Jamie's Wish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

What a day!

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?

Who's ready?

Homecoming

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 ...

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 ...