Cheering for your favorite NFL team can extend beyond the stadium. BoatGating at a football game combines boating and tailgating, bringing fans together on the water for food, games and pre-game fun.
So, what is BoatGating? It’s essentially tailgating on a boat, often at a marina or waterway near the stadium. Check out these five NFL stadiums for a unique game-day experience.
5 NFL Stadiums to Boatgate at This Season
1. Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)
One of the most historic stadiums in the National Football League, Soldier Field is adjacent to Burnham Harbor, which has over a thousand slips. Nearby Navy Pier also offers a prime starting point for boaters looking to enjoy the city’s waterfront before heading to Soldier Field.
Chicago boaters can join Discover Boating for BoatGating on September 28, featuring some of Chicago’s pro football greats. The afternoon starts at Navy Pier for a special Monday night experience. Visit the Discover Boating Instagram to learn more!
2. M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, MD)
M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, is about a mile from Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor. Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina has 135 slips for boats and yachts up to 300 feet long overall.
There’s also plenty to do beyond game day. The area is home to the Maryland Science Center, which features a planetarium, an IMAX theater and more.
3. Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, is surrounded by boating opportunities, with nearly a dozen marinas close to the stadium. In addition, the beautiful weather makes Miami the perfect BoatGating destination.
4. Huntington Bank Field (Cleveland, OH)
Cleveland, Ohio, is known for the Cleveland Browns and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Both are located along Lake Erie, with Huntington Bank Field, home of the Browns, near the waterfront. Rock and Dock Marina offers access to Cleveland’s waterfront and is close to the stadium and surrounding attractions.
If you're interested in BoatGating at a football game, the stadium’s location along Lake Erie makes Cleveland another destination worth considering.
5. EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, FL)
The Jacksonville Jaguars play at EverBank Stadium in downtown Jacksonville, adjacent to the St. Johns River. The stadium’s waterfront location makes Jacksonville a natural fit for fans who want to combine boating and football.
Metropolitan Park Marina offers slips for boats up to 80 feet in length overall. It is the perfect spot for a tailgating party on a boat.
Ready to Try BoatGating?
Whether you’re planning to BoatGate before an NFL game or want to experience tailgating on a boat with friends, there are plenty of destinations to consider. Look for marinas near your favorite team’s stadium and plan for game-day traffic on both the water and roads.
Are you looking to rent a boat to make your BoatGating plans a reality? Try our Go Boating Today tool to find rentals near you, or consider buying a boat of your own.
BoatGating FAQs
Q: What is BoatGating?
A: BoatGating is a combination of boating and tailgating. Instead of gathering in a parking lot before a game, fans gather on a boat to enjoy food, drinks, games and time with friends before kickoff.
Q: What is BoatGating at a football game?
A: BoatGating at a football game means using a boat or nearby marina as your pre-game gathering spot before heading to an NFL stadium. Depending on the location, fans may dock near the stadium or gather at a waterfront marina before heading to the game.
Q: How do you go tailgating on a boat?
A: Tailgating on a boat can be as simple as bringing food, drinks, team gear and games aboard for a pre-game gathering. Before heading out, check local boating regulations, marina rules, and weather and water conditions. If you don’t own a boat, consider renting one through a local boat rental service.
Find a Boat That's Right for You
Originally published in August 2019. Updated in September 2026.
