The Washington Commanders decided to remove a legendary tailgate from its normal spot in the parking lot to make room for a private party sponsored by a corporate giant. It is not a great look for the NFL organization.
Fortunately, the Command Corner Tailgate was able to recalibrate.
Even though things ultimately worked out, the Washington Commanders proved that they do not value their fans as much as they do the dollar. That’s an unfortunate reality for an NFL team that has only made the playoffs four times since 2010.
The Command Corner Tailgate is legendary!
Founded during the 2022-23 season, the Command Corner Tailgate is located in the corner of the Red Zone parking lot at Northwest Stadium. Here is the exact location:
The tailgate typically features free food (like hot dogs) and drink, including alcoholic beverages, prize wheel games, music, and big-screen TVs. It is open to all fans, home and away. Everybody is welcome.
“We are fans just trying to meet other fans & have a lot of fun along the way. We have a free vodka bar, featuring Maryland made Scotty’s Vodka & assorted mixers. And we will be giving away free burgundy & gold shots, free hotdogs (while they last) and 3 different prizes you can win by spinning our prize wheel. We accept donations which 100% go to charity. But they are not required. All fans are welcome! Regardless of which team you support.”
The size of the tailgate has only continued to grow over the last four seasons. Chef Eddie is always on the grill. Drinks are flowing. The only goal is to make sure that every single fan has the opportunity to enjoy game day in Maryland to the fullest extent.
Although it is still fairly new, the Command Corner Tailgate has quickly become the most well-known tailgate of the Washington Commanders. Win, lose or tie, the vibes in pregame are high!
The Washington Commanders kicked them out of their spot.
Upon arrival to the stadium on Sunday, the Command Corner Tailgate discovered that its normal spot in the Red Zone parking lot was already occupied. Its typical corner of the parking lot was blocked off for a private event.
The private event was sponsored by an American government and military contractor specializing in intelligence, technology and cybersecurity. Booz Allen describes itself as “a private sector leader building advanced technology to fast-track results for government—boosting efficiencies, saving money, and safeguarding America.”
The Booz Allen headquarters are based in McLean, Virginia. As a result of its proximity to Washington D.C., the company apparently identifies as fans of the Washington Commanders. It worked with the organization to secure a tailgate on Sunday.
However, the Commanders put Booz Allen in the same spot that is normally occupied by the Command Corner Tailgate. And if that was not bad enough, the corporate employees did not even show up until after 11:00 a.m., less than two hours before kickoff.
Although the team screwed them out of their spot, the Command Corner Tailgate did not let Booz Allen get them down. It moved toward the middle of the parking lot.
On Sunday, because of the Washington Commanders’ decision to host a corporate giant, the Command Corner Tailgate did not live up to its name. The team should consider location in the future. Lifelong fans were pushed aside for the almighty dollar.