Tail-Gatoring Rules and Info
UHD Tail-Gatoring and Chili Cook-Off
October 10, 2026
12pm - 6pm
UHD Naylor Lot
Event Details
Think your chili recipe has what it takes to be crowned the best on campus? Join the UHD Homecoming Chili Cook-Off and bring the heat to one of Homecoming’s most exciting traditions!
Held in conjunction with the annual UHD Homecoming Tail-Gatoring, the Chili Cook-Off gives teams the opportunity to showcase their culinary creativity, school spirit, and competitive flair. Student organizations, university departments, alumni groups, club sports teams, and campus partners are all invited to enter their favorite chili recipe and compete for Homecoming bragging rights.
Homecoming attendees will have the chance to sample a variety of unique chili creations while celebrating the creativity, camaraderie, and enthusiasm that make the UHD community special. Whether you're a seasoned chili champion or entering for the first time, the Chili Cook-Off is a fun and memorable way to connect with fellow Gators and be part of the Homecoming celebration.
Teams are welcome to participate in both the Tail-Gatoring event and the Chili Cook-Off. Be sure to review all event guidelines and registration requirements before submitting your entry.
So gather your ingredients, rally your team, and get ready to serve up your best bowl of chili.
May the best recipe win! 🌶️🏆
Event Schedule
| Time | Activity |
| 7:00 AM |
Gates Open / Team Load-In Begins |
| 10:30 AM | Parking Lot Closes to Vehicle Traffic |
| 12:00 PM | Event Opens to Attendees |
| 2:00 PM |
Competition Chili Due to Judges Public Chili Tasting Opens |
| 5:00 PM | Winners Announced |
| 6:00 PM | Event Ends / Breakdown Begins |
Team Registration
Any group requesting a team space for Tail-Gatoring or the Chili Cookoff must complete all registration forms and make payment for their spaces before the established deadline.
Each team participant must have a ticket for entry to the event.
Complimentary Admission Tickets will be granted at the following level for each team's registration. It is up to the team captains to determine who will receive the complimentary tickets.
- Each Tailgate Space Reservation includes two (2) event admission tickets per space reserved.
- Each Chili Cook-Off Team Registration includes two (2) event admission tickets for team members.
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- The team captain or co-captain must attend the required Team Captain’s Meeting scheduled on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in OMB N600 (Training Room). We will offer the meeting via Zoom, but we prefer that you attend the meeting face-to-face.
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- Required Team Forms may be submitted at the Team Captain’s Meeting. A link to the Required Team Forms will be emailed directly to team Captains and Co-Captains upon completion of the Team Registration Form.
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- Teams must have at least two members complete the Texas Food Handler Certification.
They must submit copies of the certificates at the Team Captain’s Meeting. At least one certificate holder must always be present at the event. Any of these
certifications will suffice:
https://www.certifiedonthefly.com/texas-food-handlers-online/
https://www.360training.com/learn2serve
https://www.servsafe.com
https://www.houstonconsumer.org/food-permits/food-manager-food-handler-certification
- Teams must have at least two members complete the Texas Food Handler Certification.
They must submit copies of the certificates at the Team Captain’s Meeting. At least one certificate holder must always be present at the event. Any of these
certifications will suffice:
- Each Vendor Space Reservation includes two (2) event admission tickets for booth representatives.
- Additional event tickets may be purchased separately, subject to availability.
Register your team for a space at the Homecoming Tail-Gatoring and Chili Cookoff event. Team registration closes on 10/5/2026 at 5pm or when all spaces have been reserved.
Event Access
All team members, participants and guests must present an event ticket and complete check-in at the hospitality tent to obtain a wristband showing their level of access to the event.
Individuals choosing to consume alcohol during the event must obtain a 21+ wristband by presenting a state issued ID.
Wristbands must be worn at all times. Individuals found in the event without wristbands will be asked to leave the event to complete check-in.
Ticket Options
For the Vibes Ticket (Free): Access to event grounds | Access to tailgate activities | Entertainment and live programming. Does Not Include: Drink tickets or Chili tasting.
Tail-Gator Ticket ($10): Access to event grounds | Tailgate participation | Two (2) drink tickets | Homecoming swag item. Does Not Include: Chili tasting
Chili Taster Ticket (See Table Below): Access to event grounds | Two (2) drink tickets | Chili tasting beginning at 2:00 PM | People's Choice voting. Does Not Include: Homecoming swag item | Drink tickets for anyone under 21 years of age
| Category | Price |
|
General Admission |
$20 |
|
Faculty/Staff |
$10 |
|
UHD Alumni |
$15 |
|
Children 12 & Under |
Free |
Golden Gator Ticket ($25): Access to tailgate area | Access to chili competition area | Two (2) drink tickets
| Homecoming swag item | Chili tasting beginning at 2:00 PM | People's Choice voting.
Tickets are on sale now!
General Event Rules
- Vehicles may return only after the event concludes, and staff authorize re-entry.
- Emergency lanes must remain clear at all times.
- Alcohol consumption is restricted to designated event areas.
- Participants must be at least 21 years old.
- A valid government-issued photo ID is required.
- An official alcohol wristband is required prior to consuming alcohol.
- Beer and wine only. (Mixed Drinks In Cans - High Noon etc. allowed)
- Drink tickets may only be redeemed by wrist banded guests.
- The following are not permitted:
- Glass bottles
- Liquor
- Kegs
- Drinking games
- Binge drinking or Rapid-consumption devices
- Participants must be respectful of neighboring teams, attendees, volunteers, and university staff.
- Disorderly conduct may result in removal from the event.
- Teams are responsible for the behavior of their members and guests.
- Music may be played within assigned spaces.
- Music must not contain profane, explicit, or inappropriate content.
- Volume must remain at a reasonable level that does not interfere with neighboring teams.
- Event staff may require volume reductions at any time.
- Music must cease when directed by event staff or official programming.
- Assigned spaces must remain within designated boundaries.
- Team names should be clearly displayed.
- One tent per assigned space is recommended.
- Tents may not exceed 12' x 12'.
- Participants must maintain safe pedestrian access throughout the event.
- Teams are responsible for all setup, operation, cleanup, and removal of equipment and waste.
- Participants must bring their own trash bags.
- Coals, grease, and cooking waste must be disposed of properly.
- Spaces must be left in their original condition.
Food Service & Competition Rules
- Teams must consist of at least five members.
- Teams must prepare a minimum of six gallons of chili and be prepared to serve approximately 200 attendees.
- Competition chili must be submitted to judges by 2:00 PM.
- Public chili tasting begins at 2:00 PM.
- At least two team members must possess a valid Texas Food Handler Certification.
- A certified food handler must be present throughout food service operations.
- Teams are responsible for maintaining proper food temperatures and sanitation standards.
- All teams must arrive with their own Ice. Ice refills for teams to maintain temperature throughout the event are available on request.
- Teams must provide all cooking equipment, supplies, utensils, ingredients, and service materials.
- No power will be provided unless specifically arranged through event organizers.
- No team may sell food or beverages.
- Chili samples are included only with Chili Taster and Full Access admission levels.
- Approved vendors may operate only with prior university authorization.
- Teams shall provide adequate drinking water for participants and guests.
- Cooking operations should maintain safe clearance from tents and pedestrian areas.
- Emergency and fire lanes must remain open at all times.
- University staff reserve the right to address any unsafe conditions immediately.