2012 Senior Bowl Tailgater of the Year: Diesel Pushers (Mobile, AL.)

Baumhower's Restaurant Senior Bowl Tailgate Challenge

The Baumhower’s Restaurant Senior Bowl Tailgate Challenge presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors will hold its ninth annual competition this year on Senior Bowl Saturday, January 28th, in the Ladd-Peebles Stadium parking lot.  Those interested in entering the challenge will be able to register for the event beginning Monday, January 9th at The Complete Angler (formerly Bimini Bob’s) in Daphne.  Each registered tailgater will receive an official Tailgate Challenge flag and registration will continue until all flags have been distributed.  There is no cost to sign up for the event.

“If you take your tailgating seriously, you’ll want to enter this competition,” Senior Bowl Sales and Marketing Director Chris Morgan said.  “We recognize that tailgating is such a huge part of Senior Bowl Saturday and this event has allowed us to embrace that tradition.”

A team of judges, led by former University of Alabama All-American and Miami Dolphins All-Pro Bob Baumhower and Press-Register Food Editor David Holloway, will scour the stadium parking lot on game day, stopping only at tailgate spots that are displaying the official flag. 

Only one lucky tailgater will be named the Baumhower’s Restaurant Senior Bowl Tailgate Challenge Champion, but awards will also be given in several other categories.  The different categories are: Grand Champion, Best Dip, Best Gumbo, Best Wings, Best Butts, Best Ribs, Best Wild Gulf Shrimp Dish, Best Dessert.  Each category winner will receive a $100 gift card from Academy Sports and Outdoors.

The Senior Bowl Tailgater of the Year will be recognized on the field during the 2012 Senior Bowl and presented with a special tailgate-themed trophy.  The champion will also receive a massive outdoor cooking package, valued at over $1,000, provided by Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Last year, the team of “Who Dat Tailgaters” took home the title of Senior Bowl Tailgater of the Year.   For more information on the Tailgate Challenge contact the Senior Bowl offices at (251) 438-2276 or visit www.seniorbowl.com.

Category winners in 2011 included:

• Best BBQ: Young Sun Coaster's (Gulf Shores, AL)
• Best Gumbo: Krewe of LSU (Mobile, AL)
• Best Starter: Diesel Pusher's (Mobile, AL)
• Best Party: United Rental (Mobile, AL)
• Most Interesting Dish: Pay for Play Foundation (Mobile, AL)
• Best Seafood: Excessive Celebration (Mobile, AL)