Top Boatgating Destinations – Tailgating On The Water
Are you looking to pre-game a sporting event or concert? Do you also enjoy being on a boat? If you answered ‘yes’ to both of those, then boatgating is the perfect fit for you! If you don’t know what boatgating is, it’s practically having a tailgate, but on a boat instead of around the tailgate of a vehicle. The foundation of a tailgate remains – plenty of drinks, music, appetizers, and laughs will be had while boatgating. Below you can find some top destinations to tailgate on the water, arranged by the type of sport that you’re a fan of. From football stadiums to baseball fields, to a couple of hockey arenas – we’ve got you covered this season.
Starting with America’s most beloved – football. Below are the top 9 NFL stadiums for tailgating on the water, beginning in the south, heading north, and ending on the west coast:
1. TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, FL)
Previously named the EverBank Field, The TIAA Bank Field is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars and sits alongside the St. Johns River. Conveniently, the Metropolitan Park Marina is located right next to the field, which contains nearly 80 boat slips for boats up to 80’.
Quick overview of upcoming events at the TIAA Bank Field:
2. M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, MD)
Having the capacity of just over 71,000 guests, the M&T Bank Stadium is positioned between two mouths of the Patapsco River. Baltimore, home to the Ravens, makes for a historic boatgating destination. Located in the inner-harbor one could find the USS Constellation, the last remaining sail-only warship commissioned by the U.S. Navy.
Quick overview of upcoming events at the M&T Bank Stadium:
3. Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh, PA)
Formerly known as Heinz Field, the Acrisure Stadium is home to both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers. Sitting on the fork where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers form the Ohio River, the Acrisure Stadium is surrounded by riverfront marinas.
Quick overview of upcoming events at the Acrisure Stadium:
4. Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)
Home to the Chicago Bears, Soldier Field is conveniently placed immediately next to the Burnham Harbor, which leads out into Lake Michigan. The Burnham Harbor is a quintessential boatgating destination, housing over 25 boat docks while being steps away from Soldier Field.
Quick overview of upcoming events at Soldier Field:
5. Cleveland Browns Stadium
The Cleveland Browns Stadium is seated right on the fourth largest Great Lake, Lake Erie, where it has marinas and yacht clubs sprinkled around the Cleveland Harbor. Home to the Cleveland Browns, the FirstEnergy Stadium holds nearly 68,000 guests in their lakefront stadium.
Quick overview of upcoming events at the Cleveland Brown Stadium:
Honorable Mentions: Tailgating On The Water
Moving on to America’s National Pastime – baseball. Below are the top 9 MLB fields for tailgating on the water, beginning in the south, heading north, and ending on the west coast.
1. Nationals Park (Washington D.C.)
Located just south of the Capitol building in Washington D.C., Nationals Park is situated right on the Anacostia River, adjacent to the Navy yard. National Park was also the first major stadium to receive US LEED certification. The park redefines modern sports facility architecture and serves as the catalyst and cornerstone of a new multipurpose riverfront in our nation’s capital.
See an overview of upcoming events at Nationals Park.
2. Citi Field (Queens, NY)
Sitting next to Flushing Bay is where you can find Citi Field. Home to the New York Mets, Citi Field is close to boat docks and just minutes away from the LaGuardia airport, making boat or air travel an easy and accessible option.
View an overview of upcoming events at Citi Field.
3. T-Mobile Park (Seattle, WA)
T-Mobile Park is a retractable roof stadium perched immediately south of Lumen Field in Seattle. Home to the Seattle Mariners, T-Mobile Park is minutes away from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, so you know it must be close to a body of water.
View an overview of upcoming events at T-Mobile Park.
4. Oracle Park (San Francisco, CA)
Hugging Mission Bay in San Francisco is where you can find the home of the Giants. Previously AT&T Park, and not to be confused with Oracle Arena in Oakland, Oracle Park offers exclusive bay views, including boat dockage and pier access immediately next to the field.
Check out an overview of upcoming events at Oracle Park.
5. Petco Park (San Diego, CA)
Petco Park is located just inside San Diego Bay and across from sunny Coronado. A slew of boat docks lines the same street Petco Park sits on, making it an ideal spot for your boatgating festivities. Moreover, located outside the outfield wall, but inside the Petco gates, is Gallagher Square, a grassy area of approximately 2.8 acres.
View an overview of upcoming events at Petco Park.
Honorable Mentions: Tailgating On The Water
Last but surely not least – hockey. Below are the top two NHL arenas for tailgating on the water, beginning in the south, heading north, and ending on the west coast.
1. Amalie Arena (Tampa, FL) – Home to the Tampa Bay Lightning
Sitting right behind Harbor Island, across from plentiful boat docks on the Garrison Channel is where you can find Amalie Arena. Surely, you can always find something to do when you’re just minutes away from Harbor Island, Channelside, and Riverwalk. Restaurants on Harbor Island, such as American Social and Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi, offer waterfront views with boat docks and a cheerful atmosphere. Home to the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, this is the ice that the Tampa Bay Lightning calls home.
See an overview of upcoming events at Amalie Arena.
2. Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul, MN)
Located behind the Mississippi River is the Xcel Energy Center, home to the Minnesota Wild. Just across the river, on Harriet Island, you can find a cluster of boat docks.
View an overview of upcoming events at Xcel Energy Center.
Honorable Mentions: Tailgating On The Water
- Capital One Arena (Washington D.C.) – Home to the Washington Capitals
- Enterprise Center (St. Louis, MO) – Home to the St. Louis Blues
Bonus Events: Boatgating Destinations
1. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg – IndyCar Series Racing Event
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is an IndyCar Series race held in St. Petersburg, Florida. In most years since 2009, the race has served as the season opener. The Firestone Grand Prix also features an exclusive Yacht Club area with private floating docks at Turns 10 and 11. Current race dates are set for March 3-5, 2024.
2. Monaco Grand Prix – F1 Racing Event
Founded in 1929, The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event held annually on the Circuit de Monaco, in late May or early June. The track sits right against Port Hercule, allowing yachts to get a front-row view of the race. I mean, it doesn’t get much better than being on the deck of a Super Yacht in Monte Carlo with a glass of Champagne while watching the most famous race in the world.
Dates: May 23-26, 2024
