Forget the nosebleed seats—the real action happens in the parking lot before kickoff! We've got the ultimate list of tailgating essentials to help you elevate your pre-game festivities from meh to legendary.
Top Tailgate Essentials for Football Season and Beyond
Anyone can grill a hot dog, but if you want to elevate your tailgate from basic to legendary, you've got to bring more to the table—literally. Ready to transform your pre-game party into something you'll still be talking about at the office on Monday? Here's what you need in your arsenal.
Grilling and Food Supplies
The grill is the heart of any tailgating experience. When choosing your grill, make sure to get something that is easy to transport and set up. Gas grills heat up quickly and are perfect for getting the food going quickly. But if you're after that irresistible smoky flavor, charcoal grills are the way to go.
Now, gather up the following:
- Fuel Supply: Bring along plenty of propane or charcoal. Running out mid-grill is a rookie mistake!
- Grilling Tools: Pack tongs, a spatula, a grill brush, and heat-resistant gloves.
- Meats and Veggies: Burgers, hot dogs, ribs, chicken wings, veggie skewers—you name it.
- Marinades and Seasonings: Bring your secret spice rubs and sauces to amp up the flavor.
- Side Dishes: Think potato salad, coleslaw, chips and dip, and fruit trays. If you really want to step up your game, check out these tailgate recipes from Food Network.
- Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, hot sauce—cover all your bases.
- Utensils and Plates: Whether you choose disposable or reusable, make sure you have enough forks, knives, spoons, plates, and napkins.
- Aluminum Foil and Ziplock Bags: Handy for grilling veggies and storing leftovers.
- Food Thermometer: Safety first—make sure your meats are cooked to perfection.
- Cooler: Believe it or not, your cooler can actually be used as a “warmer” and is a great solution to keeping food fresh when it comes off the grill! Just wrap the food in aluminum foil and toss it in the cooler to keep it warm for hours.
Pro Tip: Marinate your meats the night before and store them in your cooler to let the flavors really sink in. Be sure to keep raw meats in sealed containers or bags and place them at the bottom of the cooler to avoid any leaks.
Coolers and Beverages
What's a tailgate without ice-cold drinks to keep the party buzzing? Whether you're a fan of craft beers, sodas, or a special game-day punch, having a well-stocked cooler is key to a successful tailgate party.
- Cooler: Keep your drinks cool all day long with a durable, ice chest cooler that offers excellent ice retention.
- Ice and Ice Packs: Ice packs are convenient and handy. Plus, they cut down on the water mess from melted ice.
- Beverages: Include plenty of options, from beers to sodas and water bottles, and maybe some juice boxes if you're bringing the kiddos along.
- Bottle Opener and Corkscrew: Essential for beers and wines.
- Koozies: Keep those drinks cold and hands warm.
Pro Tip: If you want to avoid the post-Sunday night football hangover, throw in some non-alcoholic beers. The industry is on the rise, and you'd be surprised how many great N/A craft beer options are out there! If you're an IPA fan, check out Athletic Brewing's Run Wild IPA. You won't regret it!
Seating and Shade
Don't underestimate the power of a comfy chair and some shade at your tailgate extravaganza. Comfort is key when you're hanging out in a parking lot for hours.
- Folding Chairs: Bring enough comfortable seating for your crew and a few extras for new friends. Bonus points if they include cup holders for your drinks!
- Pop-Up Canopy or Tent: Provide shade and shelter from unexpected rain showers or weather changes.
- Blankets or Portable Stadium Seats: Great for extra seating or if it gets chilly.
- Portable Tables: For food setup, games, or a makeshift bar.
Pro Tip: Use weights or tie-downs for your canopy—nothing kills the vibe like chasing your tent across the lot.
Entertainment and Games
Games are must-haves for a day of tailgate parties. Keep the energy high and the competitive spirit alive even before kickoff.
- TV: In case one game just isn’t enough, you can watch all the others playing that day leading up to the game that really matters - your team’s, of course!
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Blast your team's anthem or get your favorite playlist going.
- Corn hole Set: Or "bags set," depending on where you're from. Either way, it's a tailgate classic that never gets old.
- Beer Pong Table: Relive your college glory days—without the student loans.
- Ladder Toss: Also known as "Hillbilly Golf," it's easy to play but hard to master.
- Football: Tossing a pigskin around is a time-honored tradition of the tailgating experience.
Pro Tip: Use collapsible bins or bags to transport your games and for easy storage. It makes setup and takedown quicker, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Tailgate Decorations
They say go big or go home, and we’re definitely not going home! Show off your team spirit loud and proud with some fun decor.
- Team Flags and Banners: Because you have to let everyone know who you're rooting for.
- Tablecloths and Decor: In your team's colors, of course.
- Team Jerseys and Apparel: Cheese hats, Viking helmets, rally towels...whatever your thing is, show it off proudly.
- Face Paint and Temporary Tattoos: Get creative and show off your team pride.
- Car Decorations: Magnets, decals, or window markers to deck out your ride.
Safety and First Aid
While these may not be the most exciting items to add to your tailgate party list, safety items still top the list of essential gear you don't want to forget. After all, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
- Fire Extinguisher: A must if you're grilling.
- First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Always protect yourself from the sun.
- Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes: For quick clean-ups before eating.
- Bug Spray: Especially for early-season games.
- Umbrellas or Rain Ponchos: Weather can be unpredictable.
Cleanup and Waste Management
A true fan leaves nothing behind but good vibes and maybe some victorious high-fives. So be sure to leave the place as clean as you found it—or cleaner.
- Trash Bags: Bring extra for recyclables and general waste.
- Paper Towels and Napkins: For spills and messes.
- Broom and Dustpan: Quick way to tidy up before heading into the game.
- Handheld Vacuum: For the neat freaks among us.
Packing and Organization Tips
Stay organized so you can focus on the fun with these packing and organizing hacks.
- Checklists: Save a list (like this one!) to ensure nothing is forgotten.
- Storage Bins: Use labeled bins for different categories like cooking gear, games, and decorations.
- Cooler Dividers: Keep food and drinks separate. No one wants soggy sandwich buns because the ice melted all over them.
- Rolling Cart or Wagon: For easy transport from your car to the tailgate spot. Trust us, your arms will thank you when you're not making ten trips back and forth.
- Ziplock Bags: For leftovers or storing small items.
- Label Everything: If you're tailgating with a group, label your gear with your name. This prevents mix-ups and makes packing up easier when the party winds down.
- Protect Your Gear: Use waterproof covers or bags for items that shouldn't get wet. Weather can be unpredictable, and a sudden shower shouldn't dampen your spirits—or ruin your equipment.
- Bring Extra Bags: Toss in a few extra reusable shopping bags or totes. They're great for unexpected needs, like packing up surprise leftovers or carrying new swag you pick up.
Pro Tip: Pack your vehicle in reverse order of how you'll need things—grill and canopy come out first, so pack them last.
Tailgating Etiquette: Keep the Good Times Rolling Smoothly
Tailgating is all about celebrating—good food, great friends, and team spirit. But with so many fans packed into one place, a little courtesy goes a long way. To make sure everyone has a blast (and your tailgate becomes legendary for all the right reasons), here are some etiquette tips to keep in mind.
- Stay Within Your Space: Avoid spreading out so much that you're encroaching on neighboring tailgaters. This includes grills, games, and tents.
- Good Sportsmanship: Friendly banter is part of the fun, but keep it light. Avoid trash talk that could escalate into something more than just pre-game ribbing.
- Leave No Trace: Bring plenty of trash bags and make sure all your garbage finds its way into them—not the parking lot. Mother Nature (and the stadium staff) will thank you.
- Know Before You Go: Different stadiums have different regulations on things like open flames, alcohol consumption, bag policies, and noise levels. Check the guidelines ahead of time to avoid any game-day surprises.
- Alcohol Etiquette: If you're serving alcohol, make sure everyone is of legal drinking age. Also, be aware of open container laws and drink responsibly—nobody wants their tailgate shut down early.
- Grill with Care: Keep a safe zone around the grill to prevent accidental burns. Never leave it unattended, especially if there are kids around.
- Don’t Block Traffic: When setting up, make sure you're not blocking driving lanes or access for emergency vehicles.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Remember, there might be kids around. Keep the language and jokes appropriate so everyone can enjoy the atmosphere.
Make Your Next Tailgate Party an Epic One
