How to tailgate in the cold for Springsteen

Tailgating and parking-lot culture are big parts of the Bruce Springsteen Experience.

But that was an easier prospect when he stopped by Citizens Bank Park in 2012, and the summer sun was still shining. Now, we're in the dark days of February, and the idea of standing outside sipping a beer and chatting it up with your fellow Springsteen fan is considerably less appealing than when it was 75 degrees and sunny. Eagles fans may know what they're doing when it comes to hanging in a freezing-cold parking lot before a show, but not all Springsteen fans may be as in the know.

For pointers, we consulted noted winter tailgater Mayor Kenney. He gave us the best, if not most obvious, suggestion: Dress warmly.

Add long underwear to the mix, or no? We say no: It'll get too hot once you're in the arena. Layers are key: As cold as it is outside, it'll be that toasty inside, and no one paid to smell you.

What else?

The Wells Fargo Center lot can be particularly brutal, says cold-weather-tailgating vet Bill Binder, 52. "I don't know if I'm an expert, but I've been doing it for 29 years," the Wilmington resident said. We think that qualifies him as an expert.

"It's a wind tunnel down there, so it always just seems to feel colder," Binder said. "If you can find a way to block the wind, that always helps you feel a lot warmer." Binder suggests parking in specific spots behind structures (or perhaps big cars or RVs) that will stop the wind from taking you down.

Next up, there's some equipment to pick up on the way. Food, and the wherewithal to prepare it, is a must. Binder powers his slow-cooker-made chili with a portable power converter hooked up to his car's cigarette lighter socket (like the AC Anywhere by Belkin that you can pick up on the way to the show at the South Philadelphia Target for $39.99).

While picking up equipment, though, don't forget the hand warmers, those little packs of self-heated goodness that will run you a little more than a dollar per pack. Pro tip from "lot lizard" Donna D'Ambrosio: Put them in boots and gloves to keep your extremities toasty.

D'Ambrosio also has a tip for the ladies: When it comes time to hit up the portable potties, go before it's an emergency. There's always a line, and there's nothing worse than standing in the cold in that kind of need.

She also suggests bringing along activities that will get you up and moving. It's Philadelphia, so someone is bound have a cornhole game, a.k.a. a beanbag toss, and even that little movement will get the blood pumping. Better yet, go make friends with other tailgaters.

When it's time to actually go into the show, though, leave the coat in the car. All those warm bodies mean the Wells Fargo Center will heat up quickly, and once you get inside, you won't want to deal with the puffiness of your coat.

- Molly Eichel