While stadium parking lots still draw devoted fans, more Americans are bringing the celebration home. According to a recent Talker Research survey conducted on behalf of Hormel Foods, 39% of respondents now prefer “homegates” over traditional tailgates, compared to just 24% who prefer gathering in the parking lot before the game. Comfort, flexibility and more food options are helping fuel the trend.
To better understand what’s driving today’s game-day get-togethers, we asked Retail Chef Amy Forbis to share tips for tailgating and homegating in 2026.
Homegating Has Entered the Mainstream
More Americans are choosing to homegate over attending a traditional tailgate, citing comfort, flexibility and the opportunity to enjoy a wider variety of foods. In fact, 62% of respondents said comfort is the biggest advantage of homegating, while others pointed to greater flexibility, more cooking options and more menu variety. For Chef Amy, those benefits also create more opportunities for hosts to get creative. From make-ahead dishes to customizable spreads, hosting at home can make it easier to build a menu that suits both the occasion and the guests. “Homegating includes all the comforts of home: every appliance at your fingertips, plenty of food, and an open invitation for friends and family to join in, it’s the perfect place to gather for the big game.”
Tailgating has always been about protein for me. Fire up the grill, bring a few snacks, and you’ve got the perfect food for a day away from home.
Amy Forbis, retail executive chef at Hormel Foods
The Get-Together Matters as Much as the Game
For many fans, game day is about more than what happens on the field. In fact, three in five Americans (61%) say the pregame gathering is even better than the game itself. Whether gathering in a living room or around a backyard grill, food often serves as the centerpiece that brings family and friends together. Chef Amy tries to avoid cooking while hosting so that she can stay present for her guests. “I instead cook before hosting,” she says. “Game day is meant to be spent with friends watching the game instead of working in the kitchen. I have everything prepped ahead of time, ready to heat up or pull straight from the fridge. Just add a serving spoon, and it’s ready to enjoy.”
Ready to Host?
Whether you’re tailgating in the parking lot or homegating from the comfort of your living room, these recipes can help make game day a little easier.
HORMEL® Chili 7 Layer Dip
EntertainingIngredients
| 8 | ounces cream cheese, softened |
| 1 | 15 oz. can HORMEL® Chili No Beans |
| ½ | cup HERDEZ® Salsa Casera |
| 1 | cup cheddar cheese, shredded |
| ¼ | cup green onions, chopped |
| ¼ | cup tomatoes, diced |
| ¼ | cup fresh cilantro, washed and chopped |
| 1 | bag tortilla chips |
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F.
Spread cream cheese in bottom of greased 9-inch pie plate.
Spoon HORMEL® Chili over cream cheese.
Spread HERDEZ® Salsa over HORMEL® Chili.
Top with shredded cheese.
Sprinkle green onions and jalapeños over shredded cheese.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Top with cilantro and fresh tomatoes.
Serve with sliced vegetables and tortilla chips.
JENNIE-O® Turkey & HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon Burgers
EntertainingIngredients
| 32 | ounces JENNIE-O® Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast |
| 8 | slices of HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Original Bacon |
| 4 | Kaiser buns |
| 4 | slices cheddar cheese |
| 4 | lettuce leaves |
| 4 | slices tomato |
| 4 | slices onion |
| salt and pepper |
Directions
Preheat grill or pan on medium heat.
Form 4 hamburger patties from JENNIE-O® ground turkey (about 8 oz. each) and season generously with salt and pepper.
Place HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Original Bacon slices on pan, without overlapping. Cook bacon for about 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, or until desired crispness.
Place patties on grill or hot pan for about 7 minutes per side and until fully cooked to 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Top patties with cheese slices during last minute of cooking.
Lightly toast rolls, add JENNIE-O® turkey burger and top with HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon, onion, tomato, lettuce and your choice of mayonnaise, mustard, and/or ketchup.
SPAM® Fries
EntertainingIngredients
| 1 | can SPAM® Classic |
| 2 | tablespoons high heat oil like peanut or avocado oil |
| ¼ | cup ketchup |
| 1 | tablespoon sriracha |
Directions
Mix ketchup and sriracha in a small bowl, add more sriracha if spicier is preferred, set aside.
Cut SPAM® Classic into thick ½ inch wide and can-length French fry cuts.
Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy pan to medium high heat.
Place the SPAM® fries in the hot oil, frying about 1 minute per side or until golden brown and crisp.
Pat with paper towels to absorb excess oil, and serve the warm “fries” with sriracha ketchup.
Air-Fryer Directions: Place fries into air fryer basket and cook at 360°F 12 to 15 minutes or until desired crispiness.
The 2026 survey shows that game-day traditions continue to evolve, but one thing remains the same: great food and great company are still at the center of the experience. Whether fans gather around a grill in the stadium parking lot or a television in the family room, today’s hosts are looking for convenience, variety and memorable moments that bring people together.