Summer has come and gone, school is in session, and football season is back in full swing! Tailgating is a well-loved pre-game tradition featuring yummy apps, spirit wear, and boozy fun with friends and family. Here are a few must-haves in order to throw a tailgate that’s better than the game.

Mark your territory

If you are hosting, get to your tailgating spot early!! Set up a canopy in order to stake your claim, and make it easy for your friends and family to find your set up. If you’re a die-hard fan, you can easily purchase a tent with your favorite team’s logo on it. You can also consider purchasing helium balloons, flags, or banners in your team’s colors to make your tailgate stand out from the crowd.

Freeze water bottles

One efficient way to have ice-cold beer (or canned wine!) at your tailgate is to freeze water bottles overnight, then stick them in a cooler to use in place of ice at your tailgate. There’s minimal cooler draining after the game, plus you can drink the water after it melts to stay hydrated (and prevent that post-game-day hangover)! Wins all around!

Avoid sunburn and skeeters!

Don’t forget your SPF and bug spray!! Nothing is worse than realizing too late that you’re burnt to a crisp, covered in bites, or BOTH. Spray-on cans of both bug spray and sport sunscreen are easiest to apply (and reapply), and they’re readily available at nearly any store.

In case of bad weather, have ponchos or large trash bags on hand.

Sudden downpours can ruin a good football game. Make sure to have ponchos on hand just in case!! In a pinch, large trash bags can work as well. Cut or tear holes in the seams of the bag to make a head hole and armholes, and you’ll be drier than most others caught in the rain!

Don’t forget to rent your lawn games!

No tailgate is complete without a set of team logo cornhole, giant Connect Four, or a set of giant Tumbling Towers. Triangle Lawn Games will bring your vision of a perfect tailgate to life! Click here to book! (We can also hook you up with a speaker for your favorite jams!)

As always, remember to tailgate and lawn game responsibly. 😉 Which team’s parking lot will you be tailgating in this season?