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People have been partying before Broncos games for years, and they're not going to stop. So city officials wonder if legalizing the activity in certain areas and keeping an eye on it is better than penalizing a few hundred people a year for what has become a Boise tradition.
"We know there's a lot of tailgate drinking that happens in these games and, you know, we think that's part of what makes Bronco football great," city spokesman Adam Park said.The proposal is still preliminary, so its details are subject to change.
The rough idea is to allow drinking in public places surrounding the stadium for about four hours before kickoff at the Broncos' 2013 games. Popular tailgating areas that could be in the legal zone include the eastern half of Julia Davis Park and parking lots south and east of the stadium.
Click for larger versionWhen it comes to having power in the tailgate lot, the reigning champion has been the Honda EU series. This was primarily due to there being no competitors. But a new player is in the game. The Ryobi 2200 is the same size, more power, and almost half the price of the Honda. But how does it stack up?
Here's a quick run-down between the two.
Ryobi
Honda
Starting Watts
2200
2000
Running Watts
1800
1600
Rated Amperage
15A
13.3A
Starting
Recoil
Recoil
Fuel Tank
1 Gal
0.95 Gal
Weight
51 Pounds
47 Pounds
Parallel Capable
Yes
Yes
In running both side by side, a feature that both has is a smart idle. This means that unless the generator needs more power, it will turn the engine at a lower RPM to keep your neighbors happy. Both units ramp up RPMs quickly, but the Ryobi gets back down to idle RPMs faster. Both units are inverter style generators, which is good if you will be running any electronics. The Ryobi was great at powering our typical gear, which includes a home AV receiver, two DirecTV receivers, a 42" LCD, a 32" LCD, two scrolling LED boards, 2 crock pots and a roasting pan.
As you can see, both units are similar in size. The Ryobi has dual handles for better handling, as well as a one hand operated extendible handle for rolling across the lot. This might not sound like a big deal, but if you are joining up with friends, and you have the generator, it is much more fun to pull a generator than to have to carry it. Honda has an option for a cart, but it is another $99.
The one thing that both units lack is an hour meter. I've installed one on the Honda, and it will be very easy to install one on the Ryobi. This will help you know when to change the oil, as well as exactly how many hours you have been hitting it hard!
Having a generator at the tailgate allows an entire new level of enjoyment. Crockpots in the winter, roasting pans to keep food warm, television and music, party lights, it goes on and on.
Will the Ryobi dethrone the Honda as the king of the Tailgate Lot? Only time will tell. As more tailgaters step up their game, the Ryobi is certainly a strong player in the market. No longer do you have to spend close to $1000 on quiet power. No longer do you have to get a 100 pound noise maker. The Ryobi comes in a small package, gives BIG power, and sips the fuel. That is a win in this Tailgating professionals opinion. I look forward to getting more hours under it as the season progresses.
Currently, The Home Depot is selling this unit for $599.
We've all had it happen... We get a frosty cold beverage out of the cooler, and get side tracked, and the drink gets warm. Nothing worse than a warm drink!
Enter the Coozie Cooler. This brilliant device is a small ice pack the shape of the bottom of a can, and sits in the bottom of your Coozie, keeping things cold while you tend to tailgating games, the grill, or whatever else needs attention.
They are cheap enough to keep a few in the cooler, so when you get a new drink, you can swap out for a new Coozie Cooler.
To buy your very own Coozie Coolers, check them out at cooziecoolers.com.
University of Minnesota students may soon be able to enjoy food, alcohol and entertainment outside TCF Bank Stadium before Gophers football games.
In an attempt to bring more students to the stadium, the University is creating a proposal for a student tailgate parking lot across the street from the student entrance of TCF Bank Stadium.
Student groups on campus have pushed for a student tailgate lot in the past few years.
Nearly a dozen tailgate lots surround the area within a few blocks from the stadium, but none are designated solely for students.
Executive associate athletics director David Benedict said the Victory Lot — a parking lot northeast of the stadium behind the Thompson Center for Environmental Management — is the only location the University is considering.
ESPN Senior Vice President of Programming Justin Connolly, who will oversee the network, envisions programming such as studio news and analysis shows, tailgating shows, classic games, and profiles on SEC athletes, personalities and the league's history.
"We are looking to put what makes the flavor and passion of the SEC onto the screen," Connolly said.
Baseball fans heading to Citi Field this season to soak in a New York Mets game may be surprised to learn that New York City police officers will be patrolling the official team parking lot to hand out citations to tailgaters drinking in public.
Drinking alcohol in public has long been banned in New York Cityand its surrounding areas, but until recently, the law was rarely enforced inside local team stadium parking lots.
For example, the New York Jets, who play home games at the nearby MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, have no official policy on pregame tailgate beers on their website. The Jetswebsite explicitly states that tailgating "has become a ritual at the stadium."
Similarly, the New York Yankees, located in nearby Bronx, New York, have no express written policy on their website banning the consumption of tailgate beers in the team parking lot.
Where can you meet Green Bay Packer Alex Green and get his autograph? Join the Green Bay Packer party, Tuesday, May 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Oshkosh Convention Center and enjoy food, giveaways, question and answer sessions and Packer autographs.
The Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour Party could not be possible without support from area businesses, sponsors and donors including Northwestern Mutual Financial Network–The Blevons Group, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, BadgerMining, ThedaCare, The Brooklyn and the Oshkosh Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center.
Get your tickets today at Festival Foods in Oshkosh for $30 each to see Alex Green.
Proceeds support Christine Ann's youth programming. Contact Sue Traska, Development & Marketing Director, atstraska@christineann.net for more information about this incredible opportunity.
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, a United Way Agency, is a nonprofit organization supported by grants, generous donations and the passion of volunteers. Visit Christine Ann online at www.christineann.net
Thursday, May 16, 2013;)
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