Football season is fast approaching, and it’s time to get out your tailgating gear! Whether you’re a seasoned tailgating pro with all equipment or this is your first season, there are always things you can do to make the most out of tailgating.
Let’s look at what tailgating is and what you can do to step up your tailgating game.
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What is Tailgating?
The act of tailgating normally refers to closely following the vehicle in front of you, but in this context, we’re talking about a party!
Tailgate parties usually happen in stadium and arena parking lots, taking place before sporting games and concerts. And tailgating parties aren’t just reserved for people with big trucks – many people enjoy the party even if their cars don’t have tailgates.
At a tailgate party, people generally bring snacks, coolers of beer, barbecue, and share it with their neighbors, friends, and anyone else they make friends with at the event. Tailgating parties are an important part of the quintessential American sports experience – it’s all about gathering as a community and sharing food, drinks, and a passion for whatever event you’re attending together.
If you can’t head to the event to tailgate, why not invite your family and friends over for a tailgating party at home? You can turn your driveway or backyard into a tailgating party with the right people and the right food!
So, how can you make the most of your next tailgating party?
10 Ways to Take Your Tailgating Party to the Next Level
1. Have Plenty of Snacks, Plus Backup Snacks for When You Run Out
If your tailgating party involves a lot of people, the chances are that these people will eat a fair amount. Whether it’s your homemade potato salad, barbecue ribs, burgers, or an old-fashioned bag of potato chips, snacks are always important. Food has always been an effective universal peace offering as everyone likes to eat! So if you’re a newcomer on the tailgating scene, be prepared with plenty of treats.
2. Be Prepared with the Best Grill You Can Find
If you’re hosting a barbecue or an at-home tailgating party this football season, Z Grills has everything you need. Get your pellet grill out (or get one of our great deals here), buy your preferred pellets, and make your pick of recipes – make sure you give yourself plenty of time to start grilling before your guests start arriving!
3. Keep a Meat Thermometer on Hand
As the grill master, you may expect to be stuck by the grill all day, which doesn’t leave you much time to socialize and have a drink. Fortunately, a pellet grill means you can walk away from the grill, so make sure you have a wireless thermometer so you can enjoy the party while keeping an eye on your meat. Set your ideal temperature, put the probe into your meat, keep an ear out for the alarm, and relax until it’s time to chow down. Easy!
4. Bring Along a Bluetooth Speaker
Nothing adds to a session atmosphere quite like some great music, so bring the party with some classics. If you’re already friends with your fellow tailgaters, you’ll likely have an idea of what kind of music to play. But if you’re not sure, you can always ask for musical requests and keep everyone happy!
5. Grab Your iPad to Bring the Game Outside
If you’re having your tailgating party at home, set your iPad up so you can have the pre-game chat playing or even the game if you don’t want to head inside. Of course, you can always have it playing inside and outside so no one has to miss a moment!
6. Keep a First Aid Kit on Hand
It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, so if you’re heading out to the game, keep a first aid kit in the car just in case things get out of hand.
7. Pack Your Cooler with Frozen Bottles of Water to Keep Your Food Cold
This will keep your snacks and beers cool and dry, but you’ll also be left with some cool bottles of water to drink later on in the evening to avoid a killer hangover.
8. Mix it Up with Some Unusual Condiments
While ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce are all classic additions to any hot dog or burger, it’s often a good idea to bring something unique to the party. If you’re feeling creative, why not try and make your own sauce or marinade? Whether it’s a teriyaki rub, a pesto mayonnaise, or a soy dipping sauce, your adventurous neighbors are sure to love your new addition to the table.
9. Give Your Neighbors Access to Clean Hands
Water, soap, sanitizer, and wipes may sound like a less-than-exciting addition to a party, but your guests and neighbors will appreciate it after handling all that delicious sauce you just made! Eating burgers and ribs is a messy business, so you’ll be a sure winner if you can offer your neighbors a wipe and towel.
10. Bring a Collapsible Garbage Can or Box
When you’re tired and full of food and drink, the last thing you want to do is traipse around picking up other people’s garbage. This last point in the list is also more practical than fun, but you want to be responsible once the party’s over. Encourage your guests to throw away any garbage once they’re finished eating or drinking. That way, you can pack up and find the nearest trash can without worrying about a big clean-up at the end of the night.
From packing an extra share bag of chips to setting up a handwashing station, there are plenty of ways to make sure you’re a hit at your next tailgating party. As with any event, the key is to be prepared with plenty of food, drinks, and the right grilling equipment. Whether you’re traveling or grilling at home, a barbecue is a great excuse to get together with loved ones and bond over something delicious. Make sure you’re well equipped for football season and grab your Z Grills pellet grill now!
