Power Ranking the 10 Best NFL Stadiums for Partying

It appears the NFL lockout is drawing to an end, and when it finally does, the entire nation may break into one big party.

You could make the case that some of the stadiums on this slideshow would be a great place to host such a party, even if none of them could possibly host all the people who would be celebrating.

Obviously, I haven't been to all of these stadiums. I borrowed from several other lists ranking these stadiums, including Forbes, Maxim, Slosh Spot, and even another slideshow here on Bleacher Report from Ray Tannock.

Let's party!

Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda and Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter @erikfrenz.

10. M&T Bank Stadium; Baltimore, MD

Photo courtesy Slosh Spot.

A S.W.A.T. team telling me to "stop working and tailgate"? Fine, if you insist. In all honesty, this may be the most famous tailgating vehicle.

The fan base has always been there, even if an NFL franchise hasn't always been there. The Baltimore Colts left for Indianapolis in 1983, and the Ravens didn't come to town until 13 years later. Yet still, this is one of the most proud fan bases in the league.

And from what I read, the fans are welcoming, too. And boy, do they know how to party. The Chesapeake Crab Cakes are incredible, according to Joe Cahn the "Commissioner of Tailgating".

The stadium is located right near the downtown district, so there's never a shortage of things to do.

9. Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 7: New England Patriots fans tailgate in a parking lot prior to the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots on September 7, 2008 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the

Fresh seafood, friendly fans, and a winning franchise. The party is always cranking at Gillette Stadium.

If the food and companionship of the fans isn't enough to keep you occupied before the game, there are plenty of sights to see before and after the game. There's an outdoor shopping plaza, the Patriots Pro Shop, and of course, The Hall at Patriot Place.

If you've never had a fresh boiled lobster, it is something else. And by fresh, I mean it was probably pulled out of the ocean just a couple of hours before being cooked. Nothing compares to it.

The only downfall to Gillette Stadium is that there's only one access road to the stadium. This can cause traffic jams entering and leaving. Sometimes, the aggravation can be worth it.

8. Cleveland Browns Stadium; Cleveland, OH

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - SEPTEMBER 7: Cleveland Browns fans tailgate before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 7, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Let me just start by saying, they don't call it the "Dawg Pound" for nothin'. Cleveland fans are full of energy, love to make noise, and know how to have a good time.

One other thing they know how to do: cook, and eat. A lot.

Just like dogs, though, they can get bristly if you rub them the wrong way. They're not always so friendly to outsiders, but if you thrive in an atmosphere flooded with die-hard fans, you'll be right at home in Cleveland.

7. Louisiana Superdome; New Orleans, LA

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 24: Fans tailgate outside the Superdome before the Tennessee Titans play the New Orleans Saints on September 24, 2007 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The fact that New Orleans is home to the biggest street party in the nation is only part of the reason they're on this list. Bourbon St. may be 1.5 miles away, but New Orleanians know how to party where ever they are.

Cajun-spiced food, plenty of alcohol and...well, plenty more alcohol. This is one of the most energized fan bases in the league, especially after their big Super Bowl XLIV triumph that brought the city, state and even the nation together.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!

6. Heinz Field; Pittsburgh, PA

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers pose for a photo as they tailgate outside the stadium prior to the 2011 AFC Championship game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo b

For starters, the Steelers may be the only NFL team with a Facebook fan page for their tailgate party. This is a great opportunity to get the party started before it even starts by socially networking to meet new people that will be at the tailgate, or to connect with old friends from tailgates past.

From what I read, parking can sometimes be a problem, but to be surrounded with passionate fans who know their team, and welcoming people who know how to party, I'll take a little bit of aggravation for a lot of fun times and relaxation shortly after.

And I hear the pierogi's are to die for.

5. Lincoln Financial Field; Philadelphia, PA

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 18: Tailgater Joe Hammond sits in the rain watching the Miami Dolphins play against the Philadelphia Eagles on his make shift tv in the stadium carpark after giving away his ticket to a friends son, during the NFL game between the

Eagles fans have had a tough time over the past decade. They have had every reason to cheer, but are jaded by consistently knocking on the door and never "being let inside" so to speak. Some of their fans can be less than welcoming to fans of opposing teams.

One thing their passion brings, though, is the ability to talk about their team. They know everything about their team, and can hold a conversation about even the most obscure back-ups. Now those are some passionate fans.

One thing that makes this tailgate stand out is the authentic Philly cheese steak. If you haven't had one before you left, you haven't really partied.

4. Ralph Wilson Stadium; Buffalo, NY

The party gets kicked off here five hours before the game kicks off. That tells you something about how much Buffalo natives love to party. If that doesn't, perhaps the picture will.

A fan base that's been as deprived as Buffalos while remaining upbeat and continuing to attend games must really know how to party.

If you haven't tried authentic Buffalo wings before you've left, you really missed out on the party.

Not only is there entertainment of all varieties, from live music to games and of course the food. There's parking of all varieties, as well. For cars, buses, and even limousines, there's a place to park. This doesn't stop Bills fans from hitting all the spots in the five-hour festivity.

3. Reliant Stadium; Houston, TX

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Greg Duncan of Houston, TX holds his Texans helmet while tailgating before the NFL season opener game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald

Texas style barbecue. Need I say more? If you ever needed an excuse to party hard, how about prizes for the top tailgaters?

The "Commissioner of Tailgating" Joe Cahn listed Reliant Stadium as one of his favorite places to tailgate.

From what I hear, it's also a very family-friendly place to tailgate, so bring the kids along for a fun time for the whole family. Heck, even some Dolphins fans made the trek up and over to Houston, and they felt welcome.

Anna-Megan Raley said, "They told me that Texans fans know how to do it right in the parking lots and that they haven’t seen tailgating become such a sport at their other travel destinations."

Hopefully, the new rules on tailgating won't detract too much from the great atmosphere Texans fans create on a weekly basis.

2. Lambeau Field; Green Bay, WI

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 20: Fans tailgate in the parking lot outside of Lambeau Field prior to the game between the Green Bay Packers against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lambeau Field on September 20, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/G

It makes sense that a team that's owned by the fans is one of the best in the country for a tailgate party. The fans of this storied franchise know how to get their party on. The tailgates are so good, that nearly everyone in Green Bay goes to them. Even people who don't have tickets to the game.

Oh, and did I mention that Wisconsin is one of the top beer states in the nation?

If you're a fan of bratwurst topped with bratwurst served in a bratwurst, you will be in good company. There will be a few games you can go to without dressing overly warm (see picture) but once October rolls around, you should bring a jacket.

1. Arrowhead Stadium; Kansas City, MO

Were you scared this might not be on the list? Nope, I put it at No. 1 for a reason.

Forbes magazine said, "Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City has long been a standout because it is the barbecue capital of America, August to December. To have eaten ribs or chops here is to have participated in a great time in American culinary history."

This place has a true community feel, too. From the minute you drive in, you're welcomed with bread. The atmosphere is so great, some have even had trouble making their way into the stadium; that's how much they want to stay at the party.

And what better party to go to than one that you never want to leave?

The only drawback I've read about is that there are limited places to use the bathroom. To experience the warm community feel, and the great red meat, I'm willing to get a little crafty when nature calls.