Ultimate Tailgating Playbook
Helpful Hacks to Elevate Your Game Day Experience
Game day is almost here, and that means it's time to tailgate like a pro! Whether you're a seasoned fan or a tailgate rookie, we’re sharing the top tips to make your game day experience easier, more fun, and totally stress-free. From pre-tailgate prep to clever hacks for setup and post-party cleanup, we've got the ultimate playbook to make your pre-game festivities a touchdown.
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Comfort, Convenience, & Entertainment
Foil Packet Meals: Prep foil packet meals at home for easy grilling. Just toss on the grill and enjoy with minimal cleanup.
Frozen Fruit Kabobs: Thread fruits like grapes, berries, and pineapple onto skewers and freeze them. They’ll keep cool in the cooler and make for a refreshing snack.
Individual Snack Bags: Portion out chips, popcorn, or trail mix into small, individual bags. It’s a quick and sanitary way to serve snacks without the mess.
Mason Jar Salads: Prepare salads in mason jars for a portable, spill-proof side dish.
Pre-Assembled Skewers: Prep kebabs or fruit skewers at home. They’re easy to grill or snack on cold.
Pre-Cut Citrus: Pre-cut lemons and limes for drinks, saving time and mess at the tailgate.
Pre-Made Cocktail Mixers: Mix up cocktails or mocktails at home and store them in large bottles or jugs. Just add ice and your choice of alcohol (or not) when you’re ready to serve.
Pre-Portioned Charcuterie Cones: Create individual charcuterie cones or cups with meats, cheeses, and crackers. They’re easy to grab and minimize sharing utensils.
Chilled Pasta or Potato Salad: Make a pasta or potato salad in advance, storing it in a large container. It’s an easy side dish that can be served cold right out of the cooler.
Zip-locks: Marinate meats and chop veggies the night before – store in labeled zip-lock bags for quick grilling.
Car Organizer: Use a car organizer or trunk caddy to keep your tailgate supplies neat and accessible.
Checklist: Create a checklist of all the items you’ll need for your tailgate, including chairs, tables, games, and gear. Double-check it before leaving to make sure nothing is forgotten.
Decor for Your Space: Pack team flags, banners, and other decorations the night before. This way, you can quickly set up your tailgate area to show off your team spirit.
Emergency Kit: Bring a small emergency kit with first-aid supplies, duct tape, a flashlight, extra batteries, and a multi-tool. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Parking Passes and Tickets: Ensure all parking passes and game tickets are easily accessible. Store them in a dedicated folder or wallet so you're not scrambling at the last minute.
Plan Car Layout: Arrange your vehicle so that essential items are easy to access once you arrive. Consider where the cooler, grill, and table should be placed to streamline setup.
Pre-Pack Entertainment: Load up your car with tailgate games and a portable speaker with a pre-loaded playlist to get the party started as soon as you arrive.
Seating Arrangements: Pre-pack folding chairs, blankets, or portable seating. Consider assigning someone to bring extras if you’re expecting a larger group.
Tailgating Kit: Create a tailgating kit with essentials like grilling tools, utensils, napkins, plates, and condiments. Keeping everything in one place makes setup a breeze.
Weather Prep Kit: Pack a kit with essentials like sunscreen, ponchos, hand warmers, and bug spray, depending on the weather forecast.
Canopy or Pop-Up Tent: Take a pop-up tent or canopy to set up for shade and weather protection.
Chalkboard Menu: Get a small chalkboard to display the day’s menu – adds a fun, personal touch to your setup.
Disposable Tablecloth: Pack a disposable plastic tablecloth for easy cleanup and to protect from spills.
DIY BBQ Tool Holder: Bring a tool apron to keep grilling tools organized and within reach.
DIY Cup Dispenser: Use a paper towel holder as a makeshift cup dispenser. Stack cups and grab one when needed.
Flags for Easy Spotting: Fly a tall flag or balloon from your vehicle so friends can easily find your tailgate.
Portable Grill Station: Bring a compact grill for easy cooking and minimal setup. Bonus points if it folds up for easy transport!
Portable Handwashing Station: Take a large water container with a spigot, soap, and paper towels for a quick handwash station.
Reusable Name Tags: Use reusable name tags for drinks to avoid mix-ups and waste.
String Lights: Bring battery-operated string lights or LED lanterns to add ambiance to your tailgate. They’re especially useful for evening games when the sun goes down.
Food Management
Collapsible Serving Trays: Pack collapsible or stackable serving trays to keep food organized and off the ground. They’re easy to transport and help with presentation.
Crockpot Dips: Plug in a crockpot to keep dips warm throughout the day. Perfect for queso, chili, or buffalo chicken dip.
DIY Drink Holders: Attach cup holders to a belt or use PVC pipe to create a drink holder stand for hands-free snacking.
DIY S’mores Bar: Set up a DIY s’mores bar with all the essentials in compartmentalized containers. It keeps everything organized and easy to access for a sweet treat.
Frozen Water Bottles as Ice Packs: Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs in your coolers to keep food and drinks cold. As they melt, you’ll have cold water ready to drink.
Insulated Food Carriers: Use insulated bags or carriers to keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Perfect for transporting dishes like casseroles or wings while maintaining the right temperature.
Layered Dip Cups: Serve layered dips in individual clear cups. Easy to grab and enjoy without double-dipping.
Muffin Tin Condiment Holder: Use a muffin tin to hold different condiments. Keeps everything organized and easy to pass around.
Tackle Box Snack Organizer: Use a clean, new tackle box to store small snacks like nuts, candies, and pretzels.
Two-Tier Cooling Rack: Bring a two-tier cooling rack to maximize table space. You can stack snacks, appetizers, or even drinks, making everything more accessible.
Blankets and Pillows: Pack a few blankets and pillows to create a cozy seating area or to stay warm during chilly games. You can also use them for a quick nap before the main event.
Bluetooth Speaker: Bring a Bluetooth speaker for pre-game music.
Clip-On Umbrellas: Attach clip-on umbrellas to your chairs for personal shade. They’re easy to adjust and perfect for sunny days when shade is limited.
Collapsible Tables: Use collapsible tables for easy setup and teardown. They provide ample space for food, drinks, and games without taking up much room in your vehicle.
Inflatable Loungers: Bring inflatable loungers or air sofas for lightweight, portable seating that’s super comfortable and easy to set up.
Solar-Powered Charger: Use a solar-powered charger to keep your devices charged without relying on outlets. It’s eco-friendly and convenient, especially for all-day events.
Multi-Tool: Pack a multi-tool with essentials like a bottle opener, corkscrew, knife, and screwdriver. It’s a convenient and small (but mighty) gadget that can save the day.
Portable Fan or Heater: Depending on the weather, a portable fan or small heater can keep you comfortable all day long.
Portable TV or Radio: If you’re not heading into the stadium, set up a portable TV or radio to watch or listen to the game. It keeps the tailgate going even after kickoff.
Tailgate Games: Set up popular tailgate games like cornhole, giant Jenga, ladder toss, or ring toss. They’re great for keeping everyone entertained while waiting for the game.
Biodegradable Plates and Utensils: Opt for biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils. After the tailgate, you can dispose of them in a compostable bag, making cleanup eco-friendly and simple.
Collapsible Trash Bin: Use a collapsible trash bin or pop-up laundry hamper lined with a garbage bag to easily collect trash throughout the day.
Cooler Draining: As the day winds down, open the drain plug on your cooler to empty out the melted ice water before packing up. This makes it lighter and less messy to transport.
Disposable Grill Liners: Use disposable grill liners to catch drips and spills. When you’re done grilling, just toss the liner for easy cleanup.
Grill Brush & Scraper: Pack a sturdy grill brush and scraper to clean your grill grates while they’re still warm. This makes it easier to scrub off residue before it hardens.
Grill Mats: Grill mats are perfect for keeping your grill clean and preventing food from sticking or falling through.
Large Tote for Dirty Items: Bring a large, waterproof tote or storage bin to toss in dirty items like grill tools, dishware, and utensils. This keeps the mess contained and separate from your clean gear.
Portable Vacuum: Bring a small, battery-operated vacuum – perfect for cleaning up crumbs, dirt, or leaves from your seating area and car.
Reusable Containers: Store leftover food in reusable containers that you can stack and pack away neatly. This keeps your cooler organized and reduces waste.
Wet Wipes: Pack a container of wet wipes for quick cleaning of hands, surfaces, and spills. They’re handy for a final wipe-down of tables and grills.
These hacks will help you tailgate like a pro, making your game day both fun and hassle-free!
Get more Planning Tips in our Fall Activities & Events Planning Center!
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About the Author
Carlyn Morris
Content Contributor
Carlyn is a lifestyle writer for SignUp’s Idea Center, covering travel, special events, and modern-day tips for everyday living. More about Carlyn →
