Five epic tailgating experiences worth the drive 

Story by Lance Hanlin 

While there’s no home team to cheer for in Beaufort County, fall weekends still bring out the football faithful. For fans across the Lowcountry, that often means filling the cooler, packing the car and hitting the road. From college campuses steeped in tradition to NFL lots buzzing with pregame energy, these five tailgating destinations are worth every mile. Whether you’re there for the food, the pregame rituals or just an excuse to wear team colors and people-watch, here’s where to go and how to do it right without doing much at all.

South Carolina Gamecocks

Location: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia

Drive time: 2.5 hours (153 miles)

This is the closest tailgating mecca for many locals and it delivers. Gamecock Park and the surrounding state fairgrounds come alive hours before kickoff with fans rolling in as early as 8 a.m. to claim their spots. It’s a sea of garnet and black, filled with tents, flat-screens and Southern comfort food. Think barbecue, mac and cheese, pimento cheese sandwiches and sweet tea in coolers. The Cockaboose Railroad, a row of restored crimson train cars parked just outside the stadium, offers one of the most unusual tailgating setups in college football.

The ultimate experience: Want all the fun without the fuss? Let Tailgate Group handle it. They offer two tent packages in prime spots like the Rice Football Campus and Garnet Way. Just show up, and everything from your tent to your catering will be waiting for you. tailgategroup.com. 

2025 home games: South Carolina State (Sept. 6), Vanderbilt (Sept. 13), Kentucky (Sept. 27), Oklahoma (Oct. 18), Alabama (Oct. 25), Coastal Carolina (Nov. 22), Clemson (Nov. 29) 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville

Drive time: 2 hours, 50 minutes (173 miles)

As the closest NFL option to the Lowcountry, the Jaguars offer a relaxed but lively tailgating scene. The lots around EverBank Stadium fill with die-hard fans and casual tailgaters alike, many of them showing up in boats along the St. Johns River. Expect plenty of grilled seafood, cold drinks, music and teal everywhere you look. It’s Florida football with a friendly twist.

The ultimate experience: Book a spot with Tailgaters Parking, located right across from the stadium. You’ll get shaded tent space, private restrooms and easy access to food trucks without having to bring a thing. tailgatersparking.com. 

2025 home games: Carolina Panthers (Sept. 7), Houston Texans (Sept. 21), Kansas City Chiefs (Oct. 6), Seattle Seahawks (Oct. 12), Los Angeles Chargers (Nov. 16), Indianapolis Colts (Dec. 7), New York Jets (Dec. 14), Tennessee Titans (TBD)

Georgia Bulldogs

Location: Sanford Stadium, Athens

Drive time: 4 hours, 20 minutes (234 miles)

You don’t have to look hard around the Lowcountry to spot a Bulldog bumper sticker or a UGA flag waving proudly. Plenty of Georgia fans are more than willing to make the drive to Athens for game day. UGA tailgates are legendary, filling campus lawns and sidewalks with tents, smokers and a whole lot of red and black. From pulled pork to barked chants, the vibe in Athens is both welcoming and electric.

The ultimate experience: Book with Bulldogs Tailgate Club by RevelXP. They’ll set up your tailgate in one of three premium locations and handle everything from chairs to catering. You just bring your team spirit. revelxp.com. 

2025 home games: Austin Peay (Sept. 6), Alabama (Sept. 27), Kentucky (Oct. 4), Ole Miss (Oct. 18), Texas (Nov. 15), Charlotte (Nov. 22)

Carolina Panthers

Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte

Drive time: 4 hours (246 miles)

Tailgating in Charlotte has a big-city feel with plenty of Southern flavor. Panthers fans take over lots and rooftop bars across uptown, grilling wings, blasting music and tossing bean bags long before the gates open. It’s high-energy but polished, where jerseys meet cocktails and skyline views set the tone.

The ultimate experience: For a first-class pregame party, book the Panthers VIP Tailgate, hosted by Bullseye Event Group. Located just steps from the stadium, this all-inclusive experience features a premium buffet from top local chefs, open bar service and plenty of seating inside a climate-controlled lounge. Big-screen TVs, music and appearances by former Panthers players add to the energy. bullseyeeventgroup.com. 

2025 home games: Atlanta Falcons (Sept. 21), Miami Dolphins (Oct. 5), Dallas Cowboys (Oct. 12), Buffalo Bills (Oct. 26), New Orleans Saints (Nov. 9), Los Angeles Rams (Oct. 30), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dec. 21), Seattle Seahawks (TBD)

Clemson Tigers

Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson

Drive time: 4.5 hours (284 miles)

Clemson doesn’t just host football games, it throws full-blown orange-clad festivals. Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this small town transforms on Saturdays. Tailgaters arrive early, often by 8 a.m. for a noon kickoff, ready to claim spots around Memorial Stadium. Don’t have an IPTAY pass? No problem. Plenty of local churches and businesses sell parking spots (often supporting charitable causes) and fans regularly score last-minute spaces on sites like TigerNet, StubHub and local Facebook groups. Expect rows of tents, slow cookers, TVs and the constant buzz of Tiger pride.

The ultimate experience: Let Tiger Tailgating Pros do the heavy lifting. They offer custom packages that include tent setup, tables, chairs, coolers and even catering delivery, all arranged in designated tailgating zones close to the action. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Death Valley’s game-day magic without the early morning scramble or gear haul. tigertailgatingpros.com. 

2025 home games: LSU (Aug. 30), Troy (Sept. 6), Syracuse (Sept. 20), SMU (Oct. 18), Duke (Nov. 1), Florida State (Nov. 8), Furman (Nov. 22)