Tailgate Community

As you already know, I was at the Broncos-Colts game in Denver last Sunday. So my friend who got me the tickets -- his dad has been a season ticket holder since 1968. So that means his tailgating spot is awesome! Right next to the stadium! So we had a great time -- had some beer, brats, and soup (it was rather cold on Sunday) and just stood around talking. At the end of the game, we all met up again -- usually they meet for another round of beers before heading home, but this Sunday it was too cold, so we just met, talked about the game for a couple minutes, talked about next week and then we said our goodbyes. Here's what got me -- upon leaving all the women (in their 50's and 60's) gave me hugs and said it was nice to meet me, hope I can come out again when it's not so cold, etc. The guys all shook my hand and said much the same stuff, and I walked away thinking that these people really liked me -- they liked just getting to know me. Ya know, I've been raised in churches my whole life, and I can guarantee that I've never felt so welcome as I did by this group of tailgaters. So, was it the beer that contributed to such community? Or maybe something else? Maybe there's something to learn from the tailgaters -- that they just accept you because you're the friend of someone they know, so that must mean you're okay. Maybe because they don't have an agenda (e.g. to convert you) they can just be glad to make your acquaintance. I don't know what exactly it is, but it's something I admire. Thoughts?