LA Tech Tailgating: Ford Trucks and SUVs That Make Game Day Easier
Short answer: for full LA Tech tailgating, an F-150 with available Pro Power Onboard carries the tent, chairs, grill and coolers and gives you outlets to plug into. If you’d rather tailgate out of an SUV, the Expedition’s Split Gate turns into a seat or loading platform. A Maverick handles a smaller setup with room left in the bed.
On game days in Ruston, the load is almost always the same: a pop-up tent, folding chairs, a grill and coolers. Here’s how to fit all of it, where to set up at Joe Aillet Stadium, and which Fords make it easier.
LA Tech home games left in 2026
| Date | Opponent | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|
| Sat., Oct. 10 | UL Lafayette | 6:30 p.m. |
| Sat., Oct. 24 | Old Dominion | 4:00 p.m. |
| Sat., Nov. 14 | Southern Miss | 4:00 p.m.* |
| Sat., Nov. 21 | Arkansas State | 4:00 p.m.* |
The Bulldogs also travel to Monroe to play ULM at FMOL Health | St. Francis Stadium (formerly Malone Stadium) on Oct. 17. Kickoff times are set by the Sun Belt and TV partners (*times subject to change), so confirm on latechsports.com before you plan your arrival.
Where to tailgate at Joe Aillet Stadium
- Free tailgate lots: Lots A, B and C, plus free public parking near the White Lot.
- New for 2026, single-game reserved spots: the Bone Yard behind Dr. Billy Bundrick Field and Tailgating at the Turn along the Jim Mize Track and Field Complex. LA Tech sells these as grass spots with a tent, table and chairs already set up. Call the LA Tech Ticket Office at (318) 257-3631.
- Know the rules: LA Tech’s game day guide prohibits open wood fires and campfires, and asks that tables, chairs, grills and canopies stay out of access lanes. Take canopies down if the wind picks up. Check LA Tech’s current Game Day Guide for lot opening times and anything else before you go.
Match the vehicle to your setup
| Your tailgate | Ford to look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Full setup: tent, grill, two or three coolers, TV or speaker | F-150 | Bed up to 97.6 in. long, available Pro Power Onboard outlets |
| Family crew, everyone rides together | Expedition or Expedition MAX | Split Gate seat/platform, up to 37.4 cu ft behind the third row (MAX) |
| Small group: chairs, one cooler, a portable grill | Maverick | 54.4-in. FLEXBED with pre-wired 12-volt connections |
| Mid-size truck, outlet in the bed | Ranger | Up to 400 W from the in-bed outlet |
| Three rows, daily driver | Explorer | 16.3 cu ft behind the third row, up to 85.8 cu ft max |
| Compact SUV, evening kickoffs | Bronco Sport | Available liftgate floodlights, built-in bottle opener, up to 32.5 cu ft behind row two (1.5L) |
F-150: the full-tailgate truck
The F-150 comes with three bed lengths: 5.5 ft (67.1 in.), 6.5 ft (78.9 in.) and 8 ft (97.6 in.), so there’s room for a pop-up tent, folding table, chairs, a grill and coolers, especially in the longer beds. Available Pro Power Onboard delivers 2 kW of power through outlets in the bed. Ford says the F-150 Platinum Plus gets 7.2 kW as standard, and 7.2 kW is also available with every hybrid powertrain. That’s enough to plug in lights, a speaker or a slow cooker without bringing a separate generator. Check LA Tech’s rules on running engines or generators in the lot before you plan around it.
Two more features earn their keep on game day. The available Pro Access Tailgate drops like a normal tailgate or swings out 100 degrees, putting you up to 19 inches closer to coolers at the front of the bed. And with the available Interior Work Surface, the shifter folds flat and the center console opens into a flat table inside the cab, handy for a laptop or a plate if the weather turns.
See F-150s in stock at Jim Taylor Ford
Expedition: tailgate out of the back of an SUV
The Expedition’s Split Gate opens as an upper and lower gate. Ford rates the lower gate as a tailgate seat or loading platform with a 500-lb capacity, and the available Cargo Tailgate Manager works as a backrest, shelf or table rated for 35 lbs. Behind the third row, the standard Expedition has 22.9 cu ft and the Expedition MAX has 37.4 cu ft. Fold the third row and it’s 69.9 or 84.5 cu ft, enough for chairs and coolers while everyone rides in comfort.
Maverick: the smaller setup, with room to spare
The Maverick’s bed measures 54.4 inches from the cab to the tailgate. The FLEXBED system has two standard pre-wired 12-volt connections and room to add your own cargo setup, and the tailgate can lock in a partly open position to carry longer items like a folded table. An available Pro Power Onboard 110-volt outlet adds a plug in the bed. The 2.5L hybrid comes standard on XL, XLT and Lariat, which is a plus if you drive in from Monroe or Shreveport for the game.
Packing tips for game day
- Load in reverse. Tent and table go in last so they come out first. Coolers go against the cab, where they’re easiest to strap down.
- Strap it down. A pop-up tent and folding chairs can shift in the bed on the drive over. Ratchet straps or a cargo net keep them in place.
- Bring weights for the tent. If you can’t stake into the ground, water jugs or sandbags on each leg keep the canopy from catching the wind.
- Plan for a late pack-up. After the 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 game, you’ll be loading in the dark. A headlamp or bed lighting makes it much easier.
We’re open Saturdays (closed Sundays) and often work late. Call (318) 255-2590, browse new inventory, or apply for credit online. If your day runs long, ask about a late-day delivery. For a different kind of workday, see our guide to Fords for healthcare, shift and campus work.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I tailgate for free at LA Tech?
According to LA Tech, Tailgate Lots A, B and C are free, and there’s free public parking near the White Lot. LA Tech also sells single-game reserved spots at the Bone Yard and Tailgating at the Turn.
Can I power a TV or slow cooker from my truck?
An F-150 with available Pro Power Onboard delivers 2 kW, with 7.2 kW standard on Platinum Plus and available on hybrid models. A Ranger’s in-bed outlet provides up to 400 W. Check LA Tech’s lot rules before running power for hours.
Which Ford SUV works well for tailgating?
The Expedition is a strong fit: its Split Gate lower gate works as a seat or loading platform that Ford rates at 500 lbs.
When is the next LA Tech home game?
Saturday, Oct. 10 against UL Lafayette, kickoff 6:30 p.m. at Joe Aillet Stadium.
Specifications from ford.com as of October 2026. Equipment, capacities and power output vary by trim, engine and model year, and some features are optional. Schedule and tailgating information from LA Tech Athletics as of October 2026 and subject to change.
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