Football season is in full swing and that means it's time to start tailgating! Whether you're a diehard fan or just enjoy spending time with friends and family on fall Saturdays, football season is the perfect time to break out your grilling skills and tailgating gear. But if you're looking to stand out from the crowd, you'll need to get creative. So if you're ready to step up your tailgating game this year, read on for 10 creative tailgating ideas that will have everyone talking.
Get there early and set up a food buffet.
Nothing says "tailgate" like a spread of delicious food, so get there early and set up a buffet of tailgating classics like burgers, hot dogs, wings, and nachos. Don't forget the fixings! Ketchup, mustard, mayo, onions, pickles, and cheese will make your buffet complete. Some of our favorite dishes that aren't the standard grill options include:
Buffalo Chicken Dip. This rich and creamy dip is perfect for satisfying your hunger before the game starts. Plus, it's easy to make ahead of time so you can just reheat it at the tailgate. Serve it with some celery sticks or tortilla chips and watch it disappear!
Mini Philly Cheesesteaks. These bite-sized sandwiches are packed with flavor and sure to be a hit with all your tailgating buddies. Using mini slider buns makes them easy to eat on the go, and you can add whatever toppings you like. grilled onions and peppers, BBQ sauce, or even just some ketchup and mustard. Yum!
Charcuterie: Charcuterie is a great option for a tailgate because it doesn't require any cooking. Just set out a selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruit, and let your guests help themselves. For an extra special touch, try adding some homemade jams or chutneys to your charcuterie board. Your guests will be impressed!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites. These might not be the healthiest option on this list, but they're definitely the most indulgent! These bite-sized balls of cookie dough are coated in chocolate and come complete with a chocolate chip in the center. They're perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth before the big game.
Set up a tv so you don't miss any of the action.
When you're tailgating, it's important to stay updated on the game so you can root for your team from the stands. Set up a portable tv or laptop near your grill so you can catch all the action without missing a beat.
Portable power options have come a long way in recent years. Today, there are a variety of portable power options available that can provide enough power to keep your TV running during your pre-game tailgating fun. One popular option is a portable generator. These generators can be used to power your TV and other electronics, but can be a bit big and cumbersome.
You may prefer something a bit more compact, like a battery pack. These battery packs can be used to keep your TV powered for a few hours at a time, making them ideal for a quick tailgate party. There are also solar-powered options available. These solar panels can be used to charge a battery pack, which can then be used to power your TV. No matter what your needs are, there is sure to be a portable power option that can meet them.
Make some signature cocktails.
Whether you prefer beer, hard seltzer, or mixed drinks, tailgating is always more fun with a cocktail in hand. Get creative and make some signature drinks for your crew - we guarantee they'll be a hit! Bonus points if they're team-themed.
The simple route of cheap beer is always effective, but sometimes you're looking for something a little different. You can keep it simple with some mixed drinks - soda and your choice of adult beverage - or if you're one of the fancier tailgaters going full bartender mode in the parking lot. There are lots of ways to keep the drinks flowing and your partygoers full of liquid cheer. Decide the route you want to go before you head out and stock your coolers accordingly. You'll have a blast no matter what you choose.
Play some lawn games.
Cornhole, ladder toss, KanJam - whatever your game of choice may be, lawn games are a great way to add some excitement to your tailgate. Not to mention, they're perfect for burning off some energy before heading into the stadium! Cornhole is one of the best games to play at a tailgate party. It's a simple game that anyone can pick up quickly, and it's a great way to get everyone involved in the festivities.
Plus, cornhole is the perfect way to show off your team spirit - just make sure to bring along cornhole custom boards that are decorated with your favorite team's colors. cornhole is also a great way to socialize and meet new people at a tailgate party. After all, there's nothing like cornhole to break the ice and get people talking. So if you're looking for a fun game to play at your next tailgate party, be sure to give cornhole a try. You won't be disappointed.
Easy to transport, quick setup, and simple rules make these games all great options for your tailgating party. Make some friends with the people around you, or challenge some rivals to get some quick victories outside the stadium before your team crushes their team inside the stadium! Winning is contagious, so start it early and help out your team!
Decorate your space with team spirit!
Show your pride by decorating your tailgate setup with flags, banners, and other team-themed items. You may try making your own team flag. Show your team pride loud and proud with a homemade flag. You can get as creative as you want with this one – use fabric paint, sharpies, glitter, whatever you've got! Just make sure it's big enough so everyone can see it.
Maybe the flag is a big out of your arts and crafts wheelhouse and you'd rather decorate your car. This is a must if you're going to be spending hours parked in a sea of tailgaters. A few well-placed stickers, some streamers, and maybe even a coat of paint in your team's colors will do the trick. And don't forget about your license plate – personalize it with your team name or favorite player for an extra touch.
The more spirited you are, the more fun you'll have - and who knows, you might even start a chant or two!
Bring along some comfy chairs or couches.
When it comes to tailgating, comfort is key. After all, you're going to be spending hours on your feet cheering on your team. But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. There are plenty of portable seats on the market that are both comfortable and stylish. Bring along some foldable chairs or even an inflatable couch so you can relax in style while still being able to see all the action. Stadium seats are a smaller but still popular option. They fold up for easy transport and offer built-in back support.
You can't forget the hammock option as well. There are many great hammock options that are portable with an easy-to-assemble stand and a light-weight hammock. While everyone else sits in their hard, metal folding chairs you can lie back and relax like you're on the beach, swinging in your hammock, king of the tailgate party.
Roast some marshmallows for s'mores.
No tailgate is complete without dessert! Break out the graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows and get roasting - s'mores are always a good idea (and they make great Instagram posts)!
Just remember that there are many rules at stadiums that govern what kind of heat source you're allowed to have. You may have to get creative with your marshmallow roasting, as a campfire style open flame is likely prohibited. But put down a little tin foil on your grill and you can toast up marshmallows without the mess.
Just remember to turn off your grill when you're done and before you go into the stadium for the game. We don't want any accidents!
Have a pre-game party at your house before heading to the stadium parking lot.
This is especially fun if you have kids who are too young to go into the stadium). If you want to avoid fighting traffic and crowds at the last minute, have a little pre-game party at your house before heading over to the stadium parking lot. This way everyone can get pumped up for the game in the comfort of their own home! Plus then there's no need to worry about packing everything up afterwards - just head straight home after the game!
Pack some snacks for halftime.
Eating at halftime is part of the tradition of going to see live football games - but that doesn't mean you have to buy overpriced concessions from the stadium vendors. Pack yourself (and enough for friends!) some snacks like trail mix or energy bars so you can save money and still satisfy your hunger. Plus this way you won't miss any of the halftime show!
Bring along some games or activities to keep yourself entertained during commercial breaks.
Commercials are inevitable when watching football on tv - but that doesn't mean they have to be boring!. Make sure to bring along some cards or other games to help pass the time (and take advantage of those opportunities to grab more snacks). Trust us - you'll be glad you did when those fourth quarter comebacks start happening!
Football season is one of the best times of year - cooler weather, leaves falling, friends coming together, and of course, tailgates! There's nothing quite like gathering together with friends and family (or even strangers!) in support of your favorite team. But let's be honest - sometimes tailgates can be pretty boring. If you're looking for ways to spice up your tailgate this year, Look no further - the aforementioned 10 creative ideas are sure to make your tailgate stand out from all the rest!. So what are you waiting for? Start planning that perfect game day menu and dust off those decorating supplies - it's time to get excited for football season!