Tons of vehicles line the stadium parking lot. The scent of fresh-off-the-grill hot dogs and burgers fill the air, and there are faint sounds of chanting, music, and social buzz in your ears. Best of all — you're surrounded by great food, good times, and a fun group of friends and family.
Tailgate season has arrived!
If you're ready for an awesome day of grilling, eating, and supporting your favorite sports team, grab some of these tailgating supplies for football season.
1. Portable Grill
No tailgate is complete without a little — or a lot of — barbeque, so make sure this is one of the first things you add to your tailgate items list! From flipping burgers and grilling wings, you'll want to have one of these on hand. After all, it is tradition!
Pro tip: Bring a slow-cooker too! That specialty chili and nacho sauce aren't going to cook themselves.
2. Grilling tools
You don't want to get caught with a flaming grill of delicious food and no utensils to cook it with. Make sure to pack up your grilling tools before the big game. And if you're bringing a propane or portable charcoal grill rather than an electric option, don't forget to pack a lighter and fire starter as well as extra charcoal or a propane tank. Grilling tools you might want to pack along include:
- Spatula
- Tongs
- High-quality knife (sharpened)
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- BBQ sauce brush
- Grilling gloves
- Grilling spray or oil
3. Food, Beverages, & Supplies
Tailgating and good food go hand in hand, so make sure to pack along plenty for your pre-kickoff festivities. Grab everything you need for your burgers and hotdogs (buns, cheese, ketchup, pickles, hot sauce, onions, etc.), and don't forget your sides! From potato salad and deviled eggs to chips and queso, make sure there's a little something for everyone at your tailgate station.
And, of course, you can't have a proper tailgate celebration without cold beverages! Store your drinks of choice in a cooler with lots of ice, and bring along these party supplies to seal the deal:
- Plates
- Utensils
- Napkins or paper towels
- Cups & tumblers
- Bottle openers
- Wine keys
- Koozies
- Ziplock bags for leftovers
- Garbage bags for post-tailgate cleanup
4. Cooler
Those tasty beverages aren't going to chill themselves! Make sure your drinks and meats last through the final buzzer by bringing along a reliable cooler (or two!). You'll also need plenty of ice to keep everything cold.
5. Foldable Chairs and Tables
Whether you're playing a game of cards, lounging with an ice-cold brew, or getting elbow-deep in that finger-lickin'-good barbeque, you and your friends will need somewhere to sit and set their plates.
Having camping chairs — especially those with a built-in cupholder — and foldable tables on hand are guaranteed to make for a fuss-free family tailgate. No one will have to eat food on their laps, all kinds of tailgate games can be played on the table, and you'll have the perfect place to put your spread of delicious food once the grilling's done.
Those tasty beverages aren't going to chill themselves! Make sure your drinks and meats last through the final buzzer by bringing along a reliable cooler (or two!). You'll also need plenty o fice to keep everything cold.
6. Pop Up Tent
Rain or shine, you don't want anything getting in the way of your ultimate tailgate experience. Whether you're dealing with extreme sun rays or a spontaneous downpour, having an available pop-up tent or canopy will help you achieve the perfect tailgating kit for your car.
Not only will a water-resistant cover protect you, your grill, electronics, and fellow sports fans from inconvenient weather conditions, but purchasing one with your team's logo on it will push your tailgate status over the edge.
7. Wireless Speakers
When considering which things to bring to a tailgate party, you can't forget the tunes! Whether you're listening to pregame coverage or playing songs to keep your crew rocking until game time, having a portable speaker or radio on hand is a must! Grab a Bluetooth speaker and power brick, and make a playlist that's sure to make you the game day MVP!
8. Games
Everyone loves a good heart-racing sports game, but why leave all the fun to the players on the field? Get in the competitive spirit by organizing a few tailgate activities before the big day. From cornhole and ladder toss to giant Jenga and flip cup, there are plenty of game day activities for you and your friends to enjoy.
9. Generator
Another thing to add to your tailgating needs list — a generator! Power up your electric grill, satellite dish, slow cooker, TV, radio, and whatever else you'll be bringing along for game day. You don't want to power up everything using your vehicle since this can drain your car battery. So keep a portable generator at the ready and be sure to bring enough fuel for the day.
10. Team Gear
Whether you're enjoying the game from the parking lot or sitting in the stadium, wearing your team spirit loud and proud is definitely a requirement! Deck out your tailgate station with banners, flags, and table covers. Then, sport your favorite themed shirts, jerseys, foam fingers, and shoes.
11. Miscellaneous Items
Prepare for mishaps, cold weather, and hygiene situations ahead of time, and don't let anything stop the party. Pack along these miscellaneous items to put your tailgate expertise over the edge.
- Clorox Wipes to clean dirty surfaces
- Sunscreen to protect you against the sun
- Toilet paper for Port-O-Potty mishaps
- Wet wipes to clean your hands (and face) after dining on the best tailgate BBQ
- First Aid Kit. Tailgate mishaps have been known to happen
- Blankets so that breezy or chilly game days don't get in the way of your ultimate tailgate
- Game Tickets because you definitely don't want to forget these!
Now that you've gotten all of your tailgate gear packed and ready to go, don't forget to make sure your car is also up to the task. From engine maintenance to car battery installation and replacement, your local Firestone Complete Auto Care has you covered. Win the pregame by scheduling an appointment to get your vehicle tailgate ready today!
