Kansas Beef Council Announces the Return of “Tailgater of the Game” for the 2026 K-State Football Season

KBC is partnering with K-State Collegiate Cattlewomen (CCW) this year to walk the parking lots with beef swag and entry cards. KBC and CCW representatives will be looking for tailgaters cooking beef burgers, brats, stews, chili and more to enter for a chance to win a tabletop, two-burner Pit Boss griddle, a prize banner and bragging rights. The winner will be announced during the second half.

The six winners will be entered into a season-ending grand prize drawing for a Pit Boss smoker and a pair of suite tickets to the final home game November 21 against the University of Arizona Wildcats.

"There is nothing quite like walking through those lots and smelling beef on the grill," KBC Executive Director Scott Stebner said. "Beef is already what brings people to the table on game day, and this program lets us celebrate that out loud. Recognizing the tailgates that put beef at the center of their spread is our way of honoring tradition, and we are proud to bring this program back for another season."

Tailgaters have a chance to win during the first six home football games: September 5, September 12, September 19, October 10, October 17 and November 7.

"Tailgater of the Game" is part of KBC's efforts to connect fans in fun, memorable ways. By recognizing winners throughout the season, KBC highlights the versatility of beef while celebrating traditions that unite fans and communities.

Follow along to see this season's winners at @ksbeef on Instagram and visit www.kansasbeef.org for recipe inspiration, cooking tips and more.  

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The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents of each dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.