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2008 Weber Grills Study Shows Americans Overall Plan to Tailgate Less This Season

When specifically surveying tailgaters -- defined as those who tailgated at least twice in the past year -- 27 percent cite the "rising cost of fuel" as the number one reason why they intend to host fewer tailgates in the coming year. The "rising cost of game or event ticket prices" is number two at 18 percent, and 17 percent of these respondents report they "aren't planning on having season tickets" this year. "Rising cost of food" came in as the fourth top reason at 14 percent.

On the Plus Side

However, overall tailgating news is positive for grill manufacturers and sports fans with game tickets. The Study went on to find that grilling has become significantly more popular among tailgaters with 68 percent now "always grilling" at their parties compared to 57 percent in 2005. In addition, 90 percent consider grilling to be an important part of the tailgate -- with 57 percent of those responding that it's "extremely important." This increased popularity may have translated to the retail sales floor -- 64 percent of this year's Study respondents bought their grill specifically for tailgating, which is up dramatically from 46 percent in 2005.

The 2008 Weber Tailgating Study also found that 21 percent of tailgaters plan on hosting more tailgates in the next year compared to 14 percent of tailgaters who plan on hosting fewer. Among those planning to host more, their top four reasons are: preferring "tailgating food over stadium restaurant / concession food" (24 percent); going to "more sporting events" (23 percent); being "more interested in tailgating" (16 percent); and responding that "tailgate food costs less than stadium restaurant / concession food" (15 percent).

Types of Grills and Accessories

Charcoal still rules at the tailgate. Sixty-two percent of Study respondents say they use a charcoal grill at their tailgate compared to 45 percent who use gas. Nine percent use a smoker, and six percent use an electric grill. While 70 percent use small portable models, a surprising 30 percent use full-size models.

The top four grilling accessories tailgaters use are tongs (91 percent), a spatula (80 percent), a grill brush (70 percent), and a mitt (63 percent).

Emerging Trends in Tailgating Foods, Styles

The top four favorite foods to grill during a tailgate is no surprise with the hamburger at number one (57 percent) followed by brats or sausages (42 percent), chicken (39 percent), and steak (39 percent). However, there are emerging food trends in the parking lot -- many pointing to the desire for a healthier lifestyle. Forty-four percent of Study respondents say that they are grilling more veggies; 36 percent are grilling leaner meats; 31 percent say they are grilling more poultry; and 20 percent say they're grilling more fish.

Tailgate grilling styles are also changing. Forty-one percent say their tailgating style now includes grilling sides or entire meals on the grill versus only the main course, and 36 percent say they are "getting more adventurous" in what they're grilling in the parking lot.

Get Your Drink On

According to the 2008 Weber Tailgating Study, beer continues to be the number one drink at tailgates (68 percent). Beer is most mentioned as the drink of choice among young tailgaters under 35, tailgaters 36 to 55, charcoal grillers, gas grillers, and men and women. Soda (52 percent), water (42 percent), iced tea (31 percent), and wine (22 percent) follow.

Money Spent on Food and Beverages

On average, people are spending about one-third less on food and beverages at each tailgate this year ($109) than the year before ($165). People who "always grill" at tailgates are spending more ($117) than those who "sometimes grill" ($96); those who "never grill" but attend tailgates spend an average of $52. Those with higher household incomes spend more on average for a tailgate: Those earning $150,000 or more spend $149 compared to $102 among those earning less than $52,000.

Study Methodology

The Weber Tailgating Study, the nation's most comprehensive and objective study on tailgating, was conducted by a third-party research group to ensure statistical integrity. The Study was conducted in two research phases. In phase one, 1,000 US adults nationwide over the age of 18 were surveyed to determine how many Americans overall planned to participate in tailgating in the coming year. This sample is representative of the general population based on household data from the US Census Bureau and is comprised of 50 percent males and 50 percent females.

For phase two, a total of 1,002 Americans who tailgate completed the full-length Study using a national demographically representative online panel. All respondents were over age 18 and participated in a minimum of two tailgates within the last 12 months.

About Weber-Stephen Products Co.

Weber-Stephen Products Co., headquartered inPalatine, Ill., is the world's leading manufacturer of charcoal and gas grills, grilling accessories and other outdoor room products. In 1952, founder George Stephen sparked a backyard revolution with his invention of the Weber(R) kettle. More than 50 years later, the family-owned company remains the industry leader with its Weber(R), Weber(R) Q(TM), and Ducane(R) brands. As a leading exporter of grills, Weber brand products are sold worldwide at select home centers, hardware stores, department stores, patio stores, and other retail outlets. Weber has the strongest consumer outreach program in the industry with its Weber Grill-Line(SM) (1-800-GRILL-OUT(R))* and a content-rich website with grilling tips, techniques, and original Weber recipes at http://www.weber.com(R).

*The Weber Grill-Line and Weber Customer Service are closed on Christmas.

SOURCE Weber Grills