Attention, sports fans: The Tailgate presented by Verizon is almost here. CultureMap Dallas' signature sporty event, presented by Verizon, is happening Monday, December 9, at The Empire Room, and you'll want to be there.

Why? Because even if you aren't a football fanatic, hockey hound, soccer supporter, or basketball and baseball buff, you're probably a big fan of fantastic local food and drinks.

All Tailgate tickets include bites by participating restaurants, complimentary premium beverages, and access to fun activities throughout the event. VIP tickets come with one-hour-early entry, access to a dedicated VIP bar, an exclusive meet-and-greet with former Texas Rangers star and baseball legend Rafael Palmeiro, and more perks for an elevated experience.

You also get to make your voice heard before the event, as readers are now voting for their favorite local wings restaurant in our Ultimate Wing Showdown. Think of this as sort of like the Sweet 16, where local champs face off in an online tournament and the winner will be revealed at the party. Click here to vote for your favorites.

Hungry yet? Popular Dallas restaurants and chefs will create tailgate-inspired dishes for attendees to sample and vote for their favorite.

Here's even more of what's on the menu at The Tailgate:

• Smash Burger Pizza from Cenzo's Pizza & Deli
• Buffalo shrimp and blue cheese grits from McRae's American Bistro & Cocktails
• Dr Pepper BBQ bacon sliders from Snuffer's
• Sweet n' spicy bruschetta from Postino
• Pulled pork banh mi from JW Marriott Arts District
• Bulgogi Ssam (marinated ribeye lettuce wraps) from JOA Grill
• A variety of mini sandwiches from Corner Bakery
• Mexican shrimp cocktail and poblano cream soup from Anaya's Seafood
• Game Time venison roll-ups from Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
• Smoke Signal sliders from Scout at the Statler Hotel
• Pastrami and pimento cheese sandwiches from Empire Baking Company
• Nonna's spaghetti and meatballs from Will Salisbury
• The Original ChopShop's Kickoff with Coconut Chia Pudding and Huddle for Hummus with tortilla strips and veggies
• Blueberry cheesecake and tiramisu tartlets from La Rêve Gelato & Pâtisserie

To wet your whistle, there will be signature cocktails by Tequila 512 (the Touchdown Margarita and Mexican Mule Rusher) and Jim Beam Black (the BBG and Rackhouse Black) and beer from EIGHT, along with THC seltzers from Howdy, 8th Wonder, and Beach Break.

The event will also shine a spotlight on local sports organizations, including the 2023 World Series champs Texas Rangers, who will be raffling off an autographed baseball to fans. The Frisco RoughRiders' mascot, Bull Moose, will be on hand for fun giveaways. And Former FC Dallas soccer star Kenny Cooper will kick it with fans in a meet-and-greet.

Verizon and CultureMap are even giving away a VIP trip for two to Super Bowl LIX*. More details on how to enter here for a chance to win. To get into the spirit, Verizon and their Super Bowl bus will host a special appearance from a surprise celebrity athlete at Tailgate.

We'll keep you up to date on all things Tailgate-related in a special editorial series of stories leading up to the event.

Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code Tailgate10 at checkout.

Get your tickets now before they sell out, and we’ll see you on December 9.

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The Tailgate is presented by Verizon and sponsored by HOWDY, Eight Beer, Jim Beam Black, 512 Tequila, and more to be announced.

*The NFL Entities shall have no liability or responsibility for any claim arising in connection with participation in this sweepstakes or any prize awarded. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored this sweepstakes in any way.