When you do it right, tailgating can just about outdo the game -- at least, that’s what Grand Prairie is banking on with a new Tailgate Competition on July 30.
Families are invited to tailgate at Loyd Park and try to hit it out of the park with food, fun and even camping.
Of course, you don't have to be a family to organize a tailgating team. Teams registered so far range in size from families of four to a fire department bringing out up to 20 members. The competition will award three prizes: Biggest Rangers Fans, Best Tailgate Food and Best Overall Tailgate. Prizes include a family pack of Rangers tickets and a free cabin stay at Loyd Park.
The competition is timed to coincide with the Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles game at Globe Life Park in Arlington, just about 12 miles away, at 2:05 p.m. on July 30. The idea is for tailgaters to stay in Grand Prairie and watch the game from afar, on televisions inside Loyd Park Lodge. (The serious go-getters will likely also have their own TV screens set up at tailgates.)
Situated on the shore of Joe Pool Lake, it's hard to picture a nicer tailgating locale. After all, it's not every day you get to support the Rangers just a few steps from a beach.
Tailgaters will be judged by a team of five people from the park staff. Some hints: Judges will be looking for red and blue Rangers gear and delicious tailgating food. For the grand prize, they're looking for “the tailgate that does it the biggest, the loudest and the proudest, and has a huge following and just has the biggest show,” says Chris Chastain, Grand Prairie’s recreation operation supervisor.
July 30 at 2 p.m. at Loyd Park. 3401 Ragland Rd., Grand Prairie, TX. Free to attend. $10 vehicle entry fee. $20 per team to enter competition. $20 includes admission to weekend campsite. visitgrandprairietx.com.
