Tailgating Season is Upon Us

Football season is in full swing, and that means it's time to start planning your tailgate parties! Whether you're rooting for your home team or just looking for an excuse to get together with friends and have some fun, a tailgate party is the perfect way to do it.

There's nothing quite like a football tailgate. The energy, the camaraderie, the food! But what really makes a tailgate party great is when there are fun games to help pass the time before the big game. 

Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered. This guide will show you how to throw the ultimate football tailgate party, from food and drink recommendations to fun games you can play. So break out the cooler and fire up the grill—it's time to tailgate!

How To Throw A Tailgate Party

No matter how big or small your group is, it's important to have a game plan for your tailgate. Decide in advance what you're going to serve for food and drinks, and make sure you have everything you need to prepare it. It's also a good idea to have a cooler stocked with ice, as well as paper plates, plastic utensils, and cups. And don't forget the games! A classic game of cornhole is always a hit, or you could try something new like Ladder Golf or Washer Toss.

Create Your Tailgate Party Theme


Tailgating is all about having fun and getting into the spirit of things, so why not add a bit of extra flair by coming up with a theme? Whether it's based around your favorite team's colors or mascot or something completely different, a theme can really take your tailgate up a notch.

It doesn't have to be complicated—a few simple decorations can go a long way. Balloons are always an easy and affordable option, or you could try hanging streamers from your vehicle's antennae.

Make Your Party Comfortable


Your tailgate should be a place where you can relax and enjoy yourself, so make sure you have enough chairs for everyone in your group. If you're going to be sitting on the ground, bring along a blanket or two to make things more comfortable. And if it's cold out, remember to pack extra sweaters or jackets—you don't want anyone catching a chill before the big game!

Food and Drinks


No tailgate party is complete without food and drinks, so let's start there. When it comes to food, stick to simple classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken wings. You can never go wrong with those crowd-pleasing staples. As for drinks, have a variety of beer on hand to accommodate different taste preferences.

photo of a tailgate party setup

Don't forget the non-alcoholic options! Sodas, water, and juice are always good to have on hand. Keep in mind that if you're serving alcohol, you'll need to make sure everyone has a designated driver or a place to stay close by so they don't have to drive home drunk.


Fun Games to Play at Your Tailgate Party


Tailgating isn't just about eating and drinking—it's also about having fun! There are tons of great games you can play to get everyone in on the action. One popular option is cornhole. All you need is a board and some bean bags (or make your own DIY version). Another fun game is KanJam. It's similar to frisbee but with a twist—you score points by getting the frisbee into a trash can.

For something a little more low-key, consider playing cards or ladder golf. The possibilities are endless— pick whatever sounds like the most fun for you and your guests!

Cornhole


One of the most popular tailgate games out there is cornhole. Also known as bean bag toss, cornhole is a simple game that can be enjoyed by everyone at your tailgate party. All you need is a cornhole board set and some bean bags. Players take turns throwing their bean bags at the boards, trying to land them in the hole for maximum points. The first team to reach 21 points wins!

playing cornhole at a tailgate party

 

Ladder Toss


Ladder toss is another great game for tailgaters of all ages. Similar to cornhole, ladder toss is played with two teams of two people each. Each team has three javelins, which they take turns throwing at a ladder set up opposite them. Scoring is based on where the javelin lands on the rungs of the ladder. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins!

 

Limbo


Limbo is a classic party game that's perfect for tailgates (or any other party, for that matter). All you need is someone to play music and something to limbo under (a broom handle, a garden hose, anything really!). Players take turns going under the bar, lowering it each time until there's only one person left who can make it under without touching the ground. That person is the winner!

Giant Jenga


Jenga is a classic game that's perfect for tailgates because it's easy to transport and set up (not to mention it's a lot of fun). But why settle for the regular-sized version when you can go big? You can usually find giant Jenga sets at your local home improvement store or online. If you want to get really creative, you could even make your own! Just cut some 2x4s into 54 evenly-sized pieces and stack them into towers.

 

Beer Pong / Flip Cup / Wine Pong / etc.


No tailgate party would be complete without some form of drinking game (or two). Beer pong is always a fan favorite, but if beer isn't your thing, wine pong is a fun twist on the classic game. And if you're looking for something that's a little less...messy,...flip cup is always an option. No matter what game you choose to play, just remember to drink responsibly!

Plan Your Next Tailgate Party

With these tips in mind, you're sure to throw the best tailgate on the block this football season! Just remember to plan ahead, get into the spirit with some fun decorations, and make everyone comfortable. And most importantly—don't forget the food! grilled burgers and hot dogs are always crowd-pleasers, or you could try something different like barbecued chicken or pulled pork sandwiches.

No matter what your favorite sport may be, tailgating is always more fun when you've got some games to help pass the time before kickoff (or first pitch, or tip-off). So next time you're planning a tailgate party, make sure to include some of the above mentioned classics in your lineup! Whatever you do, just make sure there's plenty for everyone. Happy tailgating!

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