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How To Pick Your Lot At A Jets Tailgate

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The lots at MetLife Stadium go on for mile after green mile. While everyone there is tied together by a love of the Jets (and sometimes beer), each lot has its own personality and flavor. Of course, you can't go wrong in any lot if you're surrounded by Gang Greeners, but here's a breakdown on some of the most popular lot destinations and the tailgaters you'll be rubbing elbows with when you park there. Remember that parking at any lot within the Sports Complex at MetLife requires a pre-paid parking permit which should be visible at all times.

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Lot E

This family-friendly lot is close to the stadium, making it great for little kids who get tired from walking long distances. Lots of families play bean toss here and the aroma of chicken wings, dogs with endless toppings and onion-laden burgers grilling at every tailgate is intoxicating. There's more kid noise than music in the air, although the crowd is mixed age wise with lots of dyed-in-the-wool fans inducting their grandkids into the fine art of tailgating. One trade off to parking here is a long wait exiting the game, so keep that in mind. A parking exit map for Jets games can be found here.

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Lot F

An easy-going atmosphere permeates throughout Lot F, which has a nice spread-out feel. A family-friendly tailgating destination, Lot F is earmarked by tons of football-tossing pre-teens and small groups of fans enjoying themselves over card games and cocktails. Bean toss and other assorted games rule at Lot F.

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Lot G

The pace picks up substantially in Lot G as does the music decibel and scent of cigar smoke, particularly when you cross the Outer Loop Roadway. If you're hungry when you arrive, you'll be ravenous by the time your food is ready. Gourmet steaks, pork loins and shrimp seem to grace almost every grill in this lot. If you can't live without $50 steak sauce and love to make your own mayonnaise from scratch, you'll feel right at home here.

Lot J

You might meet the girl of your dreams over at the next tailgate. Lot J is a party lot. Music rules but beer isn't far behind. The camaraderie is fierce and the noise level raucous. Feel like dancing? Lot J's beat is driven by everything from Aerosmith to ZZ Top.

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Lot L

The ultimate party lot, this is charter bus central. Tons of over-sized vehicles, RVs and private party buses make this lot their home, setting up sound systems that rival Cielo's and gourmet spreads that can take you from pre-game breakfast to post-game dessert. Lot L is perfect for large groups of friends and friends of friends who love to party just as much as they love the Jets.

First Floor Plaza

Is your car in the shop? The first-floor plaza, situated between the gates and MetLife Stadium, is a great tailgating alternative for mass-transit-loving fans who want to enjoy the tailgating experience without the hassle of cooking or cleaning up. Kid-centric activities, entertainment and food vary from game to game.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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