Tariffs Crash the Tailgate: Kalamazoo Fans Gather to Talk Rising Game-Day Costs

On Saturday, Michigan Families for Fair Care hosted a community tailgate at Western Michigan University ahead of the Broncos’ matchup with Boise State. Fans, students and Kalamazoo-area residents stopped by to share food with their neighbors and learn how tariffs have driven up the cost of game-day staples, from grills and coolers to the burgers, snacks and drinks that fill them.

Tailgating is a fall tradition for students, alumni and families across Michigan’s 4th Congressional District, but hosting one costs more than it used to. As tariffs push up prices on groceries and everyday goods, local families are paying more for the same supplies they pick up every football season, on top of already tight household budgets. Congress has yet to take meaningful action to combat costs, with Kalamazoo’s Congressman Bill Huizenga voting in support of tariffs. Attendees learned how tariffs have raised food prices and swapped stories about how rising costs have changed the way they shop, cook and celebrate.

“I work in manufacturing, so I’m putting in long days all week. When the weekend comes, I like to fire up the grill and cut loose at a tailgate. That’s something I look forward to. But tariffs are making all of it cost more. Groceries cost more. Grills cost more. It’s ridiculous.” said MI-04 resident Bob.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees enjoyed food and drinks, connected with neighbors and left with a clearer picture of how tariffs are showing up in their weekly grocery bills. The event was part of Michigan Families for Fair Care’s ongoing work to help families across the district understand the economic issues affecting their daily lives.