Now that football season is officially over, I've seen quite a few long faces and people moping around wondering what to do with their tailgating supplies. A lot of folks plan to put them in storage for the next 6 months. Don't do that! Just because football is over doesn't mean tailgating is over. Here's my list of the best reasons to tailgating throughout the year.

1. NASCAR – Daytona has the 500 and the Pepsi 400 and there will be thousands partying like it’s their last day on Earth. RVs, trucks, couches, and more fill the place up for more than a week of craziness.
2. CONCERTS – no matter what kind of music you like it will sound better on a full stomach. I’ve even seen video of people tailgating at the Opera. (No they were not doing keg stands and eating Beer Can Chicken though) Jimmy Buffet concerts are the ultimate tailgate party.
3. NBA / ARENA FOOTBALL – this can be tricky because venue rules may vary but it’s worth a shot. Arena Football starts on St. Patrick’s Day so you know that’ll be a fun party.
4. MLB – The Rays made it to the World Series last year, and they're only 2 hours from Gainesville. Why not make the short drive to get rid of that TWS (Tailgating Withdrawal Syndrome)?
5. NHL – the season is halfway over so get out there and grill some octopus or hot wings or something.
6. PBR – What could be better than eating half a steer before watching bulls throw cowboys in the air like ragdolls?
7. KIDS SPORTS – Soccer, Little League, Volleyball, whatever the chip off the old block is playing, game day is a perfect day to break out the grill and show off your tailgating skills for the other parents. It’s also cheaper than taking the team out for pizza. Just don't let the 12 year olds start doing keg stands because they may show you up. Also, that free night's hotel stay with the continental breakfast behind bars that you may get with a roomate named "Bones" won't be too fun either.
8. WEDDINGS – If it’s a Greek or Catholic wedding, you’re easily looking at 2 hours from the time the guest book girl takes your name until the first drink is served. Get there early, fire up the grill, break out some brews, and be glad this isn’t your own wedding. And if it is your wedding, the photographer is looking for you. (Make sure you break it down early so you’re not throwing the football when the couple’s grandparents arrive.) If you weren't invited, just say you're Aunt Liz's sons that own the Maple Syrup Conglomerate. You'll be in there like swimwear.
9. CHURCH – I might skip the booze for this occasion but seriously how many more people would show up for services on Sunday morning if the smell of bbq greeted them when they drove up? Just have the church BBQ every Sunday instead of once a year. If your church allows, you could even take part in the holy sacrament too?
10. WORK – some folks might get fired for it but I’m going to start celebrating casual Friday by getting up at the crack of dawn, arriving 3 hours early to get the best parking spot, firing up the grill, eating scrapple, and drinking Mimosas until the boss shows up and unlocks the door. Just don't ask the boss to hit the beer bong. That probably won't go over to well.....Unless you have a great boss, and then you may be offered a raise!