Jacksonville Jaguars fan Eric Alexander deep fries fish while tailgating before an October game. (AP)

According to the American Tailgaters Association, the number of Americans who tailgate grows by about 3-4 percent every year. To advertisers, that increase can mean big dollars. Paul Swangard, sports marketing professor at the University of Oregon, says the stadium parking lot tailgate can be the perfect time for an advertiser to deliver a message…or a plate of sausages.

“You’re not yet focused on the game, but you’re passions are running deep,” Swangard says. “You’re excited about what’s going to happen. You haven’t been disappointed by a bad performance by your team on the field. And you’re surrounded by a community of friends.”

WFAE’s Scott Graf has our story from Charlotte.