Tailgating Checklist: Tips & Essentials
Before the big game, there’s no better way to get hyped than with a tailgate party surrounded by your fellow fans and friends. Good food and company are hallmarks of a successful tailgate, but there are a few more key components that can guarantee everyone has a great time. Whether you plan on tailgating in the parking lot or at home, our Experts are here to help share how they prep for a tailgating party.
What Is Tailgating?
Perhaps you’re new to college or professional football and don’t understand why people would hang out in the parking lot before the big game. Tailgating is when a group of people—friends, family, and acquaintances—get together before kickoff to eat food, play games, and enjoy beverages together. Tailgating originally involved using the back of a truck or vehicle for food and fun, but now trailers and canopies are more commonly used.
Expert Tip | The parking lot typically opens a few hours before the game, but each sports stadium has different rules and hours, so always review these a few days before game day!
How to Tailgate
To host a successful tailgate party, you want to offer food, drinks, and entertainment. Our Experts share their must-haves when tailgating!
Tailgate Food
Tailgating food is arguably the best part about game day celebrations. No matter how many people you’re feeding, you want to cook the tastiest tailgate recipes. Whether you need new grilling accessories or tools or want to spice up your tailgate food, we carry a wide selection of outdoor cooking must-haves to get you started!
Tailgate Drinks
Ice-cold drinks pair perfectly with football and tailgating. Make sure you have plenty of beverages to offer for kids and adults. Keep your beverages perfectly chilled during all your socializing and game-playing with a reliable can cooler or tumbler. You'll also want a larger cooler to fit all your drinks and food, ensuring they stay cold even on warm days.
Tailgating Games for Everyone
Pass the time before the game with activities everyone will enjoy! Yard games are the perfect way to add a little friendly competition. Whether you’re looking for a cornhole game or the latest yard game, our selection offers a range of options to fit everyone’s interests.
Tailgate Setup
Once you’ve figured out the essentials—food, drinks, and games—it’s time to build your perfect tailgating setup. Prioritize comfort with outdoor chairs, and stay protected in any weather with a canopy. Keep your electronics charged with a portable generator and the tailgating atmosphere lively with a speaker for music!
Explore our Experts’ top camping chairs!
Wear Your Fan Gear
There’s plenty to remember when getting ready to tailgate, but don’t overlook what you’ll wear on gameday. Whether it’s a warm day and you need a T-shirt or you’re looking for cold-weather accessories like beanies, be sure to represent your team with new fan apparel!
Tailgating Checklist
✔ Portable grill, griddle, or pizza oven
✔ Chairs
✔ Shelter
✔ Team flag
✔ Food including snacks, seasonings, and sauces
✔ Drinks
✔ Coolers
✔ Can cooler or tumbler
✔ Yard games
✔ Portable speaker
✔ Portable generators
✔ Fan apparel
As you prepare for the upcoming football season, remember that having a great tailgating setup filled with delicious food, cold drinks, and fun games is a great way to make memories with friends and family. If you have additional questions about how to tailgate, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Fan Shop Expert!