Metro Roundup: Tailgate Challenge celebrates return of football season

Football fans, supporters of The Bell Center and others will gather at The Bell Center in Homewood on Aug. 28 for the 13th annual Tailgate Challenge.

The event is a fundraiser for the organization, which aims to maximize the potential of children birth through age 3 who are at risk of developmental delays.

There are two main things attendees love about the event, Marketing and Development Coordinator Macy Craddock said.

“People in Alabama are always really excited to get back to football season, so it’s a kickoff for the football season, to celebrate that it’s coming back,” she said. “A close second to that is people just love the food.”

Every team brings a sample of food to let the crowd try. The food can be anything from store-bought cookies to something that took days to cook. Judges will award a prize for the team with the best-tasting food. In addition, teams also will compete for the most team spirit and best all around.

“It’s always really interesting,” Craddock said. “No two teams are ever the same.”

Tickets are $15 during the pre-sale and $20 the day of the event. Children ages 12 and younger are admitted for free.

Money raised from the event goes toward The Bell Center’s overall budget. It’s spent on programs such as feeding therapy, music therapy and functional vision assessments. It also helps purchase new equipment and provides tuition assistance for families who receive services from The Bell Center.

The event is at The Bell Center at 1700 29th Court S. in Homewood from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit thebellcenter.org/events/tailgate-challenge.