CultureMap is making final preparations for The Tailgate presented by Verizon, our all-out celebration of Austin sports and the fans who cheer for them. Taking place at Distribution Hall on December 12, it will be an evening of food and fun that combines the best parts of tailgating with the cool vibe readers have come to expect of a CultureMap event.

Attendees who treat themselves to VIP tickets will get a variety of perks, including early access to the event, valet parking, and a dedicated VIP bar. As a special bonus, they'll also get a personal meet-and-greet with University of Texas football icon Vince Young.

Young is widely celebrated for his tenure as a quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, from 2002-2005, and regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NCAA history. He earned the prestigious Davey O'Brien Award, finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, and led the Longhorns to a thrilling BCS National Championship victory over USC at the 2006 Rose Bowl. Texas retired Young’s jersey in 2008, and he went on to be a star quarterback in the NFL for six seasons.

According to Sporting News, Young spends much of his time in retirement on the golf course, hanging out at his Vince Young Steakhouse in Austin, and supporting his alma mater by attending UT Longhorns' games and practices.

Attendees of The Tailgate will enjoy a range of experiences showcasing local sports and local food. Some of Austin's hottest restaurants will be serving game day-inspired bites, including Golden Hour, Phoebe's Diner, Honey Moon Spirit Lounge, Industry East Side, The Loren Hotel Austin / Nido, Postino, The Dirdie Birdie, Victory Lap, Thunder Chief, and Ramen Tatsu-Ya.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite wings in our bracket-style Ultimate Wing Showdown; the winner will be announced at the event.

Attendees can expect more revelry, games, and prizes courtesy of our event sponsors and local vendors, including Verizon, HOWDY, EIGHT Beer, Houston Powder Coaters, and more.

Verizon and CultureMap are even giving away a VIP trip for two to Super Bowl LIX*. More details on how to enter here for a chance to win. To get into the spirit, Verizon and their Super Bowl bus will host a special appearance from a surprise celebrity athlete at Tailgate. (Who will it be??? Such suspense!)

Read more about The Tailgate here, and follow all the details in our special editorial series.

Tickets for The Tailgate are $75 for VIP and $50 for general admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $15 off all tickets; use code VINCE at checkout. Get your tickets now.

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The Tailgate is presented by Verizon and sponsored by HOWDY, Houston Powder Coaters, EIGHT Beer, and more to be announced.

*The NFL Entities shall have no liability or responsibility for any claim arising in connection with participation in this sweepstakes or any prize awarded. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored this sweepstakes in any way.