How to Tailgate at a Football Game the Right Way

If you’re unsure how to tailgate for a football game, then odds are that you’ve never done it before or that you haven’t done it as often as most Americans have! Tailgating is an activity that many people enjoy and that most have engaged in at some point in their lives. In fact, according to the Tailgating Industry Association, it is a growing industry that can make up to $12 billion per year!

Whether you’re a newbie to tailgating or a seasoned pro, you can benefit from our guide to proper tailgating. We’ll help you to make the most of the next big game:

Choose a Good Game

While you’re likely to see people tailgating at just about any football game there is, it’s best to wait for the big ones. This is when excitement is in the air and when you’re most likely going to be able to get together a good size group. Plus, it’s no fun when you’re the only group that’s tailgating.

In fact, the whole spirit of tailgating is about meeting other fans and enjoying a sense of community. So, don’t go all out until there’s a major game being played by your favorite high school, college, or pro team.

Food Matters

Tailgating is about going big and pulling out all the stops, and this certainly extends to the food. While it’s perfectly fine to eat healthy, every true tailgater knows that normal food rules don’t apply on tailgating nights! So, bring out the greasy goodies—fried chicken wings, chips, sweet treats, beers, and sodas are the norm at these events, so don’t hold back.

Enjoy yourself to the fullest. If you truly want to make tailgating a major event, bring a portable grill (where allowed) along and fire it up for burgers, hot dogs, and other treats – throw some beers into the mix, load up a few hip flasks and you’ll be good to go, just remember it’s illegal to take them into the game itself, bud.

Show Your Team Spirit

Remember that, aside from the food and fun, the main reason you’re tailgating is to get fired up for your team and cheer them to victory.

There’s no better way to show your support than to bust out your favorite team memorabilia. Bring flags with your team’s mascot or logo, put on those foam fingers, paint your face, wear team colors, and really go all out!

Trucks Aren’t a Must

A lot of people think they can’t tailgate without a truck bed to sit in. This certainly isn’t the case however. If you don’t have a truck, there’s no reason to feel left out. Find a friend who does, or just use your car. Even if you don’t have a car, you can still get into the tailgating spirit! Bust out the lawn chairs and comfy outdoor seats for a good time.

Plan Ahead

While it’s true that tailgating is all about cutting loose and having fun, you still have to plan ahead if your tailgating event is going to be a success. Always make sure that you know how many people are coming and plan accordingly. In fact, it’s best if you plan for a few more people than just those who RSVP.

Usually, a few extra guests and stragglers end up joining in on the fun at the last minute, and you’ll want to have enough cheer and goodies for everyone. Also, consider whether you’re the home team or visiting team. You might want to scale back a bit if you’re visiting, as this can sometimes lead to fights in the parking lot and other unpleasantries, which is not what tailgating is about!