There are few experiences
more fun than going to a stadium and watching your favorite team play, and one of them happens in the parking lot in the hours leading up to game time. Tailgating is one of the most popular social gatherings in sports where friends meet and enjoy a celebratory warm-up with food, drinks, and lots of team spirit.

To ensure you’re getting the most out of your next game-day experience, here is everything you need to know about having an epic party at your next tailgate.

Where did tailgating get started?

According to Food and Wine Magazine, tailgating can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman harvest celebrations, known as “vestavals” after Vesta—the goddess of the hearth. Today’s version

of tailgating has debatable origins; however, according to Yale professor and alumnus Thomas Bergin, the first football tailgate was in 1906 at the Harvard-Yale game. Many fans arrived in cars to picnic with those who arrived by train.

WHAT TIME TO START TAILGATING?

The average tailgate lasts about four hours, with many going as long as five or six hours for games scheduled later in the day. Die-hard fans will often begin tailgating around 6 a.m. for games that start around midday, while others will go as far as setting up the night before. Since tailgating is such a popular

MEATS AND VEGGIES FOR GRILLING

The main course of most tailgating parties includes hotdogs, hamburgers, sausage, wings, ribs, and chicken. You can also grill veggies like corn on the cob and cheese-stuffed peppers. Don’t forget the buns.

CROCKPOT DISHES

Popular recipes include buffalo chicken dip, slow cooker french dip, cocktail meatballs, bacon-wrapped smokies, and chili.

CHIPS & DIP 

Shop for an assortment of chip flavors and varieties that you can easily transfer to big bowls for sharing. Enjoy solo or with your favorite dips, like buffalo chicken, queso, salsa, and guacamole. 

Grills. The grill is essential during
a tailgate because it is the primary method used to cook your food. Many fans choose to bring plenty of additional sides and snacks, but the grilling is the main event. Without a good grill that’s big enough for you and your friends, you may be looking at some very hungry football fans. One grill is often enough to supply food for an average group, so unless your party extends across several cars, a single grill is all you need. On the other hand, it can be handy to have multiple grills going simultaneously to accommodate different foods. One focuses on meats, burgers, and hotdogs, while another cooks up tasty veggies. Crockpots. A crockpot is an excellent addition to your tailgating list. You can make just about anything with it, from dips to chili to BBQ pulled pork. Enjoying hot comfort foods can be particularly beneficial when the weather gets cooler, and you and your friends spend hours outside before the game. You’ll need a power outlet to keep the crockpot going, so be sure to have the right equipment before you get to the parking lot. Coolers. When you spend hours a day outside, you’ll need a cooler to hold all the drinks, ice, and foods that need to stay chilled. A good rule of thumb is one cooler per car. A basic icebox that you take to the beach works well. Drinks. Most tailgaters have alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages ready to sip throughout the day. Be sure to pack plenty of water, sodas, and energy drinks. For the boozy side of the drink menu, standard beverages include beer and hard seltzers. If you feel like preparing a few cocktails, try a Bloody-Mary for early-day drinking or margaritas in the afternoon. Chairs. After long hours standing, cooking, and chatting with friends, you’ll want a comfortable spot to rest and relax before the big game. Portable chairs offer convenience and mobility, and setup takes seconds. Most teams sell branded portable chairs, so you can show your team spirit while you take a load off. Popular options are durable, lightweight, and easy to collapse. Choose one with cup holders or a small foldout table attached to the side to keep your food and drinks safe. Wireless speakers. Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist or game-day interviews and announcements, you’ll want a wireless speaker that everyone can enjoy. Choose one with longer battery life so you don’t run out of power in the middle of your pre-party.