If you've never been to a Raiders game before, you're soon going to find out that Oakland is Tailgate Central. Don't believe what the networks tell you about Pittsburgh, New York or Kansas City - those who say that are those who've never been here. Those that have will tell you that this is where it's at. The parking lots at the Coliseum on game day are filled from fence to fence with every tailgate imaginable - literally hundreds of them of all shapes and sizes.

On gameday, the best tailgates are generally in the North Parking Lot. The South Lot, although it has some good tailgates, tends to be on a much smaller scale - this lot is where the RVs are parked, and most of the activity out here centers around them. Basically, it's much more family orientated. The North Lot, on the other hand, is where the biggest parties are going on. Most of the Booster Clubs are here, as well as the Black Hole and the Living Room, where many of the people you meet online will be.

We couldn't possibly tell you every single tailgate you should visit, and in any case we recommend you walk all over the lots (North and South). You'll find that despite what others would have you believe, Raider fans will welcome you with open arms like family. However, we'll let you know the ones that we've visited and can highly recommend. You can find them on our map of the stadium.

The Living Room MAP

The Living Room began in 1995, shortly after the return of the Raiders to Oakland. It's grown from humble beginnings to become one of the main attractions at the stadium, not in the least because of it's unique features - full "Living Room" furniture, including sofas, easy chairs and loungers, at least three televisions (always tuned to the early game) and the constant supply of dogs, chicken and tri-tip. Kids can also have their faces painted by Blitzchick most game days.

It became the tailgate of choice of the internet crowd in 1996, is now one of the largest tailgates in the lot as well as being the Official Tailgate of the Raiderfans Network, and draws fans from all over. It's also extended, with various "annexes", including "The Patio", and "The Extension"... you'll see what we mean when you see it for yourself. It also undergoes various reincarnations for wet weather, night games and Christmas. Full set-up (when everything is there) takes anywhere around 1-2 hours, depending on how many "helpers" are around, but it's always ready to go by the time the lot opens.

It has has also been featured on Fox Sports Bay Area, and was voted Tailgate of the Year for 1998 at the RFM Awards Nite. Visitors have included Bruce Allen and Otis Sistrunk, amongst others.

You can find it on the median between the preferred parking and the luxury suites parking in Lot A (North), and is only about 50 yards from the main entrance to the North Endzone. You'll see it from a good bit off because of the TV Aerials and the highest flagpole in the lot. If in doubt, just ask where to find Spike and Howie - they tailgate right next door. Blitzdude and Blitzchick say that all fans are welcome, so just stop in... it's free, but donations to offset the cost of the food and the truck-rental are welcome.

The Black Hole

Probably one of the oldest and definitely the most infamous of Raider fan groups, the Black Hole have become synonymous with Raider fans. The Black Hole congregate in the North Parking Lot almost exactly between the Coliseum and the Arena (Lot D), but they begin long before that: usually at latest at 4am on 66th Avenue. The tailgate (both inside and outside the parking lot) features BBQ, a live band, a bar, and various celebs dropping by from time to time.

You're always welcome to drop by at the Hole: all they ask is three things: wear black and scream like hell when we're on defense, and shut up when we're on offense. They're also expanding, with "chapters" springing up around the nation. We could go on and on, but what's the point? Just visit them at BlackHoleFans.com, find out more and then get in touch with them.

Want your tailgate up in lights?

Just drop the webmaster a line at webmaster@raidermecca.com, let us know where you're at, what you're about and where to find you. We'll seek you out next game day, and try to get some more information. However, you should probably know that all of us are complete nosebaggers, and we expect food and drink (aka bribes) before we lift a finger :-)

For fans of other teams:

Something which probably should be mentioned here, because it needs saying somewhere: what if you're not a Raider fan? Is it safe? OK, here's our own official answer on this, based on our own experiences:

You've heard the horror stories, no doubt numerous times. However, the reality is that there are incidents at every game around the league, whether the Raiders are involved or not. The Oakland Coliseum is truthfully no more dangerous than any other stadium in the league if you're a visiting fan... if (key word) you act responsibly. What that means is if you turn up in another team's colors, remember where you are and act with respect: this is still our house, and we don't take kindly to anyone coming into it and acting like they an ass. If you keep yourself to yourself, the worst you'll get is being verbally assaulted as you walk through the lot and probably called a few names you haven't heard before. The same go's for inside the stadium, only moreso.

In short, the golden rule is never be confrontational, don't feel as if you have to respond, and if something looks like turning nasty, move elsewhere. The vast majority of Raider fans won't give you any trouble at all, and it's a big enough parking lot/stadium that you can avoid those who might. If, on the other hand, you feel you have to jump up and down, scream your team's name incessantly and want to get in Raider fans' faces, be prepared to live with the consequences. That's all there is to it.