Tailgate FAQ

High Hopes’ number one priority is the safety of our guests, staff, and event vendors at the Big Barn Tailgate.

High Hopes’ number one priority is the safety of our guests, staff, and event vendors at the Big Barn Tailgate. All State and CDC guidelines and recommendations related to Covid-19 will be strictly adhered to. We ask our extended High Hopes family to support us as we create a safe and fun event during this unprecedented time. The FAQ will be updated as more information becomes available.

Will I need a cellphone at the Tailgate?

Absolutely! The auction will be conducted on the mobile bidding platform GiveSmart (same as 2019 and 2020.) Guests will be provided links to shop the auction up to one week before the event, and the auction will close the night of the event at 11 PM. Additionally, we will utilize texting to communicate periodically with our guests about important event updates.

Will I need to register for the event?

All event attendees will need to register.

I’m interested in putting together a VIP pod, what does this include?

A VIP pod includes parking for up to two cars with an adjacent pod for your tailgate, a private table and chairs for up to ten guests, individual charcuterie, Cremante with chocolate covered strawberries, gourmet boxed dinners with dessert, beverage service and a beautiful table-scape including linens, a flower arrangement, plates and utensils.

How much is a VIP ticket?

VIP tickets are $200 per person.

How many guests are allowed in a VIP pod?

VIP pods need to have a minimum of 4 people with a maximum of 10.

How big is a VIP pod?

A VIP pod is 40×20 for 2 cars with 5 – 10 guests and 20×20 for 4 guests.

Do I need to provide anything if I have a VIP ticket?

Just your dancing shoes and your cell phone! Please bring yourself and let High Hopes do all the work.

I am a corporate partner. Do I have VIP or General Admission tickets?

Event, Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby Partners all receive a pre-determined number of VIP tickets. Pearl Partners receive General Admission tickets.

What if I am a Pearl Partner but wish to upgrade to VIP?

Pearl Partners may upgrade for $100 per person. Please contact Sara Qua at (860) 434-1974 ext. 122 or squa@highhopestr.org to upgrade.

I am a Sapphire or Ruby Partner and wish to add more guests to my VIP table?

In appreciation for your support, High Hopes is offering your additional guests a reduced ticket price of $175 per person. Please note VIP pods need to have a minimum of 4 guests.

Some of my VIP guests wish to drive their own cars exceeding the two car per pod policy. What can I do?

While High Hopes encourages carpooling, we understand this may not always be feasible. Off-site parking will be on a first come, first served basis and subject to availability. Please contact Sara Qua at (860) 434-1974 ext. 122 or squa@highhopestr.org to make special arrangements for parking outside the Tailgate area.

What does a General Admission ticket provide?

General Admission tickets receive parking for one car and an adjacent pod for your tailgate for a maximum of 4 guests, a gourmet boxed dinner with dessert, and a cocktail kit.

How much are General Admission tickets?

General Admission tickets for the car and driver are $125 and each additional guest is $100.

How many people can be in my General Admission pod?

A maximum of 5 guests.

How big is my General Admission pod?

General Admission pods are 20×20. This allows for parking for one car and a tailgate area.

I’d like to combine my General Admission pod with another pod, can I?

As of May 19th State guidelines for gathering will be lifted, but High Hopes remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our guests. High Hopes will adhere to CDC recommendations. Two pods may join for a maximum of ten guests.

How can I arrange to be with another pod in General Admission?

General Admission pods will be assigned in advance and two pods may request to join. We ask that pods wishing to join each other meet off-site, if possible, to follow each other into the grounds to maintain traffic flow and ease of parking. Please let parking attendants know that you wish to join pods.

What should I bring if I have a General Admission ticket?

Bring your best tailgate accessories! Picnic chairs and tables, flowers, hors d’oeuvres — you name it! Prizes for the best tailgate will be awarded.

Do I need to wear a mask in my pod?

Guests may take masks off while in their pod. We do ask that masks are worn and social distancing maintained in public areas including the restroom trailer. Masks and hand sanitizer will be provided for guests in the dinner bags.

What will be served for dinner?

Coffee’s Country Market will be providing gourmet boxed dinners with sriracha honey fried chicken, kale salad, biscuit with honey butter, and brownie bites for dessert

What can I expect for beverage service?

When arriving at the Tailgate, guests will receive their gourmet boxed dinner and beverage kit. At the time tickets are purchased, guests will be able to choose if they would like a bottle of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc, six pack of Harpoon IPA or white ale, Pelligrino sparkling water, or vodka, seltzer with limes and lemons. Bottled water will be provided with the boxed dinners, and there will be bottled water service throughout the evening.

Will I be able to use public restrooms at the event?

Yes, High Hopes has rented a restroom trailer located at the western end of the outdoor arena. Bathrooms will have a full-time attendant and sanitized often during the event. Please wear masks when walking to the restroom and while using the restroom.

Will I be able to socialize with other guests attending the event?

Yes, but masks must be worn if social distancing of 6’ can’t be maintained. Additionally, we ask that guests be mindful of other guests’ personal space and wishes in regards to socializing during this unprecedented time.

What do I do with the trash in my pod?

Guests will receive trash bags with their dinner swag bag sponsored by Carefree Boat Club – Southern CT. The dinner bag will include your gourmet boxed dinner with dessert, utensils, a water bottle, High Hopes branded mask and hand sanitizer sponsored by Dominion Energy. We ask guests to assist us by putting trash in the bags provided, and staff will be around to collect it throughout the event.

I heard this is a rain or shine event, what happens if it rains?

A little rain never hurt anyone! But seriously, if there is heavy rain the plan is to move the event into our indoor arena for our VIP guests, with socially-distanced tables. State and CDC guidelines and recommendations related to COVID-19 will be strictly adhered to. Masks will need to be worn when guests are not seated at their table or in any public Tailgate area. The large barn doors will remain open for proper ventilation. General Admission guests will receive a gourmet dinner with dessert, a cocktail kit, and livestream access to the event. We encourage our General Admission guests to provide updates and send photographs we may share from their tailgates

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