Tailgating is a popular practice in the urban areas of the US. It is a popular due to its uniqueness and easiness to set up. It is one of the most practiced urban practices in the US and has been one of the most anticipated things at football games.
Simply put, it is a social event which is held on the open side of the tailgate of a car or some other vehicle. A crew of people can be found participating in tailgate parties, even though their vehicle or car might not have a tailgate of its own.
We’ll guide you on how to tailgate at a football game.
What are the prerequisites of tailgating?
Firstly, before you go to a tailgate party, check the location. It would be a rather embarrassing scene when you arrive at a stadium or a concert with all your tailgate stuff but there is no one around to have a tailgate party with. So always coordinate and search up for some tailgate chances.
Secondly, plan a menu with your friends or family if they wish to throw a tailgate party. This way, you can always be prepared and have variety at your tailgate party.
How early should I reach the venue?
It is generally considered a good practice to pack your essentials and leave your homes several hours before the football game starts. Let’s be honest, no one wants to miss a good football game.
Going early will give you more time to connect, chat and eat at a tailgate party. If it is done in a hurry, then there is a guarantee that you will not enjoy your time at the stadium and you will have to wrap everything up quickly making it the most uncomfortable thing ever.
How do I join a tailgate party?
Joining a tailgate party is pretty simple. One of the easiest and most acceptable ways to join a tailgate party is to ask a friend to let you tag along. Not only does this give both of you a great time to bond together, it also lets you have a great time of your own.
Another way is to enjoy the party with fellow fans and party-goers. You can find a friendly group and casually offer them some beer or soda and get some conversations going. This way, you won’t have to look like you’re completely alone.
What are some safety precautions for tailgate parties?
First thing’s first, if you have to travel a lot to get to the stadium or the ground, make sure to have plenty of ice in your cooler. This is crucial if you have raw or uncooked meat with you as it tends to rot very quickly and can even result in all of your bought meat going to waste.
If you will be grilling at the tailgate, then make sure to have some fire extinguishers with you or have one nearby. A fire incident can result in some pretty ugly consequences. If there are a lot of drinks at the party, make sure that you do not drink a lot because you have to be driving your way back home. In addition, make sure others do not get too drunk because it can result in pretty ugly circumstances.
What should I set up on my tailgate?
It is much more advisable to first check what might be banned at the place where you intend to go tailgating. This can save you from future inconvenience and embarrassment. Some people prefer to grill at their own tailgates, so why not bring a grill with you.
Set up some chairs and some shades for your guests or friends and make a more comfortable environment by putting up a TV or a screen if one is available. This makes the entire scene more enjoyable for your friends and guests.
Have a small cooler with you to store drinks like some cans of beer or soda. If there is a radio available, tune it into some pre-game shows. This can highly boost the enthusiasm of football lovers and even add a nice touch to your tailgate.
How do I tailgate with a car?
Tailgating with a car is easy and can be done using your trunk and even outside your car. You can set up a grill close to your trunk and turn on the speakers of the car which can enhance the entire experience of the tailgate party.
Make sure you have a car which is large enough to accommodate all the needs of the party. The car should be able to accommodate the grill and other stuff like the cooler and if you can bring along some other portable items like foldable chairs, then that would look really good on your tailgate.
Should I consider the weather before setting up a tailgate?
Yes. Most definitely, you should. The weather will determine what kind of setup you should have and what kind of items you need to bring.
For example, if you know it will rain soon or if it generally rains, then you should not bring a grill with you as it might be highly inconvenient for you. You must also set up a safe space around your tailgate so that you and your guests do not get soaking wet if it rains.
However, if it generally stays sunny or if it is sunny on that particular day, then make sure to have ample shade on your tailgate otherwise some people might experience sunburn or even dehydration. This can cause serious problems for your crew and your guests as well.
If the stadium is generally located in a colder place, make sure to have warm items with you and cook warm food. If the stadium is generally in a hotter place, then pack a lot of ice and drinks to keep the guests and yourself, cool and fresh.
Conclusion
Tailgating is a fun prospect of a football game and is something almost everyone enjoys. It is definitely a lot of work and needs to be planned out in a proper manner, but it is always worth it in the end. It makes for a good time to bond together with family, friends and even strangers! You can have a lot of fun and entertainment, so long as you keep all safety measures in check.