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Across the country, football fans are ramping up for the biggest games of the season. Whether you’re talking high school, college, or the NFL, the playoffs are always the most exciting time of the year.
As football season enters its apex, fans are enjoying the game-day atmosphere more than ever. One critical component to facilitating this overall experience that is often overlooked is propane. While tailgating grills get the most attention, other important propane uses include portable generators for food trucks and tailgaters, heaters for fans and workers, and event lighting around stadiums. Not only is it a versatile fuel, it’s more stable than diesel with significantly fewer NOx and particulate matter emissions.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key roles that propane plays at football games and other sporting events.
Tailgating Grills
Let’s start with the most obvious use of propane at games: the tailgating grill. Given their portability, reliability, and clean burning properties compared to charcoal, propane grills are the perfect fit for tailgating. They also come in different sizes depending on your needs. While some folks just need a Coleman stove for a modest meal, others might roll out a full-size propane grill for a big barbecue. Whether it’s burgers, hot dogs, or more adventurous tailgating fare, propane ensures that fans can prepare food quickly, consistently and with little hassle.
Stadium Heating
All fans, players and coaches know that as the playoffs near, it’s time for “football weather.” That term can mean something different in Green Bay than it does in Tuscaloosa, but temps will be cooler no matter where the games are played. Propane heaters are commonly used to keep tailgaters, workers and players warm and comfortable. Large space heaters in and around tents ensure a pleasant tailgating experience, while smaller portable units help outdoor workers like parking attendants endure the cold. For players, NFL teams often use propane blower heaters so teams can warm themselves and their helmets on the sidelines.
Portable Generators
Propane is commonly used in portable generators, which power the fancy tailgates that feature TVs, kitchen appliances and music. They’re also essential for powering various electrical systems during football games. These generators can provide backup power for stadium scoreboards, sound systems, and even medical equipment if necessary. Propane’s reliability, portability and clean-burning qualities are major benefits for these backup uses.
Event Lighting
Propane generators are also used in some lighting setups around stadiums. Besides the big tailgates, they can provide critical backup for stadium lights to keep the game going during an outage. Propane-powered torches or lanterns are often used to add to the atmosphere around the stadium and for lighting pathways or creating visual effects during pre-game or halftime shows.
Food Service
For concession stands or food trucks outside the stadium, people often use propane for cooking and food preparation. These mobile units rely on propane-powered stoves, fryers, and ovens, making it possible to serve a variety of menu items to large crowds. Propane’s efficiency allows food vendors to operate in remote locations without needing to rely on electrical infrastructure, which might not be available in many stadium parking lots or tailgating areas.
Overall, propane’s versatility makes it an essential resource at sporting events, whether it’s for cooking, heating, or powering critical equipment. By providing efficient, clean energy in outdoor settings, it provides the foundation for an enjoyable experience for fans, players, and event organizers. Whether you’re grilling up some pre-game burgers or enjoying a warm space hanging out with fellow fans, propane is there helping make the experience pleasant and memorable, even if your team isn’t victorious.
