Hey-ey-Ey-ey! (Hey-ey-EY-ey!) … Let’s go Buffalo! (Let’s go Buffalo!) … The chants rise and fade as I weave through the parking lot, high-fiving strangers and joining in the fight song of devoted Buffalo Bills fans. The sun is shining, I’m sporting my Henry Jones jersey, and the crunch of gravel beneath my feet is drowned out by the wafting aromas of barbecue, beer, and crisp fall air. It is early September – Opening Day in Orchard Park, New York – and life is good. This childhood memory is one I cherish every football season.

All week long, we’d eagerly count down the days to Sunday morning, when “church” takes on an alternative meaning in Western New York during NFL season. As long as I can remember going to games, the hours leading up to kickoff were filled with special moments. Sundays were all about waking up early, donning our Bills gear, piling into the car around 8:00 AM, and making the trek to Ralph Wilson Stadium at 1 Bills Drive – now known as Highmark Stadium, though it will always be “The Ralph” to long-time fans.

In the car on the way to the game, my cousin and I would excitedly sit in the back seat while our fathers offered their opinions on the upcoming matchup, punctuated by the lively chatter of pre-game talk radio. Back then, the Bills weren’t exactly top Super Bowl contenders, leading to some colorful commentary from dad(s) before and after the games … we dubbed them as “Swear Word Sundays.” We loved Swear Word Sundays, as we were not typically exposed to such a vivid verbal barrage toward any topic. Understandably so, the Buffalo Bills made for some frustrating times throughout our lives.

The tailgate, however – a rite of passage for Bills fans – was where the real joy unfolded. The camaraderie and spirit in the Bills parking lot are unparalleled. From playing catch and connecting with friends, both old and new, to enjoying the last day of the weekend, these gatherings were the highlight of our game days. The tailgate parties were potluck-inspired affairs … dishes would range from taco and buffalo chicken wing dips to burgers and dogs, and everything in between. From 8:00 in the morning until 12:30 in the afternoon, we would eat and drink like kings, with not a care in the world, other than conspiring about how many beers to sneak into the game. The autumn’s mild weather made this trickier – once winter came along, the number of beers that could be stuffed into the snow pants and jackets of two 11-year-old boys was quite impressive. Winter was when we transitioned from elementary school students to beer mules for our fathers – also a rite of passage (at least that is how they made it seem).

During the game, we cheered so loudly that we often thought we would be able to stay home from school the next day, being unable to speak, though that dream never quite materialized, unfortunately. The noise in the stadium during a huge play or touchdown score was almost deafening. Our touchdown fight song was a spirited rendition of The Isley Brothers’ Shout!, popularized by the cult classic Animal House. And shout we did (and still do). As the late, great voice of the Bills, Van Miller, said, “This place is pandemonium!”

After the game, win or lose, we would make our way back to the car, and linger for a bit, letting the post-game traffic subside, munching on leftovers and conversing about what we just witnessed inside the stadium. Through the highs of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances and the lows of losing those four straight appearances, and even the current regime’s early playoff exits, one thing remains constant – the Bills make me wanna shout!

Now living in North Carolina, I may be far from my childhood home, but those memories are never far from my heart. And while the Bills are my team, I know many of you carry similar memories for your favorite sports teams. Tailgating is about more than just the game; it’s about the shared experience, the camaraderie, and the traditions that bring us all together.

With tailgating season upon us once again, there’s no better time to share a recipe from someone very dear to me. Chili is the perfect addition to any tailgate or at-home football watch party. This particular recipe, which has won a few chili cook-offs, is more than just a dish – it’s a taste of those cherished Sundays spent with family, friends, and fellow fans. So no matter who you cheer for this football season, gather up these ingredients and let’s make the next tailgate one to remember!

– 2 pounds cooked hamburger (92% suggested)
– 1 teaspoon garlic
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 4 cans light red kidney beans
– 1 can green chili peppers
– 1 (large) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup tomato juice
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon dry mustard
– ½ teaspoon celery salt
– ½ teaspoon oregano
– ½ teaspoon cumin
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Optional:

– Sliced fresh jalapeño
– 1 can or bottle of an Oktoberfest style or Winter Lager beer

Brown hamburger with garlic and onion powder (drain). Mix hamburger with all other ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 30-45 minutes. If you would like to substitute chicken for hamburger (also an excellent choice), pull apart the breast and legs of a rotisserie chicken. Serve in a soup bowl, topped with shredded cheese, sliced jalapeño, a dollop of sour cream, and chives. Add some sliced french bread or cornbread to mop up the bottom of the bowl.