PHILADELPHIA, PA — Few cities blend food and football like Philadelphia, and this season, fans have another reason to brag. According to a new national survey by LiveSportsonTV, the Philadelphia Eagles’ iconic Philly cheesesteak has been named the No. 3 best tailgate food in the country — a testament to the city’s culinary and sporting pride.
The survey polled 3,045 football fans across the United States to determine which stadium dishes define the nation’s game-day experience. Georgia’s pulled pork BBQ claimed the top spot, followed by Chicago’s Italian beef sandwiches, leaving Philadelphia’s beloved cheesesteak to round out the top three.
In parking lots around Lincoln Financial Field, cheesesteak griddles are as much a fixture as jerseys and beer coolers. Thin-sliced steak, onions, and melted cheese sizzle as fans debate the eternal question — provolone or Cheez Whiz. No matter the preference, the sandwich remains synonymous with Philadelphia grit and flavor.
Two other Pennsylvania teams also made the national list. At No. 56, Pittsburgh Steelers fans earned recognition for kielbasa served alongside buttery pierogi — a hearty, heritage-driven combination that captures the city’s Eastern European roots. Meanwhile, Penn State’s Nittany Lions took the No. 63 spot with their sweet local staple, grilled stickies, a caramelized pastry often served warm from the griddle on crisp autumn Saturdays in State College.
Beyond regional pride, the survey highlighted what truly fuels America’s tailgates. Nearly half of respondents (44%) said food is the most important part of game day, far outweighing the fanbase, music, or even the matchup itself. Burgers and hot dogs remain the nation’s top go-to tailgate staples, followed by chicken wings, BBQ ribs, and brats.
Still, the report found that enthusiasm for certain fan favorites may be cooling — 27% of respondents called chicken wings “overrated,” placing them ahead of chili, hot dogs, and desserts on that list.
“You can learn a lot about a fanbase by what’s sizzling on the grill,” said Emil Sturesson of LiveSportsonTV.com. “These dishes aren’t just about food; they’re a reflection of regional pride, and in many cases, they’ve been passed down just like team loyalty.”
Whether it’s smoky kielbasa in Pittsburgh or a sizzling cheesesteak in South Philly, one thing remains clear — Pennsylvania’s football fans bring as much passion to their plates as they do to the stands.
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