Football season is upon us! One of the most exciting and entertaining parts of attending a football game is the tailgate. Tailgating is a special time when parents, families, and friends can connect with each other before settling in to cheer for your favorite team. It can seem like a lot of work to plan for a tailgate, but I have some tips and tricks to make things a snap. Here are my top seven tips for easy and fun tailgating this football season!
Dress for the Weather
We are in Michigan folks. One minute it’s sunny with a high of 80 and then a dark cloud emerges and it starts to sprinkle. The key is to dress in layers. Team colors or gear is optional, but always fun. Be sure to pack rain coats, jackets, even extra socks. We like to wear jackets that have a fleece insert for convenience when the temperatures might vary throughout the day.
Timing and Location
The earlier you can arrive to your tailgate spot, the better. Depending on the time of kickoff, you’ll want to figure out when you want to get to your parking area. For high school levels and younger, the two hour mark works well. It’s best to arrive in the window 4-6 hours prior for a college or professional game. You’ll want that time for setup, enjoying the tailgate, and tear down.
When choosing a tailgating spot, consider a spot away from the road and heavy traffic. Be sure to keep in mind where the closest bathrooms/port-a-pottys are as well. If you need to walk a ways to get to the entrance keep that in mind with your kids. We try to prepare both physically and mentally. This helps us to cut down on the symphony of whining with how far of a walk there is!
All of the Eats and Drinks
Having a variety of foods like fruit, veggies, dessert, and finger foods is great so everyone has something they can enjoy. You can get fancy with a charcuterie board, or grab the slow cooker to get a nice warm side dish like macaroni and cheese, cheesy potatoes, or a chip dip. If you are staying for a while with a grill nearby, hot dogs and burgers are always a football classic. Remember to check in with the folks you are tailgating with so there are not duplicates of items.
Drink wise, always stay hydrated with water or sports drinks. This is especially true if the adults are dipping into those adult drinks. Lastly, put the kids drinks in a separate cooler so there is no confusion!
Games
Games before the game? Yes, please. Traditional games like corn hole, washers, or ladder ball are fun for all ages. If you have a crew of kids at your tailgate, bring things like chalk, bubbles, coloring, hacki-sacks, or a football to toss around.
Seating
You definitely won’t want to spend your entire tailgate standing! Plan on bringing camping chairs, seat cushions, or benches (my personal favorite), and blankets. You can certainly use the back of the SUV or truck too. The older I get the more I appreciate having a chair with back support!
Watch the Game at the Tailgate
Bring your TV or turn up the radio. Tailgating is all about the experience. If you don’t have tickets to the game, watch or listen while hearing the roar of the crowd nearby. If you do end up making it to the game, it is certainly an achievement to make it to half time. The crowds and the noise may be overwhelming for young kids. If you can, use noice cancelling head phones if your child has sensitivities to sound.
Be Prepared
Do your research ahead of time so you know what to expect! If you are attending the game, check the game day policies as they are varied between stadiums. Some stadiums allow to bring items like a bottle water, seat cushions, signs, clear bags, and emergency items, while others do not. Know how to get around the stadium and where to find things like concessions and bathrooms.
All in all, enjoy the day. Try not to sweat the small things. The day may not go as planned and that’s okay. Cherish the time with family and friends.
