ABOUT US
Tailgate Connect® makes unforgettable tailgating experiences accessible to fans nationwide. Whether you’re a seasoned fan reliving your college roots, a traveling opposing team fan seeking a unique game-day experience, or a first-timer diving into the world of tailgating, we connect you to a range of hosted tailgates at stadiums coast to coast.
Our options range from intimate, family-run gatherings to large-scale events hosted by professional event companies, catering to every fan’s vision of the perfect tailgate. Each event provides an all-inclusive experience, featuring food, drinks, entertainment, and the camaraderie that makes tailgating an essential part of game day.
With Tailgate Connect®, you gain seamless, no-hassle access to festivities—whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back vibe or an energetic, bustling atmosphere. No two tailgates we offer are alike. Often described as a mix between Airbnb and a dating app, Tailgate Connect® is a unique platform that connects fans with diverse tailgate experiences across the country.
At Tailgate Connect®, we believe in creating a welcoming, community-oriented space for fans from all walks of life. Dive into the spirit of sport, tradition, and connection, and let us handle the logistics so you can enjoy every moment of game day.
We are a Veteran owned company as well. Ask us about Military or Veteran discounts.
Happy Tailgating!
-Dan From the Tailgate
MEET THE TEAM
Dan, Founder
Dan is the founder and Editor of the Dan From the Tailgate (DFT) blog. Dan chronicles his weekly journeys which have taken him to over 100 stadiums and several hundred college and professional games. His goal of attending a game and tailgate at every FBS venue and major rivalry games at the lower divisions is nearing fruition. It was in his travels that Dan found the inspiration for Tailgate Connect, witnessing first-hand the need and the subsequent opportunity we are addressing.
Additionally, Dan has written for Tailgater Magazine, Stadium Journey Magazine and is a frequent contributor to numerous other tailgating and traveling websites and publications.Dan is a graduate of Frostburg State University in Maryland where he was Captain of the Rugby Team. He earned his Master's in Business Administration at Oklahoma City University. Prior to entering the corporate world, Dan was a U.S. Army Officer obtaining the rank of First Lieutenant.
Grant, Operations
Grant grew up as an OU fan, graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2019 and spent three years in the Austin tech world before returning to Norman. He started with the company by overhauling the website, ticketing system, and customer notifications, creating a more efficient and user-friendly platform that has elevated the tailgating experience for both hosts and fans.
Now overseeing operations, Grant is focused on optimizing every aspect of the tailgate experience—from improving internal workflows to supporting hosts with the tools they need to succeed, all while ensuring fans enjoy seamless access to unforgettable game day events.
Luke, Social Media
Luke is the founder of Tailgating Challenge, the largest online tailgating brand with a quarter of a million followers. He is a subject matter expert on tailgating gear in having personally reviewed over 700 items and counting. He also is the creator of three national days: Tailgating Day, Homegating Day and Yard Games Day.
Luke has written and been featured in Tailgater magazine and is a world record holder for longest backward cornhole toss. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina (BS) and earned his MBA from Southern Wesleyan University.
Luke Lives by the motto: "Don't Hate, Just Tailgate"
Joe, Partner Store
Joe shares the same passion for college football and tailgating as his partner which has led him to many of hallowed stadiums across the country. For nearly 28 years Joe coordinated sports programs for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at a maximum-security facility outside of Philadelphia where his basketball and football programs garnered national recognition,
and in 2002 he was recognized by the American Basketball Association for his work. A former college football writer for Bleacher Report and member of the National Sportscasters & Sportswriters Association, he is currently a Special Correspondent for Stadium Journey Magazine.
Joe is a graduate of the State University of New York Institute of Technology (currently S.U.N.Y. Polytechnic Institute), where he majored in Business & Public Management while lettering in basketball and baseball.
Jim, Finance
Jim has been in the resort hospitality business as a financial controller for 28 years. His experience involves startup incentive companies, opening new waterpark resorts and full service resort properties. He has worked in 5 states and 3 countries.
Jim is also a graduate of Frostburg State University where he was a 3 sport athlete.
His passion for sports continued with his 3 boys who he coached in football, baseball and basketball spanning 15 years.
Ryan, Business Developement
Ryan has been a passionate sports fan his whole life, having played organized sports since he was kid growing up on military bases around the world. After an injury sidelined his sports career as a youth, Ryan turned to the next best thing and began officiating intramural sports while attending the University of Texas at Austin. His officiating career includes high school basketball,
international soccer and national collegiate flag football; where he was honored as an All American in 1999.
Ryan co-founded the Horn-Ball Texas Tailgaters in 1998 and opened his tailgate to the public in 2001. Voted one of the best tailgates in the nation, it’s been featured on multiple television shows, as well as dozens of print and online publications. As a destination tailgate who hosts nearly 12,000 people annually, Ryan knows what it takes to elevate the tailgating experience beyond the normal parking lot party.
