SplendidTailgate - About Us

About Us

Well now, it should hardly shock a soul that we adore college football and a good ol’ party. And when you stir those two together? Why, you get tailgate parties — the very height of civilized fun.

And honestly, what on earth could top that? Not a thing

Except, perhaps, a darling little curated site devoted to tailgating itself, instead of every last trinket on God’s green earth with your college logo slapped on it.

Which brings us to this lovely corner of the world.

If you’re in search of a Bulldog wireless keyboard, I’m afraid we must gently point you elsewhere. A Leather Concho Secretary Wallet? Well, these fine folks down the road are sure to help.

But if you’re searchin’ for well-made, charming, and downright useful goodies for your party (tailgate or otherwise), your home, or a gift that’ll make someone squeal with delight, then you have absolutely landed in the right spot.

We may be Georgia Bulldog fans through and through, but we’re spreading our wings and adding more teams soon — and we would love to hear from y’all if you want to see your team join the party.

Shelley Ritchie

Bulldog Since 1983

I may have wandered far and wide, but my heart’s been painted red and black ever since I first set foot in Albany, Georgia back in 7th grade. Something about those magnolia trees, pecan groves, warm summer nights, and ham biscuits wrapped themselves around me and never let go.

That’s where I fell head over heels for the University of Georgia and the Bulldogs — a love story written in sweet tea, the Dawg walk, and the roar of Sanford Stadium. Between the game-day spirit, and the joy of a good tailgate, I was hooked for life. I spent four years in Athens (plus and extra Fall Quarter that didn’t make my Daddy very happy!) There’s just something about a Saturday in Athens — the music, the laughter, the sea of red — that’ll steal a girl’s heart faster than you can say “Go Dawgs!”

Life eventually carried me up north, where the winters are colder and the accents a little sharper, but y’all better believe I brought my Southern spirit right along with me. These days, I’m known for throwing UGA football parties that feel like a slice of home — slow-cooked BBQ on the grill, my favorite pimiento cheese, red pepper jelly, sausage balls, and a whole lot of laughter and Bulldog pride.

Folks up here might not understand “y’all” or “fixin’ to” at first, but by the end of the game, they’re raising a glass right beside me, hollerin’ “How “Bout Them Bulldogs!” like they were born in Athens themselves. I’ve converted Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame fans to lifelong Georgia fans….and up here in Ohio, THAT’S something to cheer about! Once a Dawg, always a Dawg — no matter how far I roam.

Now that’s what brought me to start The Splendid Tailgate!

Paul Jacobs

Lifetime College Football Fan

My first memory of college football was watching a blindingly sunny Rose Bowl on a snowy, Midwestern, New Years Day in Cincinnati. I’m still a huge USC fan (3 letters which have never, and will never, stand for the University of South Carolina!).

My first experience with college football was a little strange in retrospect. My older brother took me with him to pick up his books at the University of Cincinnati. We were able to walk right into Nippert Stadium (fourth oldest acitve D-1 stadium) during the Penn State game without a ticket! Safe to say the Bearcats weren’t in the national title hunt that year!

Everything came into focus with the 1979 Sugar Bowl. That was the year Alabama beat Penn State with arguably the best goal-line-stand of all time. Check it out here; you’ll be glad you did. I relived that final hit every day with a poster of the play I got the following Christmas.

So when I met the world’s prettiest Bulldog – that’s us Between the Hedges- I knew I was the luckiest man in the world.

Finally, here was someone I could talk to about Frank Sinkwich and Billy Cannon and…. Well, here was someone I could talk to about Hershel Walker! Take your victories where you find them!

So I happily hopped on the Bulldog bandwagon! I went to Sanford Stadium…I rang the Bell…I met the Tree That Owns Itself. And the rest is history!

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