The Legacy of 40 Bags Entertainment!
How 40 Bags Entertainment Was Born
Four lifelong friends (Matt, Joe, Bobby, and Phil) have stayed connected and kept up with the soul of tailgating culture for over two decades. Every football season, without fail, you could find them (nestled in a parking lot or campus field) grilling, laughing, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Their love for sports and the camaraderie that comes with tailgating brought together four guys who lived in 4 different states across the country (Florida, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and California) each year. This passion and dedication eventually led to the creation of 40 Bags Entertainment, a company that aims to make every event special.
A Tradition of Tailgating
It all started in the early 2000s when the four friends decided it would be fun to road trip and tailgate, and so it began in a field in Ames, Iowa. Armed with a small portable grill, a cooler full of drinks, and the literal tailgate of the SUV they drove up in, they set up their first tailgate. What began as a simple pre-game ritual quickly evolved, becoming a beloved tradition that grew yearly. Year after year, game after game, their tailgating setup grew more elaborate. They perfected their recipes, collected countless game day stories, and devised tailgating games.
Their tailgating prowess (a testament to shared passion and camaraderie) soon became legendary among friends and family. They were not just known for elaborate setups but also for their welcoming spirit. It wasn't long before others started joining their tailgates, captivated by the joy and sense of community. Once intimate and exclusive, these small gatherings transformed into big, festive events. The field or the parking lot became a domain, and game day became their shared holiday.
It’s About Getting Together
The four founders of 40 Bags Entertainment epitomize the essence of friendship and adventure. It wasn't just the tailgate that made this weekend special. The anticipation of just getting together would build until it was time to leave for the weekend together; they would eagerly clock out of work, fueled by the anticipation of the weekend ahead. Whether it meant catching a flight or hitting the road, their destination was always a welcoming hotel where the real magic on a Friday night happened. There, they would unwind, share stories, joke around, get lost in Cities (Des Moines has him now was the common phrase), and enjoy each other's company, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend of games and tailgating on the beloved Saturday that was to come. These cherished moments of camaraderie inspired them to create 40 Bags Entertainment, aiming to offer others the same joy about gathering and enjoying time together away from all the stresses of life. It's as if, for that weekend, nothing else mattered!
Where Did The Name Come From?
After 20+ years of tailgating, Matt, Joe, Bobby, and Phil began to see an opportunity. They noticed the process of getting together was a major chore when organizing a game day or event experience. They realized they could use their years of expertise to help others enjoy the same fun-filled game days they cherished. Thus, 40 Bags Entertainment was born, a unique venture with a unique name. The moniker '40 Bags' was a nod to their tradition of always playing the game they loved at their tailgates (bean bags), and there were 4 of them all over the age of 40. Their mission was clear: providing comprehensive event resources encompassing everything from tickets and travel to tailgating essentials. This all-in-one approach was designed to free up fans' time and energy, allowing them to fully immerse in the event and create lasting memories.
The BVDP Origin Story
One of the most iconic stories from their tailgating adventures involves a drink that has since become a staple at their gatherings. It was a freezing November game day in Ames, Iowa, when Phil combined Black Velvet whiskey with Dr. Pepper, creating a surprisingly delicious concoction that Phil was excited about. Of course, he got razzed by the three other members of 40 Bags until Phil convinced them to try it. The drink was an instant hit among the friends, and they dubbed it "BVDP" – short for Black Velvet and Dr. Pepper.
Over the years, the term "BVDP" evolved beyond just the drink. It symbolized their tailgating philosophy: Best Vibes & Daily Positivity. This mantra perfectly encapsulated their approach to life and tailgating – always bringing the best vibes and spreading positivity.
Best Vibes & Daily Positivity: The Merch Line
Inspired by BVDP's success and underlying message, the friends decided to create a product line under 40 Bags Entertainment. The Best Vibes & Daily Positivity collection features a range of merchandise, from t-shirts and hoodies to drinkware and tailgating gear. Each item is designed to capture the spirit of their event adventures and share it with fans everywhere.
Whether wearing a BVDP hoodie or sipping from a BVDP tumbler, you’re reminded to embrace the best vibes and maintain daily positivity – both on event day and in everyday life.
Join the Tradition
The group’s journey from passionate tailgaters to founders of 40 Bags Entertainment is a testament to the power of friendship, tradition, and love of joining together, forgetting about anything else going on, and just enjoying time together. Through their company, they aim to share the joy and excitement of togetherness with fans everywhere, making every special event a celebration of the Best Vibes.
So next time you’re gearing up for a game, concert, family reunion, or whatever life brings your way, remember the four friends who turned their passion into a mission to enhance memorable gatherings & experiences. And maybe, just maybe, raise a glass of BVDP in their honor.
