The Ultimate Vacation

As you know, federal law stipulates that each summer every American family must drive at least 14 hours in a minivan with no air conditioning to visit Mount Rushmore, just so children can estimate how many canoes they could stuff up Teddy Roosevelt’s nostrils. Fortunately as boaters, this law doesn’t apply to us. Why? Because owning a pontoon or deck boat tops any family vacation, including a trip to Rushmore. It really is the best way to spend our hard-earned time away from work.

As we head into August, it’s natural for boaters to be concerned that the season is quickly coming to an end. The kids are heading back to school, and all your planned summer trips have somehow come and gone. While August and September can be two of the greatest boating months of the year, we all know that Old Man Winter is lurking on the horizon. But there is one thing that can make me actually look forward to the end of summer, and that’s football season!

For me, the ultimate vacation doesn’t include mouse ears or a passport. If I can combine boating with a sporting event, now you’re talking! Don’t give up on your boating season just quite yet. This time of year, the NFL and NCAA have a lot to offer, especially those with stadiums near water.

If you think tailgating before a big college or pro game is a lot of fun, have you considered boatgating? Boatgating, the combination of two American pastimes—boating and tailgating—is still one of the most unique ways to enjoy game day at stadiums across the country.

There are actually quite a few waterside stadiums that offer a unique twist on America’s tailgating tradition. It’s a way for boaters and sports fans to experience the tradition of tailgating with an extra element of fun. Game day starts and ends with a relaxing cruise on the water, which is much more enjoyable than sitting in post-game traffic. For those pontoon or deck boat owners who happen to have a grill onboard, boatgating becomes even more convenient. Forget about lugging your grill, chairs, or other cooking gear; it’s already onboard!

For college football fans, it’s hard to beat Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Even if you’re not a fan of the University of Tennessee, the Vol Navy is worth experiencing. On the banks of the Tennessee River, Volunteer Landing is a three-mile riverwalk in downtown Knoxville that includes a visitor center, a full-service marina, and restaurants. For home football games, expect plenty of boats tied up and grills fired up amidst a sea of orange and white.

As for NFL fans, Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., where the Steelers play, is a great option. The stadium is situated on the banks of the city’s famed three rivers—Monongahela, Ohio, and Allegheny. Here you can avoid car traffic and arrive by boat and join a dedicated fan base on the water, including many who arrive days in advance to secure prime spots on the wharf.

However, as a Bears fan, my first choice would be boatgating outside of Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. A Soldier Field tailgate takes on new meaning when you discover one of the best-kept secrets in Chicago—traveling to the game by boat. Located just east of Soldier Field, Burnham Harbor has 1,120 slips in a protected cove on Lake Michigan.

These are just three of my favorites, with plenty of other great boat-friendly stadiums out there. Get out this fall and celebrate the end of summer by boatgating with some of the greatest football fans on the planet. Just be sure to do it responsibly so it remains fun for everyone.

Brady L. Kay,
Pontoon & Deck Boat Editor