September is finally here- and that means it’s football season. College football teams across the nation are going head-to-head as they begin their long march towards bowl season. There’s nothing better than bright sunshine, cool crisp air, and the smell of hot dogs grilling nearby. Grab some friends, get some gear matching your favorite team, and head out to the stadium. Get their early for prime spots and an ample amount of time for festivities before kick-off. Whether you prefer to watch NFL or college football, the basic principles of tailgating remain the same: eat, drink, and be merry. Print off this checklist for your tailgate and if your budget allows it, consider the luxury upgrades to make your tailgating experience even more memorable this season!
Basic Tailgating Checklist:
- Cooler with lots of ice
- Plenty of cold refreshments (beer, water, other)
- Folding chairs
- Folding tables
- Finger food (BBQ, hot dogs, burgers, veggies/dip, pizza rolls, pigs-in-a-blanket, etc)
- Plates, napkins, cups, and silverware
- Tailgate games (cornhole, football, washers, ladder ball)
- Portable grill (don’t forget charcoal and lighter fluid)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Fan gear (team colors, hats, jerseys, face paint, etc.)
Luxuries to make your tailgate unforgettable:
- Portable satellite- In order to watch pre-game shows and other games during the afternoon, you have to have satellite service.
- HDTV- no one wants to watch fuzzy players dart around the field, so bring a high-def large screen TV.
- Generator- Although expensive, this is required if you want to bring a tv!
- Extra seating- Your friends will thank you for having places for them to sit down and not worry about carrying their own chairs.
- Free beer- No need to provide for the whole parking lot, but having a couple of extra 12-packs to share never hurt! New friends!
- RV parked near the stadium- Closer to the stadium means closer to the action and having an RV or bus always looks hardcore.
- EZ-up canopy- Putting up a canopy is a good way to mark out your territory and also provide shade for tailgaters.
Bring a grill to your tailgate for cheap food options!
Do you have a tailgating idea that you use to impress your buddies? Have a suggestion for a future topic you’d like to see in our blog? Share your comments below!