Mahjong is the new tailgate game taking over college football for women — and even at home with head coaches

Mahjong Is Finding a New Audience on College Football Tailgates

By Maine News Now

A game that has traditionally been played in quiet rooms or at family gatherings is now popping up in the most unlikely of places: the tailgates of some of the country’s biggest college football stadiums. In the last few months, the tile‑based game of Mahjong has moved from the kitchen tables of Southern women to the tents and folding tables at LSU, Alabama, and other university tailgates, drawing both male and female fans into its colorful and competitive mix.

The trend first caught the attention of a Maine‑based sports reporter—an unnamed journalist who had long written about college athletics—during the opening weekend of the 2024 football season. While walking to LSU’s Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, the reporter spotted four women huddled over a Mahjong set in the midst of pre‑game cheers, a sight that was “surprisingly” different from the usual pre‑game drinking and chatter.

“It’s not a new recipe, it’s not a new table design, it’s Mahjong,” the reporter said. “I wasn’t expecting to see it at a football game, but there it was.”

The game has also been spotted at other tailgates, including those of Ole Miss, Alabama, and Indiana, according to the reporter’s observations. While the reporter has not personally seen the game played at all of those venues, the presence of Mahjong tables in several stadiums suggests the trend is spreading across college football.

Mahjong: The Basics

Mahjong is a tile‑based game that originated in China in the late 19th century. Players use a set of 144 tiles, divided into suits and honors, to create winning combinations. In North America, the game has largely been popular among older women and the Chinese American community, but the latest trend shows it is gaining traction among a broader demographic.

The game can be played casually or competitively. Players often use a specialized mat for play, and many sets include travel cases and extra tiles for game‑night convenience. Sets can vary widely in price, with some specialty editions—such as a “Grateful Dead” set—retailing more than $400. The reporter visited a store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where a colorful set of that brand was displayed and noted the price.

The Tuscaloosa Mahjong Parlor

The reporter’s first in‑person look at a Mahjong business came during a weekend trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The parlor, run by Heather Fikes and her husband Steve, sells a variety of Mahjong equipment, including sets, mats, and travel cases. According to Fikes, the store offers a “beautiful area designed just to sell the game known as Mahjong.”

During a 45‑minute conversation with Fikes, the reporter learned that Mahjong can serve as a “way for women to gather within their communities to either let off some steam, congregate to share details of their life, or actually get into the competitive spirit.” Steve echoed this sentiment, comparing the game to poker for men in terms of social function: “It’s a way for us to relax and unwind, and we end up getting a bit competitive.”

The reporter noted that the game is “not cheap” and that some people turn to “hookups” or cheaper sources for a similar experience. However, many players prefer the authenticity and quality of a legitimate set.

Coaches Get Involved

To gauge the depth of Mahjong’s reach into college football culture, the reporter contacted a group of head coaches from several conferences. In a two‑day outreach to ten coaches, six responded that they had played Mahjong at least once, and five reported playing on a monthly basis. The coaches were asked to keep their identities confidential, and the reporter only released the quotes.

“I use it as a way to relax, but unfortunately this damn game is addicting,” said one coach from a Power‑Four conference. “I get home from the office and play a few rounds with my girls and wife. I did win a round last month, though.”

Another coach from a different conference said, “I probably play at least once every two weeks. When you sit down at the table with all those tiles, I was lost for the first couple of weeks. I’ve got my wife over here talking smack, and then I get it from my sister. If I come home and she has friends over, I like to get at least one game in before heading upstairs. If you’re going to play, you better lock in, because they don’t cut you any slack after a few practice rounds.”

A third coach added, “I’m so confused most of the time, but it also gives me something that allows me to spend some extra time with my daughters. I’ve been watching tutorials online.”

The coaches’ responses illustrate that Mahjong is more than a niche pastime; it can serve as a social outlet for the families of coaches and their staff, and it is being integrated into the broader culture surrounding college football.

Why Mahjong?

While the exact reasons for Mahjong’s spread to college tailgates remain unclear, several factors appear to be at work. First, the game’s social nature encourages group play, which fits well with the communal atmosphere of tailgates. Second, the colorful and tactile tiles provide a visual and sensory appeal that is distinct from the typical poker or card games. Finally, the game’s growing availability—both in retail stores and through online tutorials—makes it easier for newcomers to pick up.

The trend also reflects a larger movement toward more diverse social activities at sporting events. As fans look for new ways to engage with each other before games, Mahjong offers a low‑barrier, low‑risk, yet highly engaging option.

The Future of the Trend

At this point, the trend is still in its early stages, but it shows that college football tailgates are becoming more inclusive of activities beyond food, drink, and football talk. Whether Mahjong will become a staple at every game remains to be seen, but its presence at multiple stadiums suggests that it has found a foothold.

As one of the reporters’ sources noted, “We’re not talking about a new food trend. We’re talking about a game that brings people together.” The growing popularity of Mahjong at college football events may signal that fans are seeking new forms of entertainment that combine competition, community, and cultural novelty.

For now, tailgaters at LSU, Alabama, and other universities have an additional pastime to consider as they gear up for the football season. Whether you’re a seasoned mahjong master or a curious newcomer, the game’s colorful tiles and friendly competition offer a unique way to relax and bond with friends—both old and new—before the kickoff.