It’s game day! If you’re planning to milk it for all it’s worth by throwing an epic tailgate party before or after the game then we’ve got you covered. Here are a few tailgating tips and pointers that will not only make you look like an experienced parking-lot-party-animal but also make your team’s victory so much sweeter.
Related Post: Top 10 Epic House Party Tips
Check the Weather
Check out the weather forecast beforehand and be sure to not only dress accordingly but bring along all the right gear. Having some form of rain/wind shelter will improve the experience of your guests, and may even draw in some strangers looking for some cover.
If it’s a cold day, add some warm beverages to the drinks list- bring along an urn of coffee or hot chocolate to keep those non-drinkers nice and toasty. On the contrary, if it looks to be a scorching hot summer’s day, remember to pack some sunblock and extra refillable water bottles.
Make it Loud!
When you’re gathering around your car before the big game and plan to hype up a crowd, a loud and great-sounding tailgate speaker is one of the most effortless ways to do so: simply select a popular tune and crank the volume! All of the speakers on this list are capable of reaching some pretty gnarly volume levels, so use this feature to its fullest and show your neighboring tailgaters why your party is better!
If you have two of the same speakers, or maybe a buddy has a matching model, bring them both along- most speakers on this list support stereo pairing or PartyChain capabilities to ultimately create a better-sounding and all-around louder sound system for your tailgate.
Show up Early
Arriving early to the stadium to secure an ideal spot is an essential ingredient to a successful tailgate party. The placement of your vehicle is incredibly important to guarantee the shortest walking distance possible between your party and the stadium. It’s also helpful to consider things such as your distance from toilet facilities, and parking in a shady area where your guests and car aren’t exposed to constant direct sunlight.
Bring a Trash Can or Bag
Bringing your own pop-up trash can or refuse bag will save countless trips back and forth both for you and your guests. Nobody wants to be running around come cleanup time, especially when you’re a few beers deep.
Decorate
If you’re tailgating outside the stadium, there’s no better way to create a sense of excitement than kitting your area out with flags and merchandise from your home team. If your tailgate party goes into the night, some battery-powered ambient lighting not only helps your guests see in the dark but also creates a fun atmosphere. If you’re tailgating at the beach, lake, or house party- select a theme and bring some appropriate decorations to make your tailgate party stand out from the rest.
Organize Your Entertainment
Maybe you’re inviting your DJ buddy or cousin who’s a pretty decent singer-songwriter if you’re accommodating artists, be sure to coordinate timing and make sure all of the necessary equipment is covered. Lastly, charge your Bluetooth speaker(s) overnight before the game, this ensures uninterrupted entertainment and the possibility of mobile phone charging, should batteries run low.
Organize Your Entertainment
Maybe you’re inviting your DJ buddy or cousin who’s a pretty decent singer-songwriter if you’re accommodating artists, be sure to coordinate timing and make sure all of the necessary equipment is covered. Lastly, charge your Bluetooth speaker overnight before the game, this ensures uninterrupted entertainment and the possibility of mobile phone charging, should batteries run low.
Plan Your Food and Snacks
If you plan on tailgating for a couple of hours or more, it’s definitely necessary to make some kind of plans regarding meals for yourself and your guests. A great way to provide cost-effective meals and bring about a sense of camaraderie is lighting up a BBQ. Get your coals on the grill as soon as your spot has been secured, so you have enough time to cook, eat and let the grill cool off before heading into the stadium.
Alternatively, some take-outs can be brought along with you, or support a small local business by purchasing a hotdog or taco from the sweet old lady in the truck.
Also, remember to practice safe food handling when cooking at a tailgate. This includes keeping your meats at the correct temperature in your cooler and keeping cooked vs raw meats separated to avoid cross-contamination. Also, don’t leave cooked food out in the sun for too long either.
All the Small Things
When you’re caught up in organizing camping chairs, umbrellas, and portable BBQs it’s easy to forget about the small but vital things that can make your party a whole lot more enjoyable. Some tailgate party essentials to pay attention to and make a short checklist of include: Extra ice, bug/insect repellant, napkins, plates/cutlery, blankets, plastic cups, bottle openers, etc.
Safety First
Whatever you do, make sure you and your friends get to do it again next weekend. Be safe in and around the parking lot. Be aware of moving vehicles and cars and most importantly make sure you have a designated driver who will sit out the drinking part (but double done on the rest of the party!) to get you all home safely.
Some Fan-Favorite Tailgate Party Songs
Once you’ve bought your new tailgate speaker, have planned your party, and are ready to test it out. You’ll need to create a killer playlist to get the party started. Here are some of our favorite tailgate party anthems.
- Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith – An easy-to-sing-along track that pays tribute to our favorite portable drinking apparatus, the red solo cup.
- Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen – A classic powerhouse song from the legendary Springsteen that’ll sure ignite some American pride before the big game.
- Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Easy to sing along to and features some sweet air-guitar battle sections for your friends.
- Parking Lot Party – Lee Brice – Possibly the greatest tailgate party song to blast upon arrival to officially get into the tailgating mood.
- We Are the Champions – Queen – Should the game results be in your favor, pump this tune as loud as possible, you should have most of the parking lot singing along with you if it’s a home game.
Search Spotify for Tailgate Party Songs
