CMU and EMU to Face Off in Tailgate Throwdown
The annual cooking competition is set to take place at Ford Field on November 4.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Food and Drink
Live Poll
Do you enjoy when your local university involves fans in rivalry-themed competitions?
Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University will host their third annual Tailgate Throwdown cookoff on November 4, 2026. The culinary competition occurs alongside the 104th football match-up between the two universities.
Why it matters
The event serves as a high-stakes culinary battle between university chefs competing for bragging rights. This contest aims to break the current 1-1 tie in the competition's historical record.
The Tailgate Throwdown enters its third annual edition with the university chefs tied at 1-1. The football rivalry, which dates back to 1902, reaches its 104th game this year.
The players
Gage Graham
He is the chef representing Central Michigan University in the culinary competition.
Kayrone Wright
He is the chef representing Eastern Michigan University in the culinary competition.
Hormel Foods
This food processing company donated the brisket used by the chefs for the event.
The details
Chefs Gage Graham and Kayrone Wright will prepare pub-style dishes using brisket donated by Hormel Foods at Ford Field. Fans in attendance can sample the entries and vote for their favorite dish near sections 121 and 122.
Timeline
The rivalry between the two universities began in 1902.
The football game and Tailgate Throwdown occur on November 4, 2026.
The Tailgate Throwdown doors open at 6 p.m.
Industry Dynamics
This culinary contest follows the precedent set by the 104th football match-up between Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan. The event demonstrates a trend of collegiate athletic programs expanding fan engagement through diverse lifestyle activities.
Fans attending the event at Ford Field can access free samples of the pub-style dishes prepared by the competing chefs. Voters can participate in the cookoff starting at 6 p.m. near sections 121 and 122.
The takeaway
Attending university-hosted events provides unique opportunities for fans to engage directly with institutional culinary staff. These competitions often offer free samples, allowing attendees to influence event outcomes through public voting.
Further reading
Explore the local culinary scene in the Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Morning Sun.
Live Poll
Do you enjoy when your local university involves fans in rivalry-themed competitions?
