Football season is upon us, which means it's time to break out the cooler, fire up the grill, and invite all your friends over for a tailgate party! This post is all about getting you prepared for the best football season ever! We'll cover everything from game day gear to recipes for the perfect tailgate party to fun games to play like cornhole.
So whether you're a first timer or a seasoned vet, get ready to up your game by making sure you have everything you need to make the ultimate tailgate experience. From food and drink to games and décor, this checklist has everything you need to make sure your tailgate is a touchdown.
Tailgate Food & Drink Essentials
No tailgate is complete without food and drink! When it comes to food, think about items that are easy to eat while standing or walking around; grilled chicken or hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ pulled pork, chips and dip, and pretzels are all great options.
For drinks, make sure to have plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated. Beer is always a popular choice for tailgates, but if you want something a little more festive, try making a batch of homemade Sangria. Just remember to drink responsibly!
Don't forget about all the non-edible stuff you need to do the eating and the drinking! No one wants to scoop baked beans into their hand to have with their burger! You're going to need to bring all the stuff required for cooking: a grill, whether it's a small charcoal grill, a small propane grill, a camp stove; whatever it is, make sure you bring it and make sure it's allowed at the venue. You need plates, cups, utensils, napkins, serving utensils, coolers, ice...all the boring stuff, but without it, your tailgate party will be no fun.
Tailgate Party Games & Décor
What's a tailgate party without some games? The most popular tailgate game by far is cornhole. It's easy to play, doesn't require a lot of space, and can be played by people of all ages. If you don't have a set of tailgate cornhole boards, consider investing in one or making your own.
Cornhole is always a classic choice, but if you're looking for something a little different, try giant Jenga or giant Connect Four. Assuming you're at a football game since it's football season, bring a football! There will always be people that are up for a quick catch, and it helps you channel your inner quarterback before the big game.
Playing cards are another great option for tailgates, if it's not too windy. There are a ton of fun and easy card games to play, and I'm sure we all remember the drinking games we played back in the college days that are always a blast to revive at tailgating parties. And as long as we're revisiting our college years, bring an extra folding table and some cups for pong or flip cup.
Now that you've got games to play, food to eat, and drinks to drink, you can focus on your décor! Flags, banners, and streamers are a must to show your team spirit. If you really want to go all out, try setting up a projector so you can watch pre-game analysis and highlights on a big screen. If you've got some enthusiastic fans in your group you can always paint faces, or bodies. And if you don't have anyone crazy enough for that, just wait for the friend who falls asleep and paint his face before he wakes up. It'll be fun for everyone!
Other Tailgate Party Ideas
If you want to take your tailgate party to the next level, there are a few things you can do. First, if you're going to be cooking on a grill, make sure you have all the necessary tools: tongs, a spatula, a brush for the grill, aluminum foil, etc.
Another thing you can do is bring a portable speaker to blast music. This is especially important if you're planning on playing any drinking games that require music, like flip cup or musical chairs.
Last but not least, if you really want to step up your tailgate party game, try renting a tailgate tent or RV. This will give you a place to store all your food and drinks, and a place to escape the sun or rain. Plus, it makes your tailgate party look a lot more legit!
No matter how you choose to do it, just remember that the most important part of any tailgate party is to have fun! So invite your friends, break out the grill, and get ready to root for your team!
Bring Comfortable Clothes
Football season starts in the fall and goes through the winter. Depending on your location, your tailgating shenanigans are going to be in the cold at some point, so don't forget to pack adequate clothing and chairs. Get some good chairs that get you off the ground, because no adult wants to sit cross-legged on the cold, hard parking lot outside of a football stadium. Get a good, comfy chair and park yourself near the food like a pro.
Blankets are a must as well, and you get extra points for having a blanket with your team name or logo on it. Hats and gloves are also a must when it's chilly, and a team jersey with your favorite players name and number is always welcome. Scarves are great, too, and often a cheap way to stay warm and get some team gear for the game.
Get Ready For Your Next Tailgate Party
This article will make sure you have everything you need for the perfect football tailgate. Don't forget the most important item - cornhole! This lawn game is essential for any pre-game fun. With easy setup and gameplay, it's perfect for tailgates of all sizes.
And that's it! You're now officially ready for game day. The most important thing to remember is to have fun and enjoy the company of your friends and family. So round up your friends, break out the grill, and get ready to have a blast at the next football game.