With football season in full swing and fall in the air there is one thing on every fan’s mind: tailgating.

The Entertainment Software Association, Electronic Arts, and the National Football League hosted a “Back to Football” tailgate party this past Thursday at Hawk ‘n’ Dove to celebrate football season and give people a chance to play the newly released Madden NFL 25.

Photo by Nick Holt

I remember playing Madden as a child. Let me tell you: this is not that game. My first thought was, “EA Sports has done it again!” Gameplay was comparable to watching a live NFL game, players were lifelike and the hits were as real as the controller in my hand. Madden NFL 25 will be under my Christmas tree this year, if Santa knows what’s good for him.

One would think a group of gamers wouldn’t be the best at throwing a tailgate party. One would be wrong. The drinks flowed and the buffet would have made Julio Jones do a double take. There were wings, BBQ sliders and beer brats spread across a football-themed table, fit for the Manning family. Hawk ‘n’ Dove does it right and will be added to the top of my gameday destination list.

Thanks to The Entertainment Software Association, Electronic Arts, and the National Football League I am now officially pumped up for fall, football and tailgating.

Roll Tide!!
@nickholt14

Photo by Daniel Swartz