Gearing Up for the Perfect Tailgate

By Dee Dee Smith

Tailgating is a sports tradition.  Tailgating is about family, friends and co-workers getting together outside of the stadium or arena to await the start of the game.  These events often continue during the game, especially for fans who don’t have tickets.  In recent years, some tailgating parties have involved watching the game on a huge screen outside of the stadium where the game is being played.

The tailgate party got its name from the open door or “tailgate” of a vehicle like a van, pickup truck or SUV.   Tailgating activities usually center around the tailgate of the vehicle.  The tailgate is kept open during the entire event providing easy access to food and drinks, as well as providing a place for partygoers to sit. 

Any serious tailgater will tell you tailgating is as much about team pride as it is about fun and good food.   The first step in getting ready for tailgating is to get together your team gear, starting with your attire.  Team apparel is available for every sport, team and season.  Celebrate your team by wearing a team jersey, polo shirt (great for female fans), sweatshirt, t-shirt, hat or jacket.  Additionally you can purchase flags or magnets for your car, and decorate your entire area with team banners and pennants. 

Rain, snow or sleet should not stop a tailgate party.  Nonetheless, if you’re not prepared, bad weather can definitely put a damper on your fun.  First, be sure to dress appropriately.  In most cases this means wearing layers of clothing because it may be warmer in the day, but cooler in the evening.  This may include a team jersey with a turtleneck underneath and a team jacket as outerwear.   Water resistant wind shirts with your favorite logo are great for chilly fall nights.  It’s also wise to take additional protective gear like umbrellas, rain coats, rain tarps, team blankets, towels (for drying off if needed) and a portable heater (for extremely cold climates).  Don’t forget to protect your feet also with waterproof and comfortable shoes. 

A large SUV, van or pick-up truck is the ideal tailgate vehicle.  You’ll want your car to have a good sound system for music and for listening to the pre-game radio shows.  In addition to the right vehicle, you’ll need a good grill and stand (along with accessories like coals/gas tank, tongs, matches/lighter, etc.), a portable table, adapters, extra batteries, folding chairs or portable stadium seats, pots, pans, cooking mitts, coolers and a first aid kit.  You’ll also want to be sure to bring tableware and cookware, a tablecloth, can opener, aluminum foil and food containers.  Optional items might include a portable television, a football, baseball or other outdoor games for playing around, and hot bags (to keep the food hot). 

Great food is a big part of tailgating.  Many tailgaters choose food that celebrates their team; i.e. grilled steaks for the Dallas Cowboys, Cajun chicken wings for the LSU (Louisiana State) Tigers, Buffalo wings for the Buffalo Bills and seafood for the New England Patriots.  Other popular tailgate foods include hot dogs, burgers, brats, fried chicken, nuts, chips, veggies and dip.   Don’t forget condiments like ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce and hot sauce.  For drinks you should pack an assortment of alcohol and non-alcohol beverages.  Popular drinks include various beers, wine, coolers, water and soft drinks.  If you have a battery-operated blender you can also prepare frozen drinks like margaritas or daiquiris. 

Plan to arrive 3-4 hours before the gates open in order to beat the crowd and get the best tailgating spot.  It’s also very helpful to make a checklist days before the event to make sure that you have everything you need.  Remember to add game necessities to your list including game tickets (easy to forget amidst the excitement), seat cushions, binoculars and a cameras. 

Did you mean talegating, tellgating, tailgating?