Welcome to the Tailgate Royal Family!
If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that sports have always been at the center of my life.
Growing up, my dad was a high school football coach, so some of my earliest memories were made on the sidelines, in the stands, and surrounded by a community that rallied around its team. As I got older, that love for sports only grew. I attended LSU, my middle sister, Katy, attended the University of Arkansas, and the baby of the family, Izzy, is at Ole Miss—so a little friendly rivalry is simply part of our family!
Sports have also shaped my career. Before creating Tailgate Royal, I had the opportunity to work in athletics and experience firsthand the passion, tradition, and excitement that make game day unlike anything else. My grandparents have also been heavily involved with Arkansas Razorback athletics, making sports and supporting our teams a tradition woven throughout generations of our family.
The story of Tailgate Royal began during a snowstorm in 2025. While snowed in at my Mimi's, she and I decided to make a few jackets using iron-on patches for family friends. What started as a fun project around the house quickly became something much bigger. Soon, I was creating jackets for the wives of Arkansas head coaches and donating custom pieces to charity auctions.
With every jacket, I fell more in love with the process—not only of creating something unique, but also of seeing each piece become part of someone else’s game day memories. What began at my Mimi’s kitchen table slowly grew into the dream that is now Tailgate Royal.
Some of my favorite sports memories have very little to do with the final score. They’re the early mornings on the road, the tailgates with family and friends, the excitement before the first whistle, pitch, serve, or tip-off, and the traditions that bring everyone together season after season.
That’s why I created Tailgate Royal.
Every handcrafted jacket and custom piece is designed to celebrate more than just a team. It’s created to celebrate your traditions, your memories, and the people you share them with. Whether you’re headed to the stadium, the ballpark, the arena, the gym, or the sidelines, I hope your Tailgate Royal piece becomes part of the moments you’ll remember for years to come.
Thank you for supporting my dream and allowing me to be a small part of your family’s traditions. I’m so grateful you’re here, and I’m honored to welcome you to the Tailgate Royal family.
See you on game day!
— Gracen