Sports and tailgating are activities that go hand in hand. Although tailgating may just seem like an excuse to have a great big party, it is actually much deeper than that. Tailgating creates shared experiences and memories with loved ones, leading some experts to suggest that it is an important part of community building.
Tailgating is like having a family reunion with your friends and neighbors. Not only do you share laughter, memories, food, and drinks, but you also show support for your local team. No matter who you support, if you want to throw the best tailgate party of the season then keep on reading!
Equipment and Electricals
First things first, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary equipment to keep the tailgate going. This includes cooking material, drinks, food, coolers, tables, chairs, speakers, televisions, and so on. The list is truly endless; therefore, we recommend sitting down and writing your own personal checklist so that when it comes to game day you are truly prepared. Some items that should be on the top of your list (but are always forgotten) include garbage bags, paper plates, napkins, sunblock, sanitizer, and a first aid kit.
The most essential part of throwing the perfect tailgate party is making sure you don’t run out of power. One of the worst things that could happen, whilst everyone is enjoying themselves, is running out of electricity. Make sure you have all the necessary power cables and electrical equipment to keep the party pumping. If you are new to tailgating, the best way to ensure a long-lasting celebration is with a starter pack. This kit includes lighting sets, a solar panel, two Lion Energy Cub Go power generators, and plenty more essentials.
Football Food
Food is one of the most central aspects of a great tailgate. Here, you have a chance to really impress those guests with a delicious barbecue, finger food, and football-themed treats. Why not try to bring food that matches your sports team’s colors? This can easily be done for any team by using food coloring and icing. If not, you can also stick to the classic tailgate treats like chicken wings, spicy bean dip, sliders, or brownies. If you need some inspiration to create a mouth-watering menu, check out these recipes.
Undoubtedly, the superstar of any tailgate is the barbeque. There are so many different options to choose from when it comes to creating a barbeque spread. You can opt for burgers, hotdogs, chicken, fish, or even veggie burgers. However, if you really want to make an impression, why not use a smoker? Smoking your meat will add that extra layer of flavor to your brisket or ribs. Here are some of the best smokers on the market.
Outdoor Games
No tailgate is complete without some good old-fashioned entertainment. Games are a great way to make use of the outdoor space and get the party started. Split up into teams and make sure to include everyone, this is a fun way to get your competitive edge going. Some of the most popular outdoor games include spike ball, corn hole, and horseshoes. Don’t forget to bring a football for your guests to toss around as they wait for the game to begin.
If you are planning to have a few drinks at your tailgate, a fun idea is to have some drinking games lined up. The classic beer pong always goes down a treat and is sure to make for great entertainment. Just make sure you pack an extra table, some ping pong balls, cups, and of course, a lot of beer. Flip cup is another team-based game that will lift team spirits and add some friendly rivalry to the tailgate.
Music and Decor
You’ll need to make sure that you have an awesome playlist for the day. This will save you from running to the music and changing the song, allowing you to fully enjoy your own tailgate. Make sure to include plenty of crowd-pleasers that will lift the morale. Some of our favorites include We Will Rock You by Queen, The Final Countdown by Europe, and Eye of The Tiger by Survivor. If you can’t think of enough songs to compile a playlist, then just have a quick search for one online. There are plenty of playlists full of game day anthems to pick and choose from.
Having wonderful decor can definitely help increase team spirit. Make sure to wear your team’s colors loud and proud. This goes for clothing as well as decorations. A fun activity to do pre-game is to create bright banners that show support for the team and its players. Try and create a football theme with your napkins, paper plates, banners, and even food. Foam fingers and whistles are also a fun way to get your guests hyped up for the game.
Prepare for the Weather
Game day stops for no one so make sure you are prepared for the weather. Check in advance what the forecast will be for game day and make sure to double-check the night before, as the weather can often change unexpectedly. If you are expecting sunshine then you should bring plenty of sunblock, shade, and fans to keep cool. On the other hand, if you are expecting colder weather make sure there are enough heaters and blankets to keep toasty.
All in all, the most important thing to note when hosting the tailgate of the season is to enjoy the experience. Invite your nearest and dearest and rejoice in the thought of spending the day together. Show your team spirit and get hyped with your decorations, a pumping playlist, fun outdoor games, food, drinks, and of course enough equipment and power to last you until the sun goes down. Don’t forget to capture the moment and take pictures of this special day, as the memories you create at a tailgate are sure to last a lifetime.
