The Art of Tailgating
The art of tailgating has become as much an American pastime as the professional, college, and high school football games that follow. A huge urban picnic or party, football tailgating prepares people for the game by filling them full of delicious food and beverages, and it’s a time for football fans to get amped up for their team. A fan’s dream is to tailgate with some close friends and family members, drink and eat to their heart’s content, listen to the pre-game or even the game on the radio, and eventually watch a good game of American football.
The key to tailgating is to craft the perfect atmosphere. You’ve got to be in the right state of mind, and you’ve got to commit to the event. Nobody wants a party-pooper around for football tailgating. Thus, you’ve got to amp yourself up. Get excited about the game. Pick a team to support and wear all the team’s colors. You can do everything from throwing on a jersey to painting your whole body. This is a great way to show support for your team and a great way to meet and greet other fans.
The tailgating food is arguably the most important piece of the equation other than football. If you want to learn the art of football tailgating, you need to first learn the kinds of food to bring to the event. If you provide delicious tailgating food, people will be less likely to care if their team scores a touchdown or not. Keep people fed, and they will be happy.
Grilling is a major component to tailgating. If you’ve ever been to one you’re sure to have seen a massive tailgating grill that the most dedicated fans have created out of huge black, metal barrels. It’s the perfect tailgating grill for feeding many all at the same time. Bring your own tailgating grill, charcoal, and seasoning to the event. Nothing makes college football or other sporting events better than a nicely grilled and seasoned burger. Chicken, pork chops, and veggies are also great to grill. Bring a number of options so that there’s something for everyone. Bring more than enough supplies: people may drop their burgers or may like them so much they want more. Try grilling up some seafood kebabs or bring in some Italian and Mexican sausages to the event. Variety is key while manning a tailgating grill.
You also want to incorporate enough snacks for everyone into your tailgating food selection. People can have snacks while they talk about the game, wait for the food and before and after the main meal. Bring things that are easy to eat. People will be walking around, drinking, and getting excited about the game: You don’t want the tailgating food to take more thought than is necessary to eat. Nachos, buffalo wings, chips, dip, salsa, pretzels, cheese and crackers, and sandwiches are all great snacks.
Drinks are a major part of tailgating. Most people drink beer when they tailgate, but you want to make sure you have something for everyone. Make sure you consider bringing soda, beer, ingredients to mix drinks, and as much ice as you can manage. You can always bring a keg for tailgating, but if you do this, you need to look into the stadium or state last to make sure you aren’t breaking any rules.
Don’t forget to bring things like ice packs, serving utensils, plates, cups, and serving bowls to your tailgate party. You don’t want to be without the necessities. When it comes to the art of tailgating, it helps to be prepared. Bring activities for people to do while they chat about the game and wait for their food. Bring your own pig skin, Frisbees, soccer balls, and decks of cards to the event. Finally, be sure to have seating for everyone: chairs or blankets will work well while tailgating.