Dallas Cowboys Rank No. 1 in America for Best NFL Tailgating Experience
The NFL is full of top-tier tailgating experiences, but the Dallas Cowboys take the cake for the NFL’s best tailgating experience. There’s nothing better than arriving early to an American football game, grilling meats, and drinking beer before entering the stadium to cheer on your favorite team. Here’s why the Cowboys rank No. 1, along with the nine other teams that made the top ten list in VegasInsider’s new study.
Dallas Cowboys Rank No. 1 for Tailgating Experience
According to VegasInsider, the Dallas Cowboys rank among the top NFL teams in the nation for tailgating, earning a Tailgating Score of 76.54 out of 100 for their large fan gatherings, strong local enthusiasm, and accessible game-day setup around AT&T Stadium. The rank of 76.54 was the highest in the NFL category.
The tailgates outside of AT&T Stadium check off all the boxes. The average tailgating cost is $72.04, including beer ($5.43), BBQ fuel ($13.86), meat ($4.36), and parking ($48.39). There are 9,091 estimated parking spaces around the stadium, providing extensive access for fans. The positive fan sentiment is 65.56%, highlighting the passion and loyalty of Cowboys fans. The fan interest is an average of 3,140 monthly searches related to the team’s tailgating and game-day culture.
Dallas Cowboys’ Outlook
The Dallas Cowboys’ outlook is solid off the field, with a No. 1 ranking in this study. The Buffalo Bills (63.77), Denver Broncos (61.78), Kansas City Chiefs (60.54), and Atlanta Falcons (58.69) round out the top five. The New York Jets (58.66), Green Bay Packers (58.64), New York Giants (51.13), San Francisco 49ers (48.89), and New Orleans Saints (48.70) complete the top 10.
But what does the Cowboys’ outlook look like on the field? Dallas is 2-3-1 ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Washington Commanders at 3:25 p.m. Central. Dallas has a mixed record at home, so they must find a way to win and avoid a frustrating finish to beat Washington. Previously, Dallas dropped a 30-27 decision to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 12.
Final Thoughts
“AT&T Stadium is one of the most recognizable landmarks in American sports — and its tailgating scene reflects that same sense of scale and energy,” said a VegasInsider spokesperson. “Cowboys fans consistently bring one of the most spirited and organized pre-game atmospheres in the league.” The 2025 Tailgating Index evaluated NFL teams nationwide across three key pillars — affordability, fan passion, and accessibility — to uncover where NFL fans enjoy the ultimate tailgate.
