Heads up, Dallas sports lovers: The Tailgate is almost here. CultureMap’s signature sports celebration kicks off 12-4 pm Sunday, October 5 at The Empire Room, and trust us, you’ll want to be part of the action.

Not a die-hard football fan? No worries. Whether you’re into hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball — or just incredible food and drinks — this party’s for you.

Every Tailgate ticket includes delicious bites from local restaurants, premium complimentary beverages, meet-and-greet with star athletes, an auction of sports memorabilia, and more game-day fun.

And before the big night, you can get in on the competition. Voting is now open for our Top Taco Tournament, where local taco all-stars go head-to-head in an online bracket showdown. The champion revealed live at The Tailgate.

Still hungry? Some of Dallas’ hottest restaurants and chefs will be serving up tailgate-inspired creations that you’ll get to taste during the event.

Here’s just a taste of what’s cooking at The Tailgate:

• Assorted po'boys from Antone's Famous Po' Boys
• Chicken and tofu lettuce wraps from Feng Shui
• Roast beef sandwiches on Heritage wheat bread from Empire Baking
• Dee's Table is bringing Pastalaya: penne pasta with shrimp, andouille sausage, chicken, and Creole cream sauce
• Football-shaped Jamaican jerk pork tostadas from Loro
• Fried chicken sandwich with gochujang, caramelized onion, mayo, and pickles from Kona Grill
• JOA Grill's bulgogi ssam and akaushi sausage kimbap
• Five spice slow-braised pork bao from Komodo
• McRae's American Bistro & Cocktails' cherry BBQ short rib sliders with feta cheese and apple-cabbage slaw
• Pork belly burnt ends from One90 Smoked Meats
• Harissa-glazed chicken wings with black garlic ranch and scallions from Fearing Restaurant Group
• Taqueria La Ventana's bistek and al pastor tacos
• The All American, Kevin Bacon, and The Western burgers from Twisted Root Burger Co.
• Slow-cooked pork carnitas tacos from Señor Oink
• Lil' BRGs from STK Steakhouse
• Richardson International Food Festival (RIFF) is bringing Corn Holes (petite deep-fried Better Balance vegan hot dogs dipped in a cornmeal-infused beignet batter on a stick, and drizzled with a spicy bourbon mustard)
• Scout at the Statler's pineapple char siu pulled pork sliders
• Spiced apple crisp cups from Ruby Baking Co.

To wet your whistle, there will be beer from our sponsor FLIGHT by Yuengling and other fun beverages.

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

Get your tickets now ($50) before they sell out, and we’ll see you on October 5.

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The Tailgate is sponsored by FLIGHT by Yuengling, Sportsmo, Puttshack, Mizzen+Main, Antone's Famous Po' Boys, NXL LVL Events, and more to be announced.