Winn-Dixie scouts the trends for tailgating and entertaining in the South and shares GameDay VIP experience with customers

While family, friends and neighbors ring in the traditions that mark the start of football season in the South, and with great food always as the centerpiece, Winn-Dixie stores are announcing tailgating and GameDay programs to cater to the excitement and seasonal trends of local residents.

According to tailgating statistics and a survey cited by Food Manufacturing in September 2014, the average amount of money spent on a tailgate party is $122, with one-quarter of the tailgaters spending between $100 and $149 per party, and the top consumer items for a tailgate party include food (78 percent).

Winn-Dixie is listening to the wants and needs of its customers and is offering a special new price on foods to serve for big parties on a small budget. The company recently announced the launch of Lip Lickin’ Chicken, and includes the following GameDay deals:

- Lip Lickin’ Chicken for $6 – every day

• Fried 8-piece mixed, or 10-piece dark
• Baked 8-piece mixed

- GameDay Chicken – 32-piece mixed for $20 (with Rewards card)

• Fresh, hand-breaded and double-dipped-for-extra-crunch famous fried chicken

- GameDay Chicken – 48-piece wing tray for $25 (with Rewards card)

• Mix-and-match Buffalo, teriyaki, barbecue or ranch wings, with blue cheese or ranch dressing

Winn-Dixie’s new fried and baked Lip Lickin’ Chicken is recognized for being fresh – never frozen, as well as containing zero trans fats and no MSG.

With customers across Florida making plans for football season and their next tailgate spread, Winn-Dixie stores are also offering customers entries to win a GameDay VIP experience with pre-game tailgate and tickets to a Florida or Florida State home game.

“We understand how much our customers enjoy football in the South, and Winn-Dixie wants to share in that experience,” says Joey Medina, Winn-Dixie regional vice president. “We’ll continue to offer our customers quality tailgating essentials, all in one place and at a great price, with added savings and perks.”

While football fans across the South carry on many beloved and unique traditions that accompany their teams, starting a game with the best tailgate among family and friends seems to always be a part of the experience – and one thing almost all fans, even rivals, can agree on is that the pre-game can be as much fun as the real game.