Ahhh, Tailgating - an American tradition sports fans and food lovers enjoy. Especially football and basketball fans. The thought of spending a beautiful fall (or winter) day in the parking lot, roasting s'mores, throwing a frisbee around, scoring some awesome snacks (pepperoni pizza, anyone?), and rooting for your favorite team is just too good to pass up! But if you want to make your NBA tailgating experience unforgettable, then it's important to be strategic about planning and preparing. We're here with all the tips and tricks on creating a spectacular party that will make all your friends jealous!
Decorate With Team Gear
Decorating with your team's colors instantly makes any event feel more festive and fun. Get some brightly colored tablecloths, plates, napkins, and serving bowls to make sure everyone knows which team you’re rooting for! Plus, no one can resist getting in the spirit when everything looks so good and is full of team pride.
When it comes to decorating for your tailgate, you can really get creative with your team spirit. Whether you want to hang up banners or string up streamers, adding some extra touches around the area can really make a difference in setting the mood for a good time. You can also add additional items such as inflatable chairs, cooler bags, and mini grills that fit your team's colors. And if you really want to set the tone for a great party, nothing beats a classic tailgate game like cornhole or washer toss. There are even team logo games you can use!
Another way to show your spirit is by wearing fan apparel. Visible signs of loyalty are always welcome among fellow fans so make sure to rep your favorite team's gear. This is also a great way to identify who belongs in your group and who doesn't. Plus, you'll be looking extra cool with all the other fans!
Play Cornhole & Other Fun Games
No matter what team you’re rooting for, having a few fun games to play at your tailgate is always a great option. Cornhole, horseshoes, ladder toss and KanJam are all popular choices that don't require much set up or extra materials. Plus they're easy enough for everyone to join in on the fun! These games provide an extra bit of entertainment for everyone, and the memories made playing them will last long after the game does.
Cornhole at Your NBA Tailgate Party
Cornhole is one of the most popular tailgate games and it’s easier to set up than you might think. All you need is a flat surface, two cornhole boards, eight bean bags (four for each team), and some chalk or tape for marking boundaries. The goal of the game is to be the first team to score 21 points.
Once the custom corn hole boards are set up, you can start playing. Each team takes turns throwing their bean bags at the board and aiming for the hole in the middle. If a bag goes through the hole, that team earns three points. If it lands on the board but does not go through, they will receive one point for each bag. The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins!
Plus, if you’re feeling competitive you can even hold mini tournaments with prizes! Whether it’s a round of cornhole or some other exciting game, it’s sure to get everyone in the tailgating spirit. And if you're lucky, maybe your team will win too!
No matter if you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just looking for an excuse to get together with friends, tailgating is always a great way to show your pride and have fun. With proper planning and preparation, you can throw an amazing NBA tailgate party that your friends won't soon forget!
Horseshoes at Your NBA Tailgate Party
Horseshoes is a classic game that can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. The goal of the game is to toss horseshoes towards a stake in the ground (or, alternatively, two stakes) and score points based on how close they land. To play, you'll need four horseshoes (two for each team), two stakes, and a level area to play.
Once everything is set up, you can start playing! Each team takes turns tossing their horseshoes towards the stake. If a horseshoe lands within six inches of the stake it’s considered a “ringer” which earns three points. Any horseshoes that land farther away from the stake will still earn points, with one point for each horseshoe within six feet of the stake. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins!
Horseshoes is a great game to play at your NBA tailgate party and can provide hours of entertainment. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone involved and show your team spirit! So don’t forget to add it to your list of tailgating essentials.
Ladder Toss at Your NBA Tailgate Party
If you're looking for an exciting outdoor game that's easy to set up and play, then ladder toss is the perfect choice. All you need is two ladders, four bolas (two for each team), and plenty of open space. The goal of the game is to be the first team to reach 21 points by tossing your bolas onto the ladder and scoring points based on where they land.
The game starts with each team taking turns throwing their bolas onto the ladder. If a bola lands on one of the top two rungs, then that team will earn three points. If it lands on the middle rung, they will receive two points. The bottom rung is worth one point. The first team to reach 21 points wins!
Ladder toss provides an exciting challenge that all your friends and family can get in on. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your NBA pride while having fun. So don't forget to add ladder toss to your tailgating essentials!
KanJam at Your NBA Tailgate Party
KanJam is another popular tailgate game that is quick to set up and highly entertaining. All you need is two goals (or "Kans"), four discs (two for each team), and some chalk or tape for marking boundaries. The goal of the game is to be the first team to score 21 points by throwing their disc into the Kan.
Once everything is set up you can start playing! Each team takes turns tossing their disc at the Kan. If a disc goes through the slot in the top of the Kan, that team earns three points. If a disc bounces off the side or rim but doesn't go through it will still earn one point. The first team to reach 21 points wins!
Kan Jam is an awesome game to play at your NBA tailgate party and is sure to get everyone involved and having fun. So don't forget to add it to the list of essentials for your next gathering!
With all these exciting outdoor games, you can have a blast showing off your team spirit at your NBA tailgate party. All you need is some proper planning and preparation, the right equipment, and a few friends to join in on the fun.
Cook Some Great Food
No tailgating party is complete without great food! Whether you're grilling up some burgers and hot dogs or serving up delicious snacks like chips and salsa, having the right food can make all the difference.
Consider creating a menu that has something for everyone to enjoy. Include classic dishes like burgers and hot dogs, as well as vegetarian options like veggie burgers and wraps. You can also include a variety of snacks and sides like chips and dip, popcorn, pretzels, fruit salad, deviled eggs, baked beans, potato salad, etc.
Make sure to keep your food simple yet tasty so that everyone will enjoy it. Also, consider offering a variety of drinks to quench your guests' thirst. From soda and beer to mixed drinks and cocktails, you can keep everyone refreshed while they cheer on their favorite team.
With the right food and drinks in place, your NBA tailgate party will be sure to make an impact! So don't forget to plan ahead and make sure you have enough food and drinks to feed your guests.
Invite The Right People
The key to a successful NBA tailgate party is having the right people. Invite friends and family who love basketball and are eager to show off their team spirit. Make sure you find out each person's favorite team so that you can decorate accordingly and ensure everyone has an enjoyable time. It also helps to categorize each guest into teams so that they have something to bond over and compete in during the party.
Inviting the right people will ensure everyone has a great time, making your NBA tailgate party one to remember!
Make Sure to Have Fun at Your NBA Tailgate Party
No matter what type of tailgate party you're throwing, don't forget to have fun! Enjoy the company of your guests, talk about basketball and cheer on your favorite teams. Play games, eat delicious food and drinks, and be sure to take lots of pictures so you can look back on all the great memories.
Whether you're hosting a small gathering for family and friends or a larger event for hundreds of fans, tailgating is always a great way to show your team spirit. With a few simple tips, you can create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Your NBA tailgating event will be a hit before you know it. Go team!