Tailgating essentials
Some people think of fall and anticipate the arrival of pumpkin spice lattes and baked goods. Others have one thing on their mind: football. Die-hard football fans love to turn to tailgating as a great way to cheer on their favorite teams.
Tailgating doesn’t have to be a stressful process, where you might worry about remembering every single item before heading out. With some organization, planning and this tailgating checklist, you’ll be set up and ready to get to the stadium in no time.
Before you tailgate
Check with the stadium so you know where to park, how much parking costs, and what supplies will be allowed or restricted. For example, some stadiums restrict open flame grills. You should also check on restroom locations and accessibility.
It’s a good idea to invest in compact storage as well, such as totes or plastic storage drawers. If you can organize your items by function as well, you’ll know exactly what needs to be restocked before you head out to your next tailgating event.
While you tailgate
While you spend time chatting up friends and family, be aware of others around you. Share the space, stay safe, and show respect to other tailgaters (even from opposing teams.) If you’re using the grill, keep an eye on how close it is to other people and cars so you don’t risk something catching fire.
After you tailgate
Make sure you turn off any grills, put out any fires and throw away all of your trash. If you plan on entering the stadium after your pre-game tailgate party, be sure to have easy access to your tickets and wear your favorite team apparel. Also, make sure you lock up and cover any valuables you may leave in your car for safekeeping.
Tailgating checklist: everything you need
Tailgating basics
Sports Team Canopy: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Take your team spirit to the next level with a canopy wrapped in your favorite team’s logo. It sets up and folds down easily.
Canopy Weights: available at Home Depot and Amazon
Never worry about a gust of wind catching your canopy and carrying it away. These weight plates slide around each canopy pole to keep it secured to the ground.
Camping Chairs: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon
Settle in with a camping chair that shows off your favorite team’s logo. Get the elite version for added space and comfort. It also has cup holders in the arms and folds compactly for storage.
Folding Camping Table: available at Amazon
This aluminum table folds in the center and adjusts for two height settings. It measures 48-inches wide and 24-inches deep. It weighs a light 11.6 pounds but is built to last. Use it for food preparation or sharing a meal with friends.
Food-related items
Team Plastic Tablecloth: available at Amazon
Your tablecloth can provide two functions, one for protecting your table and also for showcasing your favorite team’s logo and colors. Don’t forget some clips to secure the tablecloth.
Team Coolers: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Purchase two coolers for maximum food storage. Use one cooler for cold drinks, and line a second cooler with foil to keep your cooked food warm.
Portable Grill: available at Amazon
This Weber Jumbo Joe charcoal grill has an 18-inch cooking area for cooking up to eight hamburgers at a time. The lid locks on the unit for easy portability. Be sure to bring charcoal, lighter fluid and a lighter as well.
Stainless Grilling Utensils: available at Amazon
This grilling set comes with everything you need for the perfect barbeque. These utensils are made of heavy stainless steel, and they come with an apron for easy organization while you grill.
Other food prep items for tailgating
Along with preparing food, be sure to add these accessories to your list and keep them stored together for your tailgating outing.
Disposable aluminum containers
Clean-up, leftovers and storage items for tailgating
Collapsible garbage bag holder
Food storage bags, various sizes
Metal bucket for disposing of hot coals
Extra essentials for tailgating
Don’t forget to add these necessities for any unpredictable moments that might come up at the stadium.
Games for tailgating
Everyone at your tailgating party will enjoy some friendly pre-game competition. Be prepared with these supplies.
Official-size leather football
Cornhole game and beanbags with your team’s logo
Electronics for tailgating
If you plan on tailgating for the entire game, you’ll want to watch every play with your friends. But there’s no need to rely solely on your phone. Instead, consider either a small portable television or a larger television with an antenna or streaming service.
Portable television for tailgating
Supersonic 16-Inch Television: available at Amazon
While a portable television isn’t great for sharing, it is handy for one or two people. It comes with an LED screen, USB and AC/DC jacks and a built-in tuner with an antenna. It also has a built-in lithium battery.
Regular size television for tailgating
Toshiba 43-Inch 4K Smart Fire TV: available at Amazon
This television is relatively inexpensive as far as televisions go. The smart feature requires WiFi, which you can get from your vehicle or smartphone. Pair the TV with a mobile antenna for quick and easy reception.
Mobile antenna for tailgating
GE UltraPro Black Stealth Mobile TV Antenna: available at Amazon
This weather-resistant antenna receives reception up to 60 miles away from a broadcast signal. It comes with a six-foot-long coaxial cable, instructions and a limited lifetime warranty with technical support.
If you choose a larger television, you can purchase a portable mount that slides into a tailgate hitch. You also want to consider a Bluetooth speaker for premium sound.
Television accessories for tailgating
TV mount
Mount-It! Tailgate TV Mount: available at Amazon
This all-steel construction mount holds televisions up to 55 pounds. Simply lock the mounting bar into the tow hitch receiver on the back of your car. It folds down flat for easy storage and transportation.
Bluetooth speaker
Sony SRS-XB23 Waterproof Wireless Speaker: available at Amazon
This small but mighty Bluetooth speaker adds quality sound to game day. It’s waterproof, dustproof and shockproof, and it has up to 12 hours of battery life.
If you’re concerned about having enough electrical power, you can always invest in a small, portable generator.
Generator for tailgating
Honda EU1000i Inverter Generator: available at Amazon
This reliable, gas-fueled generator is extremely quiet, making it great for tailgating. It is also relatively lightweight and runs for over 8 hours on half a tank of gas.
Tammy Tilley is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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