Legendary Jets Tailgaters
Jets fans don't play scared. This loyal bunch of die-hards love their team, win or lose, and will be betting on a Miami sweep this Sunday. For the best Dolphins trash talk, as well as fab food, flowing libations and Gang-Greener camaraderie, make sure to visit the tailgates of these amazing, legendary fans.
JetBus Crew
Lot L1
John Drew and his hardcore group of friendly, full-of-heart Gang Greeners started this tailgate bash in the 1990s. They're heavy into fun and games but also have a mission. Their love of the Jets is equaled only by their commitment to doing good. Stop by on any game day and participate in their 50/50 raffle and other fun, fundraising antics, all in support of the Marty Lyons Foundation. This uber-friendly group of friends and friends of friends request a well-worth-it $45 donation to join in on the fun and food. These are the folks you'd want in your foxhole. Their bus rocks, too.
The Rainville-Monaco Family
Lot L11
Michael Rainville's fan mobile gets to MetLife Stadium by 5:30 a.m. and with good reason. It takes awhile to set up the legendary Rainville-Monaco Man Cave. After all, they've got to unload huge, soft-to-the-skin leather couches, a humongous flat-screen TV, a sound system that reaches to Lot G and an astonishingly tacky, singing trout wall sconce. Mike and the boys serve up pulled pork and other assorted to-die-for yummys all day long. These guys love to pass the beer or tequila around and will greet you with a slap on the back and a hand shake. Once you sink into those couches, however, you won't be willing to move a muscle till Reggie Bush cries uncle.
Rob Jetman
Curbside, Lot L5
Rob has been tailgating since he was a baby. No, seriously. This guy was born with a green spoon in his mouth. He's taken over the tailgating mantle from mom and dad and can be seen on game day right at the curb of Lot L5, not that you could miss him. Rob will be spinning sing-alongs from Neil Diamond to The Boss all day long. Another early riser, this party-till-you-drop tailgater will be vying for first in line with Mike Rainville before the sun comes up. This is no easy feat either, since he gets to MetLife by way of New Hampshire every game day. If you love a rockin' party, make sure you stop by and say hi. Rob's got a 10,000-watt generator, a full-time DJ helping him caress the decks, satellite TV and six tents. His food is as unreal as his outfit; pork loin, steak tips and good-enough-to-make-you-cry sausage and peppers are just the first course.
Tailgate Joe
Curbside, Lot E10
www.tailgatejoe.com
Joe and his crew run the official JetNation game-day fan club and tailgate party at both MetLife Stadium and away games. Attracting hundreds of fans, Joe's tailgate serves up some of the best eating you'll find anywhere in the state, let alone the stadium. The gang sets up around five hours before kick-off and offers up great music, TV and games. It will be impossible for anyone not to have a great time at this tailgate. Hanging out is free but for those who wish to eat and drink, a donation is requested. Not all fun and games, Joe has also set up a team to bring attention and support to the Light the Night Walk, a national initiative run by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
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.
