Tailgate bracket intensifies: Vote now and enter to win $1000 prize

Round 3 of theGreat American Tailgate challenge has arrived, and the bracket has tightened into four heavyweight matchups featuring some of the most iconic tailgate foods in America.

USA TODAYand thePro Football Hall of Fame continue to spotlight the dishes that define gameday culture across all 32 NFL cities - and after two intense rounds of voting, the competition has reached a new level of drama.

This round features clashes between regional giants with serious momentum.

• Buffalo wings, fresh off one of the widest wins of Round 2, meet Carolina pulled pork, which advanced with a confident, convincing margin.
• Green Bay bratwurst faces Houston BBQ ribs in a showdown between two foods that posted equally strong victories and enter Round 3 with major momentum.
• On the West Coast, LA street tacos - one of the most decisive winners of the last round - take on New York sausage and peppers, which moved on with a competitive but clear margin.
• And in one of the bracket's most anticipated battles, Philadelphia cheesesteaks - the strongest performer of Round 2 - meet Nashville hot chicken, which advanced with a steady, powerful win.

Every vote cast not only helps your favorite tailgate food advance toward the finals - it also enters you into a giveaway for a $1,000 Pro Football Hall of Fame merchandise gift card. One lucky fan will walk away with the chance to stock up on Hall of Fame apparel, collectibles, and memorabilia.

Cast your vote, rep your city, and help your favorite tailgate dish push one step closer to national glory.

Get your tickets now:Celebrate food, football at Hall of Fame with Great American Tailgate

Vote for your favorite tailgate food

What to know about Great American Tailgate bracket challenge

• No purchase is necessary to vote or enter the giveaway.
• You must be 21 or older and a legal U.S. resident (excluding Hawaii and Puerto Rico).
• Each fan can cast one vote per round, per day.
• Every valid vote equals one entry into the giveaway for a $1,000 Pro Football Hall of Fame gift card.
• Voting happens only on the SQWAD platform.
• The Sponsor may disqualify votes or voters for fraud, duplicate accounts, or suspicious activity.
• The food bracket winner receives recognition only - no prize.
• The giveaway winner will be notified around August 10, 2026.
• All disputes must be resolved through arbitration, as described in the official rules.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tailgate bracket intensifies: Vote now and enter to win $1000 prize