Everything you need to know about Washington Football Team tailgating at FedEx Field

It’ll be nice to be able to tailgate again.

The Washington Football Team changed their name last year, and will announce their permanent name early next year. The franchise is also actively looking at locations for their new stadium. They currently play at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., but could end up playing in Virginia or Washington, D.C. after 2027 if Maryland can’t keep them. So this is a transition period for the franchise, but there is still a lot of football to be played at FedEx Field between now and then, and a lot of tailgating to be done!

FedEx Field has had a ton of complaints over the years about the fan experience, and a lot of them have been very justified. The new front office has done a huge makeover, and started a fan ambassador program that focused on seven different areas (Community, Culinary, Culture, Entertainment, Fashion, Family Experience, and Sunday Funday). The goal was to get input from a fan base that has drifted away, and also the loyal base that will never leave.

The focus of this article is on the tailgating experience for Washington Football Team games at FedEx Field. The team is welcoming fans back this year after last year’s fanless season. The parking lots will once again be open, and the drinks and food will be flowing in the massive area around the stadium. Tailgating is allowed in every lot, and there are even RV lots if that’s your thing.

I have been to a few games at FedEx Field over the years, but have only done a little bit of tailgating in the parking lot. Most of the time I was trying to get a few drinks in before going into the game, or racing to get in before the start due to hitting traffic on the three-plus hour drive down to Maryland. The few times I have been to a proper tailgate before (and after) the game have involved some good food, cold drinks, and a healthy dose of beer pong.

There are several big tailgates that happen every home game at FedEx Field that are very popular with the fans. One that I’ve been meaning to get to for years is the one run by Tailgate Ted and the Hail BBQ crew. They offer a free tailgate with a full menu for every game. If it’s a 1 p.m. game, expect to be there at 9 a.m. when they open, and enjoy the food for two and a half to three hours, giving you plenty of time to get back to your car before the game. Donations help them keep the free tailgates going, but it is well worth it!

**2021 Tailgate Season Update**

We plan on hosting tailgates for the 2021 season local Covid guidelines permitting. The tailgates however will be limited in size and all guests will be required to use hand sanitizer and gloves when they are grabbing food from the buffet line. RSVPs links for each game will be posted 2 weeks prior to that scheduled game. We look forward to seeing you this fall.

Take care,

Tailgate Ted

We are the largest home-team tailgate at FedEx Field, supporting our Washington Football Team every game from our spot at G20.

The HailBBQ Tailgate is a Washington-Fan-First Tailgate. We accept fans of the opposing team, but space is limited to Washington fans and the member referrals of the HailBBQ Crew, PFUFA or the Tailgate Hall of Fame. If you are an opposing team fan and you wish to join us for a tailgate, please request approval via email and we will let you know if we have additional room at the tailgate.