to turn heads. James Sims = Man!

Although TEAM Tailgate is officially on ice until Homecoming (October 1st), we're revved up for Georgia Tech this weekend down in HOT-lanta. Rock Chalk!

Week 1 Recap - McNeese State

2011-09-07T21:12:00.010-05:00

Jayhawks ... 1-0.

TEAM Tailgate ... 0-1. Now, don't get us wrong, we brought the fury early and often. However, the equipment and Mother Nature just didn't hold up their end of the deal.

Although it has become our calling card over the years, first arrival status just doesn't get old. Operational by 7:30 a.m. for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff. Dominate!

Let the comedy of errors begin ... Perhaps the Jayhawk van ran thru a Haskell Indian burial ground on the way into Lawrence, but we were jinxed from the word GO. After 45 minutes of College Gameday viewing with ice cold beer in hand, BOOM! the TV blew. First thought ... maybe the generator was bad? Solution? Jeff "A/V guru" Dreiling secured a replacement generator with enough juice to power Memorial Stadium from nearby Anderson Rentals ... Bravo!

Still nothing. Maybe we need a new TV? Solution? Jeff "A/V guru" instructed afternoon crew to purchase a new TV and haul up to Lawrence ... Bravo!

Nope. Unreal. So, we huddled around the 15 inch Sat-Go screen and watched games. We stress "huddle" because this is about when rain storm #1 rolled thru forcing the masses under the tent. Good times ...

The food, though, was on point. Three ... meal ... tailgate!

Breakfast sammys - Ham & Swiss on croissant

Spicy Buffalo chicken sammys w/homemade blue cheese spread

A loyal Blog follower in the Fort Worth metropolitan area suggested some "cowboy" burgers to foreshadow the domination of McNeese State "Cowboys". Good call. Burgers w/sharp cheddar, chopped bacon, and jalapenos.

Back to this electrical cloud/Poltergeist wrecking havoc on the tailgate. Theories were flying around ... maybe the Jack Donaghy-inspired GE 3-in-1 crock pot pulled too much juice?

Regardless of the cause, we guarantee all systems go for Saturday.

Finally ... the game. Jayhawk Nation lost perhaps its most dedicated, devoted, wear-it-on-their-sleeve member on Saturday. RIP Coach.

Impressed with the freshman. Could have some real players. D needs some work.

Huge game on Saturday. See you at 11th & Mississippi.

New Season ... New Toy

2011-08-27T14:20:00.005-05:00

Well ... Well ... Well ... we trust the off-season has been treating everyone well. As the taste of tailgating season comes sweeping thru the Heartland, we deemed it time for an update from America's Team ... T.E.A.M. Tailgate.

T minus 1 week until we storm into Lawrence for a traditional wire-to-wire, 3 meal tailgate. Early and often all season ...

How exactly do you upgrade a tailgate that already has the following?
1. Beers colder than frostbite.
2. Made from scratch, cooked to order eats.
3. Hand crafted cocktails and MTB.
4. High def big screen with surround sound.
5. Tent large enough to house a Winnebago.
6. A cash money Jayhawk van.

After studying that list long and hard ... we concur. That is a great freaking question!

Perhaps something that just oozes class and sophistication? I don't know, maybe an alternative vehicle for arrival on GAMEDAY Saturdays? An addition to the "fleet", if you will.

Without further ado ... MTB & Jeff take a bow ... great find!

A loyal BLOG follower from the greater Buffalo NY area summed it up best ... "The question isn't why WOULD Dreiling buy a limo ... It's why WOULDN'T he " Yep.

See ya September 3rd.

That's a wrap

2010-12-05T07:50:00.005-06:00

Well, another successful year is in the record books. Check that ... another year of domination by TEAM Tailgate has come to an end. Let's flash back to our inaugural post of the season when the following was penned ...

"Regardless of the final number in the W column, TEAM Tailgate will be having a super time at 11th & Mississippi before, during, and after each home game. That is about the only thing we can predict this season."

First and foremost, did TEAM Tailgate deliver on this guarantee? That would be an unequivocal YES! From upgrades to the A/V situation (SEE: surround sound system), to larger than life set-up (i.e. double tent action), and finally original culinary delights (READ: Italian Stallion), it goes without saying that our effort week in and week out was unparalleled.

Sure, the squad finished up the season with a gargantuan turd at Arrowhead, but once again TEAM Tailgate brought it early and often. Thanks to our "arrangement" with Anheuser Busch we were granted VIP access and were the first tailgate fired up last Saturday.

It's always nice to have a couple folks come out of the woodwork for the Arrowhead game.

And, of course, any tailgate with the Dr. in the house immediately goes up a couple rungs.

And lastly, here is the tailgate ... winterized!

A big ups to everybody who made this another successful tailgating campaign.

See ya at the Spring Game!

Best tailgate ever!

2010-11-20T08:37:00.000-06:00

What a day!

2010-11-07T20:10:00.002-06:00

When your football team is underachieving at an alarming rate, crowds tend to dwindle. TEAM Tailgate, however, forges ahead with as much intensity as Week 1.

Our four man (Lund, Logan, Ediger, and Dreiling) tailgate could rival anything in the nation. Mixing some beats, crushing beers, tossing the pigskin around, firing up the grill ... phenomenal times!

Without question the best upgrade this season has been surround sound throughout the tent - really takes everything to a completely different level. Take a bow, Mr. Dreiling.

The culinary arts at TEAM Tailgate continue to be on masterful display. We all recall the hugely popular "Italian Stallion" from a few weeks back ... well, sticking with the whole Rocky theme, allow us to introduce the "Clubber Lang"

Fritz's beef & pork dog with cheddar & BBQ sauce, sprinkled with beef burnt ends.

We haven't discussed actual game action for quite awhile in these parts ... well, scoring 35 points in the 4th Quarter for the greatest comeback in school history deserves some love. And yes, once dejected fans who bailed before halftime, stormed back into Memorial Stadium to witness the go-ahead TD. One of us may have danced a jig with members of the KU marching band, as well.

What a day!

Did you party this hard yesterday?

2010-11-07T14:36:00.000-06:00

Who's ready?

2010-11-06T09:59:00.000-05:00

Homecoming

2010-10-31T07:13:00.006-05:00

Although a few members of the starting lineup were missing, TEAM Tailgate was large and in charge (as usual) last weekend in Lawrence for the Homecoming festivities. In fact, it could be said that in lieu of the starting lineup members, the remaining crew took it up a notch to compensate. Well played, gentlemen.

The set-up ...

A culinary gem right here ... bacon wrapped jalapenos.

Anyone who knows this crew surely understands that "subtle" typically does not apply. Well, the whispers about "made to order" short order cooking have blossomed into a deafening roar. It appears some folks prefer to throw all their meat out there at one time. Grill = fully loaded.

Great looking buffet right here

A man of many hats ... When called upon, MTB can easily morph into MTM (Mike the Meteorologist)

Lastly, if you can't Beat 'em ... Gig 'em.

TEAM Tailgate will be back at it next Saturday for the 1:00 p.m. Colorado game. We guarantee nothing, except that 11th & Mississippi will be the most lively place in Lawrence.

TEAM Tailgate Marches On ...

2010-10-20T22:15:00.004-05:00

We've been saying it for years ...

"If KU football exhibited half the heart, dedication, attention to detail, and general persona of awesomeness that TEAM Tailgate delivers week in and week out, we would be battling for BCS championships each and every year ... FACT!"

Please enjoy the photo montage from last Thursday evening in Lawrence ...

Week 3 Recap

2010-09-27T20:49:00.010-05:00

Special tailgate ... no question!

While KU Football wrapped up the non-conference slate, TEAM Tailgate continued to dip into the bag of tricks.

Special guests!

You see, when you fire up the grill at 7:30 a.m. for a 6:00 p.m. kick-off, you tend to make pleasantries with the grounds crew. Who else is freaking there?

Steve O took a page out of the Homecoming playbook. It was great to see a proud member of TEAM Tailgate nation up from Austin, especially on a day when Bevo shat down his leg. Good times ...

The Journal World was on a search and destroy mission for "Extreme" tailgates on campus. Yep ... TEAM tailgate strikes again.

Menu specials!

Most folks throw some Velveeta in a crockpot, slather it on a plate, and serve with tortilla chips. Nope. We make Queso from scratch, add Fritos scoops, and serve the flavor explosion in an authentic nacho tray. Face!

Ladies and gentlemen ... Executive Chef Erik H. Lund introduces the "Italian Stallion", a true original. Italian sausage with melted smoked provolone topped with Italian beef and smothered in marinara sauce. Holy Jesus!

And, last but not least, a Special delivery ...

With an assist from Uncle Jeff, Ells executed an Icing to perfection. The prey? Gordo.

Next tailgate? K-State for Thursday Night Lights. Get yourself there.

Ready and a surprise

2010-09-25T12:01:00.000-05:00

Tailgate has been up since 7:30. Big thanks to Lund and Gordo for set up duty. Also, congrats to Gordo on getting the a/v setup done all by himself. Lund is unveiling a new menu item, self created later today. See you all later.

Our coaches may not be organized but TEAM Tailgate is

2010-09-21T14:55:00.001-05:00

That right folks. The beers are already on ice and Chef Lund is already hard at work to ensure that we don't tinkle down our leg like our team did in Hattisburg last week. 3 meal, 12 hour tailgate is on tap for Saturday. See all the people who like to party at 6 AM.

Week 2 Recap

2010-09-12T20:05:00.006-05:00

TEAM Tailgate was back to our old bag of tricks in Week 2 ... the Football Gods were shining brightly on Lawrence, Kansas ... a glorious day!

Breakfast bloody:

Grilled Krispy Kreme:

MTB & Kelting:

There was the sense that everything may be right again in Jayhawk Nation ... the tailgate was flawless. Plus, we had a few little extra something-somethings that took the day up another notch!

Beer delivery, courtesy of the Budweiser Clydesdales:

Flyover, courtesy of a KC-135 tanker:

An inspired effort led to the first win over a top 20 team since 1984 in Memorial Stadium. We'd like to highlight a major contributor ... James Sims. Quite a productive day at the office for Mr. Sims. First true freshman in KU history to rush for 100+ yards in debut. That's what a man does! Also, hands down, the best haircut in the history of KU football:

Huge win! Doesn't get much better than belting the Rock Chalk chant during multiple snaps of VICTORY FORMATION.

Correction ... one thing is better. VICTORY BEERS!

See you in 2 weeks ...

Week 1 Recap

2010-09-06T12:51:00.010-05:00

A new season is upon us and, although a lot has changed over the last 12 months, one thing sure as hell remains consistent ... TEAM Tailgate sets the tone on Mt. Oread!

First things first ... a 6:00 p.m. kick-off means two things.

1. Ridiculously early set up! Even after all these years, Mr. Dreiling's domination continues to surprise us. This one-man wrecking crew had the entire tailgate operational by 6:00 a.m. Bravo!

2. Three meal tailgate! Per usual, a wide variety of options to satisfy those gameday cravings.

BREAKFAST - Biscuit sammys with thick-cut bacon and colby jack.

LUNCH - Trailer Park dogs with queso and crumbled potato chips and, never to be outdone, the man, the myth, the legend ... Earl Campbell.

DINNER: - Pimento cheese burgers.

A Big Ups from TEAM Tailgate to our surprise guest of the day ... Samantha Steele with Fox Sports. Hung out, talked shop, and threw the pigskin around a little bit. Good times.

Just a few quick honors to throw around from Week 1:

MVP = JMD. First game of the year and he delivered by single-handedly putting TEAM Tailgate's flag in the ground and marking our territory ... all before the sun came up. Well played, my friend.

Brett Favre Award = MTB (Mike The Bartender). After announcing his retirement at the off-season executive committee meeting, Mike declared "I'll be back for Week 2" within 3 minutes of being at the tailgate. Just classic stuff, Mike. We all look forward to Bloody Marys next weekend.

These final two pics may foreshadow what Jayhawk Nation is about to embark on this season ... regardless of the final number in the W column, TEAM Tailgate will be having a super time at 11th & Mississippi before, during, and after each home game. That is about the only thing we can predict this season.

All packed up, ready to hit K-10, turn the ignition ... silence. That, my friends, is what we call irony.

Hope to see you next weekend ... 11:00 a.m. kick-off. Breakfast spread will be legendary.

SEVEN

2010-08-28T07:10:00.004-05:00

That's right ladies and gentlemen ...7 days until kick-off.

Join us September 4th for a traditional three meal tailgate.

If you haven't seen second installment of The Gridiron ... settle in.

The Gridiron - Episode 2 from Kansas Jayhawks on Vimeo.

THE GRIDIRON

2010-08-07T13:45:00.006-05:00

All aboard ...

KU FOOTBALL BLOG

See you Saturday, September 4th!

Three reasons to celebrate!

2010-07-04T08:34:00.004-05:00

The off season is cruising right along for TEAM Tailgate, however it seemed prudent to provide an update on some recent developments worth celebrating.

1. Happy Birthday America!

2. The University of Kansas still has a conference!

3. Season kicks off 2 months from today!

We thought it only appropriate to celebrate in style ... Behold the NEW tailgate grill!

TEAM Tailgate offered our culinary magic at a recent fundraiser and took this new bad boy for a test run. Mission Accomplished!

I know ... I know ... the grill is large and in charge. Will it fit nice and snug in the tailgate van, you ask? Done & done!

Good time await in Lawrence ...

Spring Game Report

2010-05-02T06:59:00.006-05:00

Some may say ... "Tailgate for the spring game???"

TEAM Tailgate emphatically responds ... "You bet your ass!"

Please note the similarities between KU Football and TEAM Tailgate as the Spring session winds down:

While the team is working in a new offense, complete with new HCTG; new, yet to be named QB1; and a host of new contributors at every skill position ...

TEAM Tailgate is working in a few new recipes ... Pretzel roll smothered with spicy beer cheese spread. Dominate!

The KUAD officially debuted the new and improved gargantuan video board.

Not the be outdone, TEAM Tailgate unveiled their new mammoth TV. Yep ... 50 inches of pure bliss!

Sure, most of us continue to take a "wait & see" approach with the new regime; however we were pleasantly surprised by the turnout to usher in the Turner Gill era. Announced crowd of 12,500.

And nobody in attendance was watching with a more critical eye that our own Jeff Dreiling ... Painstaking notes. Attention to detail. Intense.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes only THREE are necessary.

Last, but certainly not least, special guest appearance to our Blogville by a familiar face. (Side note: huge fan of new tailgate shirt. Fact!)

Looking forward to Saturdays this fall ...

Spring Game - Saturday 1:00 p.m.

2010-04-19T21:16:00.003-05:00

TEAM Tailgate will usher in the Turner Gill era this weekend ... hope to see you there!

Up and running. See you at 930

2009-11-28T08:55:00.000-06:00

Sent via BlackBerry

Austin Road Trip

2009-11-24T20:37:00.003-06:00

TEAM Tailgate et al. took our show on the road this past weekend. Although the Hawks were defeated by an extremely superior team on the field, we did our best to compete off the field. Result...TEAM Tailgate beat Austin, no question!

Tailgate prep on Friday night...never take a week off.

Always kick-off Gameday with a killer breakfast...Cisco's delivered! Migas with fajita in Ranchero sauce? Yes, please! And their biscuits will change your religion.

Solid crew...

The Shotgun 30 crew were extremely gracious hosts...

The hit of the tailgate...Mike the Bartender (aka Darth "Hook 'em Horns" Vader).

Also, utilized the trip to scout the tailgate scene ..."Everything is bigger in Texas" truly shines on this asphalt playground.

Hope to see you at Arrowhead on Saturday...

Since our team has quit on the season...

2009-11-16T18:48:00.000-06:00

Here is the highlight from Saturday. Logan + Homeless + guitar = Awesome!
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Nebraska Report

2009-11-15T20:05:00.004-06:00

The final tailgate in Lawrence this season...it's safe to say the season is imploding right before our eyes, but TEAM Tailgate continues to dominate!

A few menu items made their much anticipated debut this past weekend...

#1 - Spud burger

1/3 lb. patty, cheddar cheese, bacon, and (drum roll please...) grilled hash brown patty. Legen...wait for it...dary!

#2 - Smoked turkey leg

Typically reserved for a Renaissance Fair near you...a big hit at the tailgate.

Last, but certainly not least, high comedy in its purest form...

Ticket to KU vs. Nebraska at Memorial Stadium - $80
Full tank of gas for Winnebego - $300
Getting your Winny full of Cornhuskers stuck attempting to park, blocking traffic for 2 hours, requiring 2 cops to block road, and needing massive tow truck to rescue you - PRICELESS

Investigative reporting at its finest...enjoy!

Team Tailgate Road Tailgate up and running

2009-11-07T08:47:00.000-06:00

Everything that you have come to expect from TEAM except the tent. If you are in the little apple stop by the grains program building (not kidding) and have a beer with us!
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Week 8 Report - Oklahoma

2009-10-26T20:44:00.006-05:00

We've said it before...we'll say it again...

We OWN the tailgating scene in Lawrence, Kansas. Just let the pictures do the talking...

'Nuff said.

Whole Hog is here!

2009-10-24T12:47:00.000-05:00

Enjoying the best tailgate ever. Great friends, great food, MTB (mike the bartender).
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Domination

2009-10-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

Dylan is here and owning this place.
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Mike's bar is OPEN

2009-10-24T09:26:00.000-05:00

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Operation Ice Down... Check

2009-10-23T18:46:00.001-05:00

No worries about running out of food tomorrow with a 100 lb hog on the way. Wanted to make sure the coldest beer in the BIG XII was also the most plentiful! 450 deep! Tailgate will be up and ready by 8 am. See you then.
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Week 7 Report - Colorado (Plus Week 8 Preview)

2009-10-23T12:23:00.006-05:00

TEAM Tailgate took a road trip for Colorado watch party...can you say Waikiki?

Although we're still dreaming about Briscoe coming down with that ball in the Endzone, you know how the ol' saying goes... "Hop right back on that HOG!"...

WELL...

Here at TEAM Tailgate we're taking that both figuratively, as well as LITERALLY. The fine folks at Fritz's will be delivering a 100 POUND smoked pig to 11th & Mississippi around 11:30 a.m. tomorrow. Please join us for pre-game celebrations prior to stomping all over OU.

1st down is 3rd down...

Update to TEAM TAILGATE Supporters and Open Message to KU Athletic Department

2009-10-21T11:10:00.011-05:00

(Pictured Above, "Mike the Bartender" and Tim "Quality Control")

Please let this serve as a message/open letter to all of our new followers at the KUAD. In addition, we will share some pictures so that you can get to know us. Apparently, we ruffled quite a few feathers over there with our mind numbingly awesome RUN DMT t-shirts. At the last tailgate, Paul Vander Tuig -Trademark Licensing Director-, made his way over to the tailgate and asked if we were selling shirts. I said yes, asked him what size and he presented me with his business card. We had a nice and cordial conversation and he let me know at the very least, it was against the rules to sell on University property. He also voiced some concern about DMT (Des, KMagic and Todd's) eligibility being in question because they were featured on the shirt. Long story short, he was super cool about the way he handled the situation. The old, don't shoot the messenger mantra kicked in my head and I told him we would stop selling the shirts at the tailgate immediately, apologized that he had to take time away from his family to deal with us (he brought his son (I'm guessing) with him on this mission) and thanked him for not grabbing campus security to issue me a ticket for selling on campus. In all actuality, for a guy who's job title is Trademark Licensing Director and who was forced into action, family in tow, he couldn't have been cooler.

(Erik "The chef" celebrating Tailgate of the Week!)

(This is me, Jeff Dreiling "audio visual/power equipment", at a Christmas Party with my daughter's namesake (her middle name is Reese)

(The aforementioned Lucy REESE and Dad)

Bottom line here and reason why I'm sharing this with the blog readers is this. We sell the shirts to help make our tailgate better (yes, it is possible, come on Saturday to witness the whole hog roast) and we have been the biggest fans/supporters of the program with tailgates each and every week since 2001. This is the 4th T-shirt we have sold. The last two, I personally presented t-shirts to Lew Perkins and he loved them (never forget the Nebraska Blue Out from 2007). Fast forward 2 years, Orange Bowl Champions, challenging for the North, season tickets at an all time high and NOW our fandom and support of the team is a problem?

After winning tailgate of the week last week, we come to find out that a memo was sent out to the whole athletic department(on the Friday before the game) about our t-shirts/blog/tailgate. The memo was basically, make sure these guys don't win Tailgate of the week. Funny thing is we won and they filmed us and everything was fine. They had no idea we were "the t-shirt guys". That's how side note the tshirt sales are. If people asked, we sold. If not, enjoy a beer and a grilled Krispy Kreme. Obviously, these guys read the blog. My name is right in the top right hand corner. I don't use a funny user name. It is my first and last name (class of 2000). My e-mail address is my work address. I am not getting rich off of any t-shirt or tailgate, in fact I'm losing hundreds of dollars every year. Just trying to be a fan. All of the backroom, middle school whispering could have been stopped with a simple e-mail. We are fans of KU, not trying to cause problems. T-shirt sales have stopped. You won. Relax and focus on the bigger parts of your jobs. Let's focus on the Gridiron Club expansion not taking out our tailgating lot and other important things. I don't envy the job of working in an athletic department for one minute. In large it is thankless headache after thankless headache (see people selling RUN DMT t-shirts). These people are doing what they do because they truly beleive in the University of Kansas and the Jayhawks. So do we! Let's be friends. All KUAD employees are hereby invited to stop by the tailgate and enjoy some of our whole hog this weekend. Let's hug it out and prepare together to stomp OU. That's really what it's all about.

I hope and trust you will accept this offer of friendship and hope once and for all we can put an end to Hawk on Hawk crime.

Sincerely,

Jeff Dreiling (not to be confused with Joe College)

Caption Contest, anyone?

2009-10-13T21:17:00.001-05:00

Well...
It appears TEAM Tailgate has taken home yet another honor. We've been awarded the prestigious "Caption Contest" photo from Homecoming slide show last Saturday.

Let your creative juices run wild.

Rock Chalk!

Week 6 Report - Iowa State

2009-10-11T20:58:00.005-05:00

It's hard work for TEAM Tailgate to make this look so freaking easy...the tailgating dynasty continues!

Visitor #1 - KU camera crew...yep, "Tailgate of the Week"...again!

Go ahead and multiply how money these pics are x 10 when the corresponding video was played on the JUMBOTRON during the first quarter of the game. Yep, 50,000+ introduced to grilled Krispy Kremes...this thing is spreading like a virus.

Visitors #2 & #3 - Kansas City star camera crew + KU spirit squad

Click here for full slide show...pic #78 really looks as if they are taking it to an entirely different level of good times!

Ladies and gentlemen...The hardest working bartender in Lawrence!!!

Grill cam!

Follow the dial...

12 o'clock - Potato/Mexican cheese/green chile/onion morsels for tailgate breakfast tacos
3 o'clock - Wrapped biscuit sammys with bacon & Colby-Jack cheese
6 o'clock - Wrapped croissant sammys with Canadian bacon & Swiss
9 o'clock - An attempt to melt ice and warm bottle for hungry baby girl...as we've said since day 1, TEAM Tailgate is very family friendly!

Just another day at the office for RUN...

D - 12 receptions, 186 yards, 2 TDs

M - 16 receptions, 142 yards, 2 TDs

T - 75.5% completion percentage, 442 yards, 4 TDs (1 rush TD)

Undefeated lives here...

3 walls, ceiling, heater

2009-10-10T09:01:00.001-05:00

Don't let the cold scare you off. 70 and toasty inside. Let's go!
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What did the MVP of the tailgate do on bye week?

2009-10-07T07:12:00.000-05:00

We took the SatGo for a little voyage last weekend. She made her maiden voyage so to speak down at the lake of the Ozarks. We spent many a hour on the water testing out new cocktails and enjoying college football on the water. She is back safe, sound and dry and looking forward to her first cold weather game on Saturday. Don't forget, we have 3 walls, a roof and a heater so no worries about the weather. See you on Saturday. Tailgate will be up a running by 7 am.
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Week 5 Report - BYE Week

2009-10-03T22:04:00.008-05:00

TEAM Tailgate hardly knows what to do with ourselves during this whole BYE week situation...well, how about recipe testing?!? Yes please!

Let's just say this...if KU coaches are breaking down film and players are crushing the weight room with as much tenacity as TEAM Tailgate exhibits during their BYE week, than the season is on the up and up...

We call these tasty morsels...Tex-Mex Tijuana Tailgate Nuggets. As always, the play-by-play!

Get yourself a nice blend of spices...quite a line-up, yes?

Prepare the jalapeno boats

Mix-up spices with shredded rotisserie chicken and cream cheese. Add chicken goodness to the jalapenos. Then...wait for it...yep, wrap in BACON. Add a small drizzle of honey. Bake.

BEFORE

AFTER

These little bad boys will send your taste buds to a whole new dimension. However, it never hurts to take it up, yet another notch. The devil is in the details and going the extra step is what wins championships! Take a plunge in the chipotle ranch dressing!

Come one, come all....Homecoming tailgate fires up bright & early this coming Saturday. Pop by for a beer, breakfast, and bloody! You take care of Mike the Bartender...we take care of you!

Week 4 Report - Southern Mississippi

2009-09-27T10:44:00.004-05:00

The Football Gods continue to shine down on Lawrence, Kansas...perfect weather, phenomenal tailgate, and another W!

Friday Night Prep! Fired up a new breakfast sammy this week. Croissant with smoked Canadian bacon and Swiss. Rave reviews may be an understatement, just a flavor explosion! Take a peek...

Several concerned followers of the blog have voiced concerns about equal opportunity...what about the cocktails!?! Mike the Bartender has been whipping up morning elixirs like a mad man week in and week out, taking command of the bar with a TR5-like tenacity, as evidenced below..."What you having?"

Vodka! Vodka! Vodka! OJ! OJ! OJ!

The game? Well...undefeated lives here! Always a fan of "The Reds". Also, reminds TEAM Tailgate of a favorite quote from former LB Joe Mortensen..."they bring out the DEVIL in us!" Another strong attendance mark, as well. Just over 50,000.

Now the Bye Week is upon us...TEAM Tailgate will be recharging the battery, while KU Football heals up and gears up for the stretch run to Win The North!

Hope to see you for Homecoming vs. Iowa State on October 10th.

Rock Chalk!

Week 3 Report - Duke

2009-09-20T12:14:00.006-05:00

Another Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas...another stellar performance from TEAM Tailgate. Let's get to the particulars.

First breakfast tailgate of the year = grilled Krispy Kremes. Behold...the happiest grill in the world.

*Bonus Alert* - Video of this culinary revolution for your viewing pleasure...try not to drool on your monitor.

We all know the perfect balance to an all star food line-up is to follow the lead off dish with something that really takes it to another level...Tailgate Breakfast Tacos, anyone?

Step 1 - Flour tortilla lathered up real nice with sour cream...

Step 2 - Add grilled hash brown/Mexi cheese blend/onion/green chiles wedge

Step 3 - Flank cheesy potato cake with Mexican shredded beef...yep barbacoa!

Although the Hawks got off to a slow start and the offense again looked as if they "left some points out on the field", they still covered and maxed out the Touchdown Tuesday promotion. What else could you ask for, really?

And a great parting shot...hands down the biggest KU party guy we've seen in many, many years...ENJOY!

Hope to have a large & in charge tailgate draw next week when undefeated Southern Mississippi comes to Memorial Stadium. Kick-off at 11:00 a.m. again...join up with us anytime, we'll be hitting the repeat button!

Team Tailgate Open and Ready

2009-09-19T07:47:00.000-05:00

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Friday Rituals

2009-09-18T19:01:00.002-05:00

Friday is often considered the MVD (Most Valuable Day) for getting your mind right for Saturday, excuse me...GAMEDAY!

Whether it is lugging 100 pounds of ice into your car, raiding Fritz's for delicious meat products, creating a potent homemade batch of Bloody Mary mix, ensuring the generator is loaded up with premium gasoline, painstakingly loading each support column for the gargantuan tent into the van, etc., etc....

However, TEAM Tailgate would like to take this opportunity to send a Big Ups to one of our biggest supporters. Although small in stature, 8 year old Will of Leawood, Kansas brings the ROCK CHALK fury!

As you'll see below, Will has just about everything "KU" on this earth...very impressive! However, we'd like to draw particular attention to his "Friday Best" carefully laid out across the headboard. Yep...RUN DMT!!! Something tells us that Will is the envy of his entire elementary school...fellow classmates, faculty, staff, the principal, crossing guard...all of 'em.

Take a bow, young Will.

Week 2 Report - UTEP

2009-09-13T11:19:00.003-05:00

We know what you're thinking...Week 2 report? KU was on the road!

Exactly, which brings TEAM Tailgate to a couple other favorite football season rituals...recipe testing & watch parties!

What you're about to lay eyes on WILL, we repeat WILL, cause foaming at the mouth, as well as an intense burning in your gut, i.e. hunger pains. Please proceed with extreme caution!

Follow us on this culinary adventure...start with a jalapeno, stuff with a mixture of chorizo/cream cheese/jack cheese, wrap in bacon!

Load up your Chile grill, that just happens to be shaped like an armadillo, because that is money!

After 45 minutes of indirect heat...pure bliss. Can you say party in your mouth?

Recipe testing? Check!

Watch party?...Well, it appears the RUN DMT 09 tour bus swept through Chicago on Saturday night. A few proud supporters dominating Lottie's during a KU watch party.

Hope to see the masses on Saturday for our first breakfast tailgate of the season...then, we destroy Puke!

RUN DMT to make 2009 debut...

2009-09-11T18:49:00.002-05:00

Big game in west Texas tomorrow night. Expecting BIG things from RUN DMT.

Just in case you need a little refresher course on this explosive three-headed monster...

Rock Chalk Jayhawk...dominate UTEP!

Week 1 Report – Northern Colorado

2009-09-06T19:09:00.004-05:00

Not sure how kick-off weekend could have been better…just crushed it on so many different levels. Here is the recap:

Fully operational by 9:00 a.m.

Ladies and gentlemen, please meet Director of audio-visual, Mr. Dreiling…yep, the Sat-Go with flat screen suspended from the tent DID work beautifully…

FAN CANS went early and often…to the tune of 13 cases.

HOT GRILL! HOT GRILL! Burgers were succulent.

The game…RECORD crowd of 52,530 watched the Hawks take care of business, 49-3.

Highlights for your viewing pleasure

Need new KU gear? Highly recommend Touchdown Tuesday

TEAM Tailgate reconvenes on September 19^th.

Having a great time!

2009-09-05T12:54:00.001-05:00

TEAM Tailgate, still going strong.
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Just enjoying college gameday. Sat-go up and operation

2009-09-05T10:21:00.000-05:00

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Tailgate up and ready!

2009-09-05T09:33:00.000-05:00

Come one come all. TEAM tailgate is officially open for the 2009 season.
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3 Simple Rules...

2009-09-03T06:19:00.003-05:00

1. Arrive thirsty2. Come hungry

3. Take care of Mike the Bartender!!!

One day closer...

2009-09-01T19:40:00.001-05:00

Just a bit over 3 days till tailgate season officially begins. Ran over to Ranchmart Wine and Spirits and picked up all 20 cases of the officially non-official KU fancans of BudLight. Sorry to anyone else in the greater Leawood area looking to score any, they are sold out. Looking forward to Saturday. Heading home to get these babies on ice. See you all Saturday.
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Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

2009-08-30T19:41:00.006-05:00

T minus 6 days...This is how a superior tailgate ensures Week 1 not only meets expectations, but dominates!

Operation Tent Set-Up. Done and done! Pretty large and in charge, yes?

Tested a new apps recipe...grilled Italian sausage...

...with Bloody Mary dipping sauce...

Ladies & gentlemen, we introduce...the Sat-Go. The world's first portable satellite TV!

Once the feed is live, simply run video into our big screen. Been thinking about how to display the TV this year, as well...setting it on the table seemed kinda broke...SOLVED!

Hope to see you next Saturday. We'll be plenty fired up by the time GameDay starts. Shoot us a message with headcount and estimated arrival time to ensure spread is fully prepared.

RUN DMT

2009-08-09T19:03:00.003-05:00

Allow us to RE-introduce the nation's most potent offense...

Dezmon Briscoe #80 (92 rec, 1,407 yds, 15 TDs)
Kerry Meier #10 (97 rec, 1,045 yds, 8 TDs)
Todd Reesing #5 (66.5 comp %, 3,888 yds, 32 TDs)

Blowing up a scoreboard near you...

100% ring-spun cotton jersey knit (High dollar T)
Economical price of $15.00
Pre-orders now being accepted
Please e-mail rundmtshirt@gmail.com with quantity & size!

Summer Shareholder Meeting

2009-08-08T00:31:00.000-05:00

The preseason shareholders meeting is underway. We are having a great/super time at Mike's lakehouse. Please be on the lookout for this year's t-shirt which will be officially launched next week.
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Mission Statement

2009-08-04T20:46:00.009-05:00

The Eleventh And Mississippi Tailgate welcomes you to Blogville...

Our mission is to document, in glorious fashion, the trials and tribulations of KU tailgating...to share the food, the stories, the laughs, the drinks, and the victories as KU battles for the Big 12 North title.

The van is fired up...hop on board.