RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. - Football season brings fans together in stadium parking lots of every size, depending on the setting of local high schools, colleges and NFL games across the country, but AAA warns that tailgating can also lead to vehicle fires, burn injuries, property damage, insurance claims, and impaired-driving crashes when basic safety precautions are overlooked.

Tailgating Once You Arrive - For parents and grandparents of high school or college football players, their biggest fear is what happens on the field and the prayer that no injuries occur during each game. For fans and parents alike, the second biggest risk – believe it or not – sits in the parking lot. Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, told WGNS News that not only is the parking lot at capacity, but a large number of fans also tailgate before the games and even cook out before they start...

How Dangerous Can a Tailgating Grill Be? Tailgating in crowded parking lots puts open flames, hot coals, propane tanks, and flammable materials just feet away from vehicles and people. Unlike backyard grilling, tailgates often take place in tight spaces where a small flare-up can quickly spread to nearby vehicles, tents, coolers, and other equipment....

Statewide Cost of Gas / Diesel on Thursday - The drive to your favorite game will cost you a little more this season when compared to gas prices last year. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded at this time last year was $2.80 throughout Tennessee. This week, the average price for the same 87-octane fuel is $4.05 per gallon in the Volunteer State, making Tennessee the eighth-cheapest state to refuel in. Diesel drivers are feeling an even bigger punch in the gut, with the cost to refuel currently averaging $6.06 per gallon in Tennessee. Last year at this time, they were paying about $3.40 per gallon.

Rutherford County Cost of Gas on Thursday - As of Thursday morning (09/17/26), fuel prices in Rutherford County remain on the high side this week, averaging $4.14 per gallon for 87-octane. Prices to the south in Bedford County are 4 cents higher than what drivers are paying in the Murfreesboro area, while prices to the north in Wilson County are 10 cents cheaper. In nearby Nashville, regular unleaded is averaging $4.15 per gallon, which is a penny higher than in Rutherford County. Meanwhile, in the Franklin/Brentwood area of neighboring Williamson County, drivers are paying the highest price in the state at $4.21 per gallon for regular unleaded.

Tips on Avoiding / Reducing Fire Risk While Tailgating:

• Position your grill away from vehicles, tents, and other flammable gear.

• Keep a fire extinguisher within arm's reach.

  

• Never leave a lit grill unattended, even briefly.

When is a Tailgating Grill No Longer a Fire Hazard? One of the biggest tailgating fire risks can emerge after fans head into the stadium. Hot coals, grease trays, and recently extinguished grills can remain dangerous long after the cooking is done. 

In 2022, a tailgating fire at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami destroyed 11 vehicles after an unattended grill ignited a blaze beneath a parked car while many fans were inside watching the game. 

"Many fans assume the danger ends when the cooking stops," Cooper continued. "But hot coals and grills can remain dangerous long after kickoff. Taking a few extra minutes to shut everything down properly can prevent a fire and thousands of dollars in damage."

Before leaving the tailgate, AAA urges fans to:

• Fully extinguish all flames and coals.

  

• Allow grills and grease trays to cool completely in an open area.

• Never place hot grilling equipment inside a vehicle.

• Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid.

• Never dump ashes on the ground or into plastic bags.

• Do a final walk-around to check for smoke, embers, leaking fuel, or hot equipment.

• Secure the grill before transporting it.

These simple steps can help prevent vehicle fires, property damage, and costly insurance claims.

How Can Fans Avoid an Impaired Driving Crash After Tailgating? This is more of an issue at NFL and college games, where impaired driving remains one of the most serious risks associated with tailgating. Nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities involve an alcohol-impaired driver. While fans often focus on getting to the stadium safely, AAA reminds them that planning a safe trip home is just as important.

AAA recommends:

• Designate a sober driver before festivities begin.

• Offer water and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the event.

• Use rideshare services or alternative transportation if needed.

• Never allow an impaired friend or family member to get behind the wheel.

"Fans can tell you exactly where they're parking, what they're grilling, and what time they're arriving," Cooper said. "They should be just as confident about how they're getting home, because the safest plan is the one you make before the tailgate starts."

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.