The ATL showed up on Friday and set up in the RV lot next to Carter-Finley Stadium. The ATL had some help show up from Eastern North Carolina as our friendly neighborhood State Farm Insurance agent Chris Canady (aka Sweets) blew into town with some compadres. The ATL was armed with eastern NC BBQ expertise this year. For those of you who do not know, cooking BBQ for competition is a completely different animal than cooking in your backyard with some friends. Last year, we found that out the hard way. This year however, the ATL knew what to expect. Even with our Insurance Agent slicing his hand on a knife before the cooking even began (Don’t worry…the irony wasn’t lost on us either) the ATL was able to cook our way out of the basement of the BBQ Bowl. Now that is not to say we finished in the Penthouse, but at least there are now some groups that have to look up at the ATL and Inside Tailgating when it comes to cooking real eastern NC style BBQ.

Once the cooking was over and the cacophony of chopping blocks faded the ATL moved over to the parking lot next to Carter-Finley and set up the MegaGate Challenge and the COBS Entry Tournament. The Cornhole Tournament may have had a slow start but it really got going as the better teams began taking shape. Three Teams really showed they were a head or so better than the rest…TD, 2 Man Wolfpack and Cardiac Pack. TD (Todel Demakes and Whitney Hughes) and 2 Man Wolfpack (Dan Merritt and Brad Tomlin) found themselves competing to come out of the Loser’s Bracket. The Cardiac Pack (Randy Joyner and Tripp Smith) had already run through the Winner’s Bracket and were waiting for a possible rematch with 2 Man Wolfpack. Well, that is exactly what they got. Clearly the two best teams in the Tournament played for the Championship and the bid into COBS. Cardiac Pack and 2 Man Wolfpack had to beat the rain to get the Championship round in but they were able to make it happen. Even if the second game was close, Cardiac Pack really showed they were the best team by going undefeated on Saturday. The ATl is looking forward to seeing them again in September in Greensboro!

While the Cornhole Tournament was taking place, the MegaGate Challenge was thrilling the masses. The MegaGate Challenge also had a little bit of a slow start, but once the fans noticed a few folks playing the hoards flowed in. This MegaGate Challenge had a special feel since the Wolfpack Club was sending the Top 12 Finishers to MegaGate in September to play on the Wolfpack Club’s Mega Bowl Team. When all the dust settled before the clouds opened up Rand Campbell from Cary, NC would have the high score and become the Captain of the Wolfpack Club’s Mega Bowl Team. Here is how the Top 12 finished:

1. Rand Campbell   32 pts
2. Tommy Kirkman  31 pts
3. Daniel Cockman   31 pts
4. Craig Hester   29 pts
5. Tiffany Taylor  28 pts
6. Andy Martin    27 pts
7. Donald Tingen  27 pts
8. Leslie Desmond  27 pts
9. Cole Headley   26 pts
10. Bryson Brown  26 pts
11. Franky Harris   26 pts
12. Bianca Trevino  26 pts

Those are the happy 12 folks that will be part of the spectacle that is MegaGate. The American Tailgating League cannot adequately express how appreciative we are to North Carolina State University’s Wolfpack Club. The Wolfpack Club has been an ardent supporter of the ATL and Inside Tailgating because the Wolfpack Club realizes the beauty and the importance of the Tailgating experience. The ATL hopes to pay back the Wolfpack Club by showing their representatives at MegaGate a special time. Hopefully, you will be there too!!

The ATL Crew made it to Atlanta the day of the opening round games for the ACC Tournament. What better place can the MegaGate Challenge be set-up to find the most Sports Fans? That’s right…STATS Atlanta is the correct choice. The ATL Crew set-up the Challenge for the weekend and let all the Basketball, and all the other Sports Fans, take their shots at winning $30,000. Unfortunately, one detail was similar about the weekend in Atlanta that has been similar everywhere else…no one can conquer the MegaGate Challenge! No worries though, our friends at STATS gave us huge coupons to give out to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers (The folks at STATS even gave us some random coupons to give out at our discretion…great call!!). When the smoke from the Challenge had cleared and the Tournament was winding to an exciting close, a young man named Erik Castillo from Miami had the High Score for the weekend and won $120 from STATS. BOOM…play some games…win some drinks!!

Well, as mentioned above Atlanta wasn’t the only scene for the ATL Crew’s Basketball Jones’. The Gate City of Greensboro welcomed the Crew and the MegaGate Challenge for the 2nd and 3rd Round games of the NCAA Tournament. That Friday saw the Crew located at position A outside the Greensboro Coliseum showing off the Challenge to all the Basketball Fans…letting them know that Tailgating, and the games that come along with it, is not just for Football Season.

That day and the fun had with our new friends from the lots of the Greensboro Coliseum would have sufficed normally, but The ATL Crew needed to find  a good ole’ fashioned Tailgate Party. Greensboro offered up The ATL’s new friends at Flip Flop’s Beach Bar and Grill. Flip Flop’s had an Oyster Roast, Cornhole Tournament and thanks to the traveling ATL Crew…the MegaGate Challenge! A great time was had by all and there may have actually been some money exchanging hands on some side-betting with the MegaGate Challenge. After the money had changed hands and a few libations had been consumed Chris Idol walked away the Champion of the day. The best was not saved for last as Chris was the first competitor and set a pace that no one else could keep up with.

The one thing that made the last few weeks like so many of the weeks prior was that the MegaGate Challenge is still looking for someone that can be its master. The elusive perfect score is still there…taunting the competitors like a farmer dangling a carrot in front of a mule. Make sure you catch the ATL Crew when they visit your town…someone is going to win that $30,000…might as well be you!

MegaGate will take place at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex and will feature individual and
team-based tailgating game competitions, social activities, sponsor booths, skill based
tailgating game challenges and companies showing off the hottest tailgating gear, along with plenty of food, drinks and music.

For participant convenience, both hotels are located close in proximity to the Greensboro
Coliseum Complex Center. Participants can book the discounted rooms by directly calling the Sheraton Convention Center and Park Lane Hotel.  There are a limited number of rooms in the block and the two hotels have different price points.  Call to make reservations today and be sure to provide the group code below for the rates.

Sheraton Convention Center
1800.242.6556 Ext.1 Group code: MegaGate ($110)
The Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons is the perfect blend of fine Southern
hospitality and high –tech meeting facilities. With 1000 finely appointed guestrooms they
are definitive answer to your meeting and leisure needs.

Park Lane Hotel
336.294.4565 Group code: MegaGate ($89)
Park Lane offers newly painted rooms, on site health club, wireless internet and just a
few blocks away from the Greensboro Coliseum complex.

Some of us love the social interaction, some of us love the fact that it’s a great way to compete in a small way while our athletically competitive years are beyond us, and let’s face it…some of us just like the fact that we can play while drinking. Tailgating games tend to give us the feeling that we are part of the experience in a tactile way. The players, drivers, musicians etc…are performing for Thousands and Tailgating games allow us to “perform” as well. Maybe in some small way these games are our way of being part of the show.

Perhaps most of us simply cannot just sit placidly and watch the events. Maybe we all have some need to be performers. Think about the amount of time and dollars spent on tickets, parking, setting up Tailgating Spot, preparing food, buying games etc… Most people aren’t willing to participate in such a committed way. Most folks would rather plop down on the couch when they have some time and watch their favorite events with varying levels of attentiveness. Those of us that love Tailgating have an intrinsic need to be a part of the action. Not just innocent bystanders, but active participants in the actual events.

How many of you have created games out of thin air? Been in your backyard as a kid or as an adult and found a way to compete with your friends? If we poll the folks that created Cornhole, Ladder Golf/MonkeyBall, My Pole-ish Horseshoes and asked them why they came up with their games in the first place do you think the original concept was to sell the games and to turn a profit, or was it to have fun competing with their friends and being a part of a community? Turning a profit is a great motive and the motive that drives this business like any other, but the question is what was the original thought? Odds are…profit was an afterthought.

Make sure you check it out. What a great way to show off your skills and find your way into COBS and MegaGate! If you have any questions feel free to contact us here at The American Tailgating League.

The Shed was rocking with DJ ID spinning on the ones and twos and The SEC Championship showing on the big screen. Oh…forgot to mention the big draw of the day…money Beer Pong Tournament. There were a good number of teams representing both schools as the Tournament was skewed to be a Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Beer Pong battle. Our friends with the WSOBP sent us the tables and balls. The Tournament was ready to begin.

The Hokie fans were in the majority most of the day and it was no different for the Beer Pong Tournament. However, there was one team representing Clemson that was not scared. Touch My Borey rolled through their bracket and was ready to face down the mass of Hokies. The Secret Agents from Hokieland slashed their way through their bracket to the finals. The crowd grew and turned up the volume with each toss. Eventually each team got down to one cup on the table a piece. Touch My Borey had two shots that disappeared inside their opponent’s cup that popped back out. Each time the crowd gave out a collective AHHHHHH! It really was great Beer Pong theatre.

Any time one team, in any sport/game, comes that close and cannot close the door… you can expect the opponent to capitalize. And that is just what happened! The Secret Agents busted through that “open door” and sank the final shot. Then came the beauty of the day…fans from both schools exchanged singing the fight songs. Perfect!

That’s it goes down at The Shed. A good time is always had by all, and you’re never quite sure what you’re going to see (Kind of like the female Hokie fan pulling up her shirt to distract Touch My Borey on each shot toward the end of the match). Come and see us…next game…here…at…The Shed!

Vic the “Chili Man” was the eventual winner. With that, he won a Tower Grill from our friends at Stok Grills, but that was just a small part of the story. All the participants did a great job of having their culinary delights ready for the masses. This time…the masses came in droves for some delectable Chili. There is simply nothing better than a day spent tasting great food with your closest friends. Washing it down with an ice cold beer and heading to the game. In every way, that’s what Tailgating is all about!

As always, the TG-4 Challenge was in effect. A few folks that could still function after their caloric intake, tried to take down the beast that is the TG-4 Challenge, but the Challenge still stands undefeated. This week all will be given a pass, but the TG-4 Challenge will be at The Shed again waiting to find the brave soul that has the focus and grit to move from game to game without letdown. The Challenge will continue to wait at The Shed and with the Inside Tailgating RV hoping that there is one Tailgating Savant out there with the moxie to win the money.

Once again, a great time was had by all who came out and enjoyed the live music, great food, cold beer and fun games that make The Shed Charlotte’s best Tailgating spot. A shout has to go out to the Make A Wish Foundation, Miller/Coors, Stok Grills, Mountain Khakis,  and Sir Purr for coming out and making an exciting Tailgating experience a special, special day. We will see you all again for the ACC Championship Game!!

The Championships of Bags (COBS) will award $15,000 in cash prizes.  The breakdown is over $7,000 in GUARANTEED cash prizes for Doubles and over $6,000 in GUARANTEED cash prizes for Singles as well as consolation brackets. The overall structure gives every player a MINIMUM of 10 games played at the event and allows players of all skill levels a chance to win money! The maximum participation for this event is 128 players, so DO NOT waste any time in signing up for you chance to share in the $15K prize pool – once the spots are taken it is full.

MegaBowl II is a team based event with another $15,000 up for grabs.  The event features six (6) tailgating tournaments: Cornhole, BT2 (Bag Toss 2), Monkeyball, My Pole-ish Horseshoes, Pubwashers and Beco Ball.  Two tournaments will run simultaneously so each team must have a minimum of 4 players and a maximum of 12 players per team.  MegaBowl II is LIMITED TO 32 TEAMS.  Each time a team wins, it accumulates cash and points for the overall title.  See the Event Details for more information.   If you would like for us to match you with different teammates that may specialize in other games let us know.  We will be running an active match making service for those that want to be a part of this event but don’t have enough people to build a team.  In addition, sponsors are interested in being involved with top teams.  If you have a sponsor in mind or want to be sponsored on some level, contact us for more information.

As for the Fans, there will be plenty of action…watch the tournaments and participate in open play of our tailgating games and challenges.  In addition to the six games being played competitively, we will have a section for on the spot beer pong and flip cup games and tournaments.  Don’t miss out on seeing the hottest tailgating items for 2012 and register for special giveaways.  One day ($10) and two day passes ($15) will be available for purchase in advance.

O.K. Tailgating Gamers and Fans, we have given you your notice. Greensboro Coliseum Complex is the place, and Labor Day Weekend 2012 is the time. MegaGate 2012 is happening…Visit PlayMegaGate and PlayCOBS for more details and register for the tournaments today!

Hotel Partners and will be announced soon…

Two free entries to the $15,000 Championships of Bags tournament were up for grabs this past Saturday at the Third Annual Angels from Amber Cornhole Fundraiser in Cleveland, OH.

We had 12 social teams and 10 competitive teams come out for the event.  When it was all said and done, Adam Hissner and Khader Rhamouni won the Competitive Blind Draw tournament and the two bids ($250 value) to COBS!

Here are the rest of the results:

Blind Draw Doubles:

1st Place and winners of the free COBS entries – Adam Hissner and Khader Ramouni

2nd Place – Jim Stanley and Mike Pfaff

3rd Place – Jim Singer and Jim Park

4th – Mark Blanton and Chuck Keller
t-5th – Chuck Colemand and Travis Mott
t-5th – Brandon Corwin and Cliff King
t-7th – Brett Lyons and Ron Olson
t-7th – Bob Dalton and Wayne Colonna
t-9th – Kurt Mott and Dan Wolf
t-9th – George Davis Jr. and Brian Anderson

Competitive Doubles:

1st Place – George Davis Jr and Adam Hissner

2nd Place – Brandon Corwin and Jim Park

3rd – “Tree Love” – Mark Blanton and Chuck Coleman
4th – “Bob and Dan” – Bob Dalton and Dan Wolf
5th – “Cobra Kai” – Brett Lyons and Mike Pfaff
6th – “Pokey and the Dub” – Wayne Colonna and Jim Singer
t-7th – “Mopar Boys” – Khader Ramouni and Cliff King
t-7th – “Sho Time” – Chuck Keller and Jim Stanley
t-9th – “Big Dogs” – Brian Anderson and Ron Olson
t-9th – “Hot Motts” – Kurt Mott and Travis Mott

Social Doubles:

1st – “Hot Motts” - Travis and Kurt Mott

2nd – “K of C” – Joe Kepic and Jeff (not pictured)

3rd – “ABF” – JJ Terron and Dave Miller

4th – “Healthy Living” – Ron Weiss and Stacy
t-5th – “Berardi Bashers” – Mark Hamski and Rob Mcateer
t-5th – “Joe and Sean” – Joe Berardi and Sean Hayes
t-7th – “Corn Flakes” – Stan Maciaszek and John Hamski
t-7th – “Grey Hairs” – Rich Weiser and Bob Mcateer
t-9th – “Team Ashlee” – Mike and Jack
t-9th – “Cleveland Strong” – Ron and Joe Cleveland
t-9th – “Down2EarthSports.com” – Dale and William Weiser
t-9th – “Muppets” – Jim and Nick Dugan

http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_8863f168-eb1e-11e0-92a0-001cc4c03286.html

As for the rest of you…make sure you come out and see if you can handle the TG-4 Challenge! The ATL is always hearing how people are ready to win the money and beat the TG-4 Challenge. Well, we are still waiting to see the Champion of Champions step up and take home $10,000.

This will be a big week for the TG-4 Challenge. The ATL crew will be at The Shed for the Panthers’ game against the Vikings. Can’t wait to see Camelot, and his new Knights of the RoundTable, take on the struggling Vikings. Hopefully the rest of you can make it to Charlotte and see who takes home the Free Grill from our friends at Stok Grills.

Remember…it only takes a minute to play and someone…one day…will walk away with the money. Why shouldn’t that someone be you??

Inside Tailgating has moved into some suhweet new digs. We have moved into The Shed. The Shed is Charlotte’s newest, biggest and best spot to Tailgate. The Shed just had its first weekend of fun and frivolity for the South Carolina vs. ECU game. Let’s just say that a good time was had by all. Apparently what happens at The Shed, stays at The Shed!

The Shed and Inside Tailgating partnerned with Miller Lite, Make A Wish Foundation, Living Social, food by The Penguin and Italian Pie and Mountain Khakis to put on this fiesta. Both Gamecock fans and Pirate fans made their way to The Shed and the Party was on. Now, we are not sure we should divulge this kind of information, but some massive Flip Cup games exploded out on The Shed’s deck.

Once again, we had our famous TG-4 Challenge on display. This time though, Stok Grills gave away a grill to the winner! Angela Laster came out the winner! She was able to squeak by with a score that topped her nearest competitors by just one point! Just one more bag, one more ring in MonkeyBall from David Marshall or Phillip Ferralli. That is all it would have taken to take the Queen from her throne, but it did not happen. Congratulations Angela!

Inside Tailgating and The Shed will be throwing these massive Tailgate functions all season long for every Carolina Panther home game and the remaining two college games held at Bank of America Stadium here in Charlotte. What’s that? You want more viewing and party time at The Shed? Let us know and we will customize The Shed to meet your needs all for a nominal fee of course (wink wink). Do not worry though, Inside Tailgating and the ATL will take our act on the road again this season. You will get your chance to see us out there on the open road.

Until next time you can find us here at The Shed! And as always remember…Tailgate Forever!

Don’t forget to follow us on our social media pages! Inside Tailgating Fan Page | Inside Tailgating Twitter Page | The Shed Fan Page

Andy Frushour is the man behind the scenes with Monkeyball.  He and a few cohorts put together a funny and creative video series breaking down the brackets for the World Championships. After watching their videos on Monkeyball TV, it struck Inside Tailgating that we needed a video answer so-to-speak.

Video done, it was time to head to the great state of Michigan. Staying at the MGM in Detroit seemed like a great idea at the time. Now with hindsight being 20/20 it’s easy to see that maybe gambling all night may not have been a good idea after all, but hey, how many people get to hang out in downtown Detroit right? Chuckles and under-your-breath disses you may insert here.

Well, the next morning came in a hurry. Off we were to the Lansing, MI area. I’m not saying it’s out in the middle of nowhere, but when you pass a billboard asking if you have too many bats in your home maybe you live out there.  Not kidding about the Bat Busters billboard by the way. Anyway, we make it just in time for the festivities. I will save you the story of our jaunt into the picturesque town of Diamondale. The only thing we noticed about the people in Michigan is that no one seems to know where anything out of their immediate area is. If an event is not happening right next to someone they have no idea what you are talking about. By the way, less than a mile away does not count as right next to you in Michigan.

Ok, once we arrived we were greeted with smiles and hospitality, and the fact that the tournament was starting. Warm-up time…who needs that? The Monkeyball guys were very smart in the set-up of the brackets. They had a separate bracket for their top 12 seeds. That way, those seeds did not run rough-shot through the other brackets. Allowing players like me to really enjoy playing through the brackets. One of Inside Tailgating’s players actually made it through his bracket and into the afternoon play. Rather shocking actually, but if you witnessed the training video, it would all make sense. Once into the afternoon session Inside Tailgating was quickly dispatched and took on the role of Monkeyball fan.

I could go on and on about how Andy Frushour finally was able to get the monkey off his back and the Commish won his own event. However, I will let them tell their own story. Once again though, we owe the fine folks at Monkeyball a sincere expression of our gratitude for allowing us to take part in their celebration of the Tailgating Lifestyle. It gave a renewed vigor for our search into the world of the Tailgating Lifestyle. Tailgate Forever!!