A Culinary Battle Across the NFL
The Great American Tailgate challenge, a joint venture between USA TODAY and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, pitted the league’s most iconic game‑day foods against each other in a nationwide fan vote.
Four regional champions — Eastern Carolina pulled pork, Green Bay bratwurst, New York sausage and peppers, and Philadelphia cheesesteaks — advanced to the final round, each representing the culinary traditions of their respective cities.
Bratwurst Emerges Victorious
In a closely watched finale, the bratwurst from Green Bay edged out the cheesesteaks of Philadelphia, securing the title of America’s favorite tailgating dish after weeks of voting that highlighted deep‑rooted regional pride.
The win resonated especially with Packers supporters, for whom the sausage has become a symbol of Wisconsin’s game‑day identity, a tradition passed down through generations.
Celebrations and Prizes
Kelly Kreuger, a self‑identified Cheesehead, captured the $1,000 Pro Football Hall of Fame merchandise gift card, celebrating the victory with a haul of Packers‑themed gifts.
The triumph has now spilled into a five‑day festival in Canton, Ohio, where fans can watch live cooking demonstrations, sample regional specialties, and immerse themselves in the broader tailgate culture that the contest sought to showcase.
Beyond the Bratwurst
Tailgate spreads in Wisconsin often feature pasta salad, potato salad, beer dip, Wisconsin sushi, and elaborate cheese and sausage trays, while beverages range from local brews to classic Bloody Marys and Old Fashioneds.
The event underscores how food, fandom, and the Hall of Fame’s storied legacy intertwine, turning a simple culinary contest into a celebration of the league’s diverse heartland.