Tailgating is a time-honored tradition dating back to the mid-1800s — before football was mainstream and automobiles existed. These days, the tailgate party is a three-season activity, firing up in the late summer, lasting through the fall and, for the hearty, offering warmth of spirit into the winter. Laughter, fight songs and cheers fill the air, which also includes the smells of smoky barbecue and burgers. As America’s favorite pregame pastime, tailgating has evolved over the years, thanks in part to technology. Here are a few ways OnStar can help you enjoy a fun-filled day of tailgating.

Stadiums are big places that draw a lot of people, and that means traffic. Google Maps* can help you through the mess by offering the fastest routes and recommending stops along the way should you need any last-minute items. Other Google built-in features allow you to keep in touch with your fellow tailgaters via hands-free calls and texts.

Newer OnStar-equipped vehicles come with an available built-in Wi-Fi^® Hotspot* that can turn your vehicle into a reliable mobile hub with great signal quality and bandwidth. If you have a paid data plan, friends and family can connect up to seven devices to stream the game, surf the web, listen to music and more. Or use a Bluetooth^® speaker to listen to your favorite playlist. You’ll be glad to have a hotspot powered by your vehicle so you’re not reliant on a smartphone battery. 

As with Wi-Fi, newer GM vehicles can also let you connect to some of your favorite apps* directly from the center display. Tap into The Weather Channel to make sure the forecast hasn’t changed, or dial up an early game on SiriusXM.* And with HD streaming,* OnStar can connect you to Hulu* or YouTube,* in case someone isn’t as into the pregame festivities as you.

Did your team win? Great! Did they lose? Well, that happens. There’s always next week. Regardless of the outcome, you need to get home safely. Your vehicle mobile app* can help. Maybe you got turned around heading into the stadium and forgot exactly where you parked. Your vehicle’s location,* as well as walking directions, are available on the mobile app. And you can check your vehicle’s status just to make sure everything’s good before you hit the road.