When it comes to American traditions, it doesn’t get much better than game day. Some of the best parts about the fall season and its arrival are cooler weather, the leaves changing colors and the return of football.
Whether you enjoy local high school games, spending the weekends at your alma mater or watching your kid’s first home game – maybe even all three! – you may be gearing up to plan a football tailgate this season.
While many of us will host game day watch parties, the diehards are not sitting in front of the television – they’re tailgating. So, how do you tailgate at a football game?
For some people, it’s a “go big or go home” type of day with top-tier setups of grills, Crock-Pots and warming trays. For others, it’s a lighter pregame gathering with takeout meals and a Yeti cooler of drinks. Whatever the day brings, the most crucial detail is getting there.
Considering how modern stadiums rival amusement parks in size and parking spaces, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly pregame before you load up the truck or SUV and head to the event. You can never be too prepared, so pack your car with extra bags of ice, first-aid gear, sunblock and be ready for anything. Keep reading for 10 tips to help you enjoy your next game day.
Planning your tailgate party
The attached checklist and a plan following the 10 tailgate tips below can help ensure a FANtastic time at your next football game.
1. Find your spot
Selecting the ideal spot helps you secure a tailgating home-field advantage. Try arriving early (when the gates open) to get a prime location.
2. Setting up your tailgate space
An organized tailgate area is essential to a winning tailgate party. Before guests arrive, make sure everything is in its place. A well-planned setup will keep the party running smoothly and prevent any last-minute scrambles.
Strategically set up the grill
As you set up the grill, pay attention to how the wind blows. You don’t want BBQ smoke blowing in your guests’ faces and causing a neutral zone infraction.
Use a pop-up canopy
Pitch play. Make sure you’re covered in case of rain, hot sun, falling leaves or snow with a pop-up canopy protecting your tables of tasty food. And pack enough portable chairs for all the guests at your party.
3. Preplan your tailgate menu
How do you spell a successful tailgate party? F-O-O-D! Preplan your pregame menu, including prepping any meats you’ll be grilling. The same goes for baked and slow-cooker recipes that may need extra time. Don’t be afraid to attempt trick plays (new recipes) that could be a huge hit. Avoid the delay of game penalties by stocking up on your ingredients and necessities a few days before game day. Nothing slows down gaining positive yardages like rushing into a grocery store to pick up condiments, napkins, plasticware or disposable cups. You certainly don’t want to be late to the pregame, let alone the game itself.
Delicious tailgate food ideas
According to Southern Living, which offers a list of “50 tasty tailgate recipes,” a few of the favorite food items at a tailgate include:
- Breakfast tacos
- Hot dogs, brats, corn dogs
- Brownies, cookies
- Chips and dips
- Sliders
- Baby back ribs
- Chicken wings
4. Must-have tailgating supplies
As a tailgating player, you want to check that you have all your necessary equipment on hand. Be sure to load up things you’ll need, such as:
- Canopies
- Grills
- Coolers
- Umbrellas and rain cover-ups
- Bug spray
- Plates and utensils
Pack power bars
From TVs to speakers that help crank up the jams to portable charging devices for all your phones, you’ll be glad you’ve packed them all to keep the good times going. Also, organize your emergency car care kit to prepare and help fellow fans if needed.
Tailgating games and activities
It’s always fun to have games to play BEFORE the game, so pack a football, frisbee, cornhole set or other favorite to pass the time while tailgating.
5. Dress for your team’s success
Support your team by sporting your favorite season-friendly foam fingers, blankets, T-shirts, sweatshirts, temporary tattoos, stickers, jerseys, face paint and more. Take your game to the next level by bringing enough face paint to share and add a painting party to your tailgate experience. Don’t forget to order your game day uniform attire early so it arrives long before the start of the season.
6. Stock up on ice
Keep your cool — running out of ice calls for a flag on the play. Make sure you have plenty of the cold stuff for your cold stuff and lots of more relaxed space. An extra cooler or two never hurt, either.
7. Have a clean and responsible tailgate
Keeping your designated area neat and clean is key to executing a tidy tailgate. You may not be near a garbage can in the stadium lot where you are tailgating, and you want to clean up properly before heading out and avoid equipment violations. Make sure you have:
- Plenty of trash bags
- Wet wipes and paper towels
- Hand sanitizer
8. Promote friendly conduct – no unsportsmanlike behavior
Game day tailgates can be fun and get you pumped for the game. Steer clear of unsportsmanlike conduct by sharing your spirit, being friendly and meeting your neighboring tailgaters.
9. Follow stadium drink regulations
In terms of beverages, play by the stadium rules. Know if there are any restrictions on alcoholic drinks or glassware in your tailgating zone. Glass bottles may be prohibited, so opt for cans or plastic containers to hold your liquid refreshment.
10. Final tips for prepping for the tailgate party
- Have a checklist ready. (Maybe use our handy checklist we’ve pulled together here.)
- Be mindful of the weather.
- If you have an electric vehicle, ensure your electric vehicle is fully charged before heading out.
- Load up what you can (chairs, tents, blankets) the night before.
The Ultimate Tailgate Party Checklist
Huddle up before you head to the stadium and review your destination’s tailgating guidelines. You may discover too late that grilling over an open flame or using a deep fryer is prohibited. Checking ahead also applies to bag policies for entering the stadium. Many insist on clear bags and clutches or prohibit purses altogether.
