Every city claims its fans go the craziest for tailgate parties. But this is 2025, and we now use data to quantify these things. 

So, we took a whole game day spread worth of stats and analyzed them to find the ultimate tailgate town. From the number of home games to average weather to the price of tailgate snacks, we tallied them all up and used them to find out which cities can truly claim the title of tailgate titans.

The Best (and Worst) Cities for Tailgating

Here we go: the best and worst cities for tailgating. Use this information responsibly.

• Tempe, AZ; Los Angeles, CA; and College Station, TX are the best cities for tailgating, while Pullman, WA; Morgantown, WV; and Evanston, IL are the worst.
• Pittsburgh, PA ($798.17); Buffalo, NY ($746.92); and Detroit, MI ($717.50) are the cities where it is most expensive to tailgate.
• Los Angeles, CA; Indianapolis, IN; and Phoenix, AZ are the best cities for tailgating for the NFL. Boston, MA; Las Vegas, NV; and Buffalo, NY are the worst cities. 
• The AFC is better for tailgating than the NFC, with the AFC earning an average score of 68.64 while teams in the NFC had an average score of 65.96.
• Tempe, AZ; Los Angeles, CA; and College Station, TX are the best cities for college tailgating. Meanwhile, Pullman, WA, Morgantown, WV, and Evanston, IL are the worst.
• The SEC is the best conference for tailgating, with an average score of 69.91. The ACC is the worst conference for tailgating, with an average score of 65.46.

The Best and Worst, by the Numbers

Of course, everyone has a different idea of what makes a great tailgate. So we broke down the numbers a little more to show you the best and worst tailgating cities depending on what you’re looking for:

If you’re looking to tailgate on a budget, Arizona is a great place to be, with Tucson and Tempe snagging the number one and two spots on our least expensive tailgating cities list. Two tickets, parking, and food will cost you under $170 in both cities.

On the other hand, major cities with NFL teams tend to be much more expensive places to tailgate. Number one, Pittsburgh, had an eye-watering average cost of $798.17 per tailgate, and 8 out of the top 10 most expensive tailgating cities have NFL teams. The exceptions? The legendary Dawg tailgates of Athens, GA, are pricey affairs, as are the Ducks’ tailgates in Eugene, OR.

While sports fans in Buffalo or Chicago may consider a snowstorm perfectly fine tailgating weather, those who want a little sunshine should head somewhere on our next list. We prioritized cities with sunny weather and relatively low rainfall, so it’s no big surprise to see that the top two cities are in California. Southwestern cities like Lubbock, Tempe, Phoenix, and Vegas are also well-represented. 

Scheduling is also a factor: A city with lots of home games on weekends will probably have more tailgates. That honor belongs to the Cleveland Browns in the NFL this season, with 9. 

The Best Cities for NFL Tailgating

What about the best cities for NFL tailgating specifically? Here’s what we found:

With not one but two NFL teams and famously great weather, Los Angeles takes top honors for NFL tailgating in our analysis. Colts fans, meanwhile, can be proud that their tailgates put Indy on the map at number two. Phoenix fans gladly brave the heat to tailgate for the Cardinals, landing them at number three.

As for the worst cities, Boston lands at number one. The chilly Northeastern weather is the main culprit here, along with relatively scant parking and (sorry) the Pats’ 2024 record. In fact, many of the worst tailgating cities are in chillier climates, including Buffalo, Detroit, Green Bay, and Seattle. 

In our team-by-team breakdown, AFC teams tended to do slightly better than NFC teams. Our metrics put the LA Chargers on top, with the Pats at the bottom once again. Over in the NFC, the LA Rams took top tailgate honors, with the Atlanta Falcons in the basement. 

The Best Cities for College Tailgating

How about college football tailgating? Let’s look at how the teams, cities, and conferences stack up.

As anyone who follows college football probably could have guessed, the SEC reigns supreme in the tailgate scene, with an average score of 69.91. SEC schools are widely known for taking tailgating and fandom to the next level. The numbers bear that out at schools like Texas A&M, which was our top-scoring SEC tailgate school, in addition to scoring top honors for its hometown of College Station, TX. 

The ACC, by contrast, sits at the bottom. (Remember, we’re talking football, not basketball.) Here, we’ve found something that Duke and UNC fans can agree on: lackluster tailgate opportunities, with Chapel Hill landing at fourth-worst and Durham at seventh-worst on our list. Maybe there’s something in the water in North Carolina, because Raleigh (home of NC State) landed at number 10 on that same list.

Weather continues to count for a lot, with Tempe, AZ capturing the number one spot and Los Angeles behind it at number two. Again, it’s simply a lot more fun to have a tailgate in the sunshine than in the rain. No doubt residents of rainy Pullman, WA—home of the Washington State Cougars and number one on our list of worst tailgate cities—would agree.

Conclusion

We hope we haven’t started any fights with this data, although we fully expect a little bit of friendly smack talk. But what we hope most of all is that, as football season comes roaring back, every fan heading to a tailgate will make the smart choice not to drink and drive. We’re committed to helping drivers get back on the road safely after a DUI with our Ignition Interlock Devices, but we’re working toward a world where everyone can enjoy food, fun, and adult beverages at their tailgate then get back safely with a rideshare, public transit, or a sober driver.

Methodology

To determine which cities were best for tailgating, we calculated the number of NFL and Power 5 teams in each city and then gathered data on each team’s average ticket price, average parking pass price, 2024 record, stadium capacity, and the number of weekend home games each team has in 2025. For each city, we also collected the average high temperature, low temperature, and days with rain from September through December; the number of drinking establishments in the city, and the average food and beverage prices for relevant tailgating items. 

For many people, one of the worst parts of getting a DUI is getting your driver’s license suspended or revoked. In our car-centered society, losing your driving privileges can be a major hurdle for your ability to get to work, maintain relationships, and live your life in general.

Fortunately, drivers who get a DUI in Arizona may be able to regain some of their driving privileges by applying for a special type of license called a SIIRDL. Let’s look at the fundamentals of how a SIIRDL works and how Arizona drivers can apply for one after getting a DUI.

What is a SIIRDL?

A Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL) is a specific type of restricted driver’s license issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicles Division (MVD). A SIIRDL allows a driver to maintain some driving privileges after getting a DUI-related license suspension, as long as they install an Ignition Interlock Device and comply with other conditions of the program.

Normally, the Arizona MVD will suspend or revoke your driver’s license after you fail or refuse a test for the presence of alcohol if an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that you were driving in an intoxicated state, as a condition of release from jail, or if you get convicted of a DUI. That means no driving at all — not even to work, to court, or to the grocery store. Getting a SIIRDL makes life much easier by allowing you to stay on the road, but it also requires following all of the applicable rules to the letter.

Who is Eligible for a SIIRDL?

Not all Arizona drivers who have a suspended license are eligible for a SIIRDL. To know for sure if you’re eligible, you’ll need to talk to your attorney or your monitoring authority. Contacting the Arizona MVD is generally the fastest way to find out if you qualify.

In the meantime, you can use this list of requirements issued by the Arizona MVD to get an idea of whether you might be eligible for this type of restricted license in AZ. Generally, it’s likely that you’re eligible if you have:

• No other outstanding withdrawal actions (such as suspensions or revocations) on your driving record 
• Installed an Ignition Interlock Device on your vehicle, and sent proof of installation to the DMV with your SIIRDL application
• Completed any mandatory alcohol or drug assessments and/or classes and submitted proof of completion to the MVD along with your SIIRDL application
• Submitted proof of financial responsibility (such as an SR-22 insurance form) to the MVD along with your SIIRDL application
• Paid all applicable fines and fees
• Contacted the MVD to verify your eligibility, or been sent an eligibility notice

Do I Have to Get a SIIRDL?

A SIIRDL is always voluntary and not required by law. You can choose to serve out your driver’s license suspension without driving. However, under Arizona law, if the MVD or a court has told you that you must install an Interlock Device, the MVD will not restore your driving privileges until you prove that you have installed the device and kept it installed for the required period.

When Can You Apply for a SIIRDL?

According to the Arizona Legislature website, most drivers can apply for a SIIRDL as soon as their license suspension period begins. Formerly, the law required some drivers to complete a waiting period, but these requirements have been waived in most cases as of January 2023.

However, you must have completed all SIIRDL requirements before applying. For example, any required alcohol or drug assessments must be completed, any vehicles you drive must already have IIDs installed, and all fines must be paid in full. You’ll need to submit proof that you’ve completed these conditions when you apply for your SIIRDL.

Finally, note that by applying for a SIIRDL, you may be waiving some legal rights, such as the right to a hearing contesting administrative suspension of your license. It’s important to talk to your attorney before applying so you understand which rights you may be giving up. 

How to Apply for a Restricted License in AZ

Ready to apply for your SIIRDL? This is general information about the basic steps you’ll be required to follow.

Step 1: Install an Ignition Interlock Device

First, you’ll have to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on any vehicles you drive. These devices, which you might also hear called “car breathalyzers,” are designed to prevent intoxicated driving. Before you start looking, it’s a good idea to take a minute to learn more about how IIDs work.

The basic concept works like this: An IID connects to your vehicle’s ignition system and requires the driver to blow a breath sample into the device to start the vehicle. If the device detects alcohol above a set point, the vehicle won’t start, and you may receive a violation, which we’ll discuss later. The driver is responsible for paying the cost of the IID, although financial assistance may be available for some drivers.

You’ll need to have your IID installed by an Interlock Device provider certified by the State of Arizona. Smart Start is an approved Arizona Ignition Interlock provider, and we have dozens of service centers across the Grand Canyon State, with same-day service often available. Our Program Advisors will help you understand your IID requirements and schedule an installation appointment for you.

Step 2: Obtain SR-22 Insurance

In many cases, you’ll also need to obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate from an insurance provider. This verifies that you’re carrying the required amount of liability insurance. 

Step 3: Complete Required Assessments and Classes

Depending on the conditions of your DUI program, you might be required to complete alcohol or drug assessments and/or classes. As with your Interlock Device, you’ll need to choose class providers certified by the State of Arizona. 

Step 4: Submit Application to MVD

Log into your Arizona MVD account or contact the MVD to verify that you’re eligible for a SIIRDL. Follow the instructions on the site to submit your application packet. Make sure to include all required documents in the requested formats, and pay any applicable fees.

What Are the Driving Restrictions with a SIIRDL?

In many cases, drivers with a SIIRDL may drive anywhere, at any time, and for any purpose, so long as they comply with other conditions such as keeping an IID installed. However, your monitoring authority may impose other conditions, such as only driving to certain locations, during certain hours, or without passengers. To be sure you stay compliant, check with your monitoring authority to make sure you don’t have any additional restrictions.

Device Monitoring and Calibration

Any driver with an IID (including drivers with a SIIRDL) must comply with the Arizona MVD’s device monitoring requirements.

However, your IID also needs to be calibrated on a regular schedule to keep it in good working order and providing accurate readings. Arizona state law requires that you have the IID calibrated at least once every 90 days, and that your IID service center submits proof of calibration to state authorities.

How Long is the SIIRDL Valid?

Per the Arizona MVD, a SIIRDL expires on the same date that your license suspension or revocation ends. If your suspension is over and your SIIRDL has expired, you may not drive until your license is reinstated. See the section on reinstatement below to learn about how to get your Arizona driver’s license reinstated.

What Happens If You Violate SIIRDL Terms?

The State of Arizona imposes penalties for drivers who violate the terms of their SIIRDL. Before you start using your Ignition Interlock, it’s important to know what’s considered a violation, as well as the consequences you could face.

Common Violations

According to the Arizona MVD, common violations usually include (but may not be limited to):

• Attempting to tamper with or circumvent your IID
• Removing your IID without permission from the MVD
• Blowing a breath sample over the set point
• Failing to complete multiple rolling retests in a row
• Missing calibration appointments

Driving a vehicle without an IID installed is also generally a violation of SIIRDL rules. Other violations can depend on your program requirements, so be sure to check the rules provided by your monitoring authority in detail.

Consequences

If you receive too many violations, or you fail to have your device calibrated, your device may enter lockout mode. In lockout mode, you’ll be unable to start your vehicle and have to have it towed to a service center at your expense. In some states, Smart Start’s devices provide you with a warning and a grace period when your device is about to enter lockout mode, allowing you to get it to a service center and avoid towing. Read more about violations and lockouts.

Violations will also put you at risk of consequences such as having your SIIRDL revoked or having additional time added to your IID requirement. If you’ve recently gotten a violation, contact your monitoring authority to learn about your options and how to avoid future incidents.

How to Reinstate Your Regular License

Whether or not you’ve applied for a SIIRDL, your license suspension period will eventually come to an end. Before your suspension period ends, log into your Arizona MVD account and check your eligibility for reinstatement. You’ll see if there are any remaining conditions you need to complete. Remember, you still won’t be allowed to drive until your license is reinstated.

When you’re ready to apply for reinstatement, you’ll start by completing an investigation packet. Again, be sure to follow the directions carefully and to submit all required documentation. If your packet is approved, the MVD will mail you a notice stating that you’re eligible to apply for reinstatement. Follow the instructions on this notice to apply for full reinstatement.

If you’re struggling to figure out how to move past your DUI in Arizona, Smart Start is here to help. With our affordable IIDs and convenient service, we’ll have you back on the road quickly. If you’re planning to apply for a restricted license in AZ, call our Program Advisors now to find an Ignition Interlock in Arizona that fits your program requirements.

Most people know that driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road. But there’s something else dangerous that many drivers do every day without even thinking about it: speeding. Both speeding and drunk driving are each responsible for thousands of fatal car crashes per year — and for drivers who combine the two, the numbers are even more disturbing. 

Is speeding as dangerous as drunk driving, and how much more dangerous is it to do both? Where do people do it most, and who tends to do it most often? Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we set out to learn the how, who, and where of drunk driving and speeding.

Data Highlights

• On average, drunk drivers account for 960 more fatal crashes each year than speeders.
• Approximately 2 in 5 fatal drunk driving crashes also include speeding.
• Gen Z drivers are the only generation to have more fatal crashes caused by speeding than drunk driving.
• Mississippi, Nebraska, and North Carolina are the states with the highest increase in fatal collisions caused by speeding since 2018.
• South Carolina, Kansas, and Maryland are the states with the highest increase in fatal collisions caused by drunk driving.
• Alaska, New Hampshire, and New Mexico are the states with the highest percentage of drunk driving crashes also involving speeding.

Determining the Most Dangerous Culprit

According to the NHTSA data, drunk drivers caused almost 1,000 more fatal crashes per year than speeders did. Here’s how the demographics break down for drivers involved in these collisions:

Gen Z was the only generation that was more likely to be speeding than under the influence during a fatal crash. (That might have something to do with lower overall alcohol use among Zoomers.) For every other generation, from Boomers to Millennials, alcohol was tied with or more common than speeding as a cause of traffic deaths.

Drinking and Speeding Across America

The NHTSA data also allowed us to examine which states had more fatal crashes from drunk driving and which ones had more from speeding. The results displayed some regional differences:

Link: https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/21794132/

Generally, Southern states seemed to have more deaths attributable to drunk driving than speeding. Overall, that’s consistent with other data that shows elevated rates of drunk driving deaths in some (though not all) southern states, especially South Carolina and Texas. Meanwhile, more speeding deaths happened in the mid-Atlantic and Western states. 

Treacherous Trends

Fatal crashes involving alcohol and/or speeding have fallen in many states, but risen in others. Here’s how our data show the trends playing out in different states:

Link: https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/21794254/

Speeding deaths rose in many states between 2018 and 2022. Mississippi (154% increase), Nebraska (87% increase), and North Carolina (72% increase) had the worst increases in speeding deaths, while Vermont (33% decrease), North Dakota (31% decrease), and Alaska (27% decrease) led the charge in reducing speeding deaths. 

Drunk driving crashes also rose in many states, with South Carolina (57% increase), Kansas (49% increase), and Maryland (45% increase) all headed the wrong way. Again, however, there were some bright spots, with Alaska (38% decrease), Montana (23% decrease), and Connecticut (22% decrease) all reducing the number of drunk driving crashes between 2018 and 2022. 

Double the Danger

Finally, we looked at the number of drunk drivers who were also speeding when they caused a fatal crash. We found that in approximately 2 out of 5 crashes where the driver had been drinking alcohol, they were also speeding.

We observed demographic differences here, too. Gen Z drivers were the most likely also to have been speeding before a drunk driving crash, while Boomers were the least likely. That could be rooted in the fact that younger drivers, especially teenagers, tend to speed more than older ones. 

Meanwhile, male drivers who caused a drunk driving crash were about 4 percent more likely to be speeding than female drivers — matching the tendency of male drivers to speed more in general.

The Worst States for Drinking While Speeding

The combination of alcohol and speeding is especially deadly. Since alcohol lowers inhibitions, it makes sense that it could also loosen drivers’ judgment in maintaining a safe speed — and in fact, an article published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention found that higher speeds made alcohol-related crashes significantly more dangerous.

Overall, Alaska (67%), New Hampshire (63%), and New Mexico (58%) had the highest rates of speeding in fatal drunk driving crashes. All three are known as some of America’s most scenic states — so some drivers here would benefit from slowing down, sobering up, and enjoying the natural beauty. 

Link: https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/21794714/

Staying Safe

Road safety is every driver’s responsibility — no matter which state you live in, or which generation you’re part of. Any time you’re drinking alcohol, make sure you have a transportation plan that doesn’t involve driving. And if you’re prone to speeding, get the facts on the dangers of aggressive driving.

Smart Start is committed to reducing unsafe driving in all its forms. Our Ignition Interlock Devices help keep intoxicated drivers off the road while providing a chance for drivers with a DUI to stay compliant and get their transportation back on track. 

With cannabis products now legal for recreational and/or medical use in some states, it’s important to remember that driving while high remains illegal (and dangerous) everywhere. That’s why law enforcement agencies across America are working hard to keep people under the influence of cannabis off the road.

For decades, Ignition Interlock Devices like Smart Start’s have been some of the most important tools for Separating Drinking From Driving®. Thus, as cannabis legalization continues to spread, you might be wondering if there are “marijuana breathalyzers” for vehicles or Ignition Interlock Devices that can detect weed. Right now, the answer is no — but read on to learn about how law enforcement is developing new tools to help in the fight against drugged driving.

Does a Breathalyzer Detect Weed In an Ignition Interlock Device?

No, the Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) that many drivers are required to install on their vehicles after getting a DUI do not detect marijuana use. Currently, no IID technology is available that can detect marijuana on a driver’s breath.

So why can’t a car breathalyzer detect weed? The fuel-cell technology that breathalyzers use was developed specifically to detect alcohol. Some of the properties of alcohol make it especially easy to detect on a person’s breath, but that’s not the case with THC (the chemical in marijuana that creates the “high” sensation). 

That doesn’t mean that it’s safe or wise to use cannabis products while driving or before driving. In fact, it’s very dangerous: Cannabis slows your reaction time, impairs your judgment, and has other negative effects on your driving abilities. Impaired driving is always dangerous, whether a driver is impaired by THC, alcohol, or another substance. 

Why It’s Hard to Detect Marijuana Impairment

With many current tests for marijuana, it can be hard to distinguish whether a person has recently consumed marijuana. That’s because the THC metabolites that the tests detect are stored in fat cells, so they can continue to show up in people who used cannabis products days or even weeks ago, according to WebMD.

Researchers have been working hard on a solution to this problem, and several states have rolled out pilot programs to test new drug-detection technologies. In Indiana, for example, some police departments have begun equipping officers with an improved oral fluid test that identifies recent marijuana use, along with other drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine. So, while there are still challenges in reliably detecting marijuana usage, new technologies are pushing the field forward.

Can You Get a DUI for Driving High?

Yes. Many states have laws that criminalize driving a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana or any other drug. Different states use different definitions of driving while under the influence of marijuana, including:

• Zero-tolerance: Any amount of THC in your body
• Per Se: An amount of THC in your body over a predetermined limit
• Under the Influence DUID: Any amount of THC that impairs your ability to drive

While it can be more challenging to prove that a driver is impaired by marijuana, that’s no protection against all of the challenges that a DUI can bring into your life. You could face probation, fines, jail time, a suspended driver’s license, and other potential consequences that come with a DUI. You can help keep our roads safe by finding another way home, even if you think you’re able to drive. Assign a designated sober driver or take advantage of other options like taxis, rideshares, or public transit. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Breathalyzers and Marijuana

• Can a standard breathalyzer in an Ignition Interlock Device be modified to detect marijuana?

  • No. Only tests specifically designed to identify THC can detect its presence. 

• Are marijuana breathalyzers available for use in Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs)?

  • So far, no state has approved any breath sample-based method for detecting cannabis use via an Ignition Interlock Device.

• Does marijuana show up on a DUI blood test?

  • It could, depending on what the blood sample is tested for. If you receive a blood test as part of a DUI arrest, the sample might be tested only to establish your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but it might also be tested for THC and other drugs. 

While Smart Start doesn’t offer marijuana breathalyzers, we’re always keeping up with the latest developments in Interlock Device technology. Learn more about how breathalyzers work, or get in touch with our Program Advisors to find the right Interlock Device for your DUI program.