For those who want to avoid a bracing walk in chilly Indianapolis, ParkWhiz.com lists a spot at a lot across from the stadium at $499 for all day Sunday (tailgating is allowed, unlike at official lots at Lucas Oil Stadium, where the rate is the usual $60).
But the real action took place in the infield, where another 3,000 people gathered for a two-day tailgate party that began at 6 a.m. on Friday and ended late Sunday morning, when the participants packed up and either headed home or to yet another race the following weekend in Martinsville, Va.
When we were kids, on the last day of resort skiing there were the all-day tailgate parties in the parking lot at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado: I-Ski glasses in multiple primary colors, zinc oxide, lawn chairs in the mud — Creedence blasting from one car stereo, the Boss from another — bump-skiing in shorts and T-shirts.
But his old friend Bob Zito's eight licenses were not as elite, so he walked to join the newest version of the Sunday tailgate.
Forget Thursday nights out, no class on Fridays, and Saturday tailgates before the big game -- college clichés can't even hold a candle to spending a semester studying abroad.
Tonight's game was played in a festive atmosphere that began early in the day with tailgate picnics in the stadium parking lots.
Previous Taste events have run throughout the year, beginning with the Bull City New Year's Eve Party to cap off 2014; a cooking class led by 2015 James Beard award finalist Phoebe Lawless of Scratch Bakery; a Valentine's Day indoor tailgate party; and a BBQ, beer and bus tour of Durham.
It is the middle of the work week, so the chairs are empty, the Bills are in film meetings, and the smell of grilled meat from last Sunday's tailgate parties has finally dissipated in Orchard Park.
Saturday morning tailgating is out, and fans may have to travel long distances after work or school.
When he returned that day, he noticed the tailgate was missing.
