It’s football season again which means it’s also tailgating party season. For those who don’t know, tailgating is a mini celebration that is mostly held in parking lots of football stadiums. This involves having drinks, beers, grilling meat, and playing mini-games with fellow football fans.
This is mainly an American and Canadian tradition to celebrate the start of the football season, but of course, every football fanatic can practice this. It is a casual party set up behind the tailgate of a vehicle. Hence, it is called tailgating.
In a tailgating party, fans bring and set up their own stuff. There are no rules to this and you can bring everything you like as long as it’s fun.
Here are 15 must-have tailgating gear for football season
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Fan Merchandise
Of course, this party is football centered so it is always important to bring fan merchandise. Sometimes fans also dress up in their favorite player’s jersey. Bringing some banners, placards, shirts, and scarves along is also a great idea.
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Canopy Tent
Canopy tents are staples in tailgating parties. They serve as the main cover or shed for you and other party-goers. It is also essential because not only can it protect you from the sun, but it can also prevent party-goers from getting wet in case it rains.
If you want to check out canopy tents. Try this tailgating 10x10” canopy tent to keep you company in these festivities.
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Drink Storage
Drinks such as beers, soft drinks, and liquor are essentials in a tailgating party, but you wouldn’t want to drink them warm. You need an icebox or cooler to keep them cold and refreshing so you can enjoy them well.
It would also be convenient to have a portable water jug for serving drinks such as water and iced tea. These fun parties can take long and can be dehydrating and energy-draining so you need to replenish and drink some liquids.
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Food And Storage
A tailgating party is not complete without food. Sausages, burgers, steaks, and sandwiches are some of the staple foods often served at this type of party. And of course, you would need to store these cooked and uncooked food in storage or container to keep them fresh all day long.
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Portable Grill
Fans bring their own food and cook them in grills they set up in parking lots. Bringing a portable grill is important so you can enjoy hot and tasty food. The grilling experience is also a memorable activity itself and is a bonding moment between friends and co–enthusiasts.
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Plates and Utensils
Plates and other utensils such as knives, spoons, and forks are also needed in a tailgating party. Again, it is tradition for fans to bring and do everything by themselves at these parties. You won’t be able to eat your food properly without utensils so don’t forget to bring them.
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Foldable Tables and Chairs
There are no tables and chairs in stadium parking lots so fans bring their own. You will need a place to sit and eat throughout the night so bringing chairs and tables is important.
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Portable Air Conditioner or Fan
The sun may be harsh in the daytime so you may need a portable air conditioner or fan to continue enjoying your party even in hot weather. You’ll also need them to keep the smoke away when you grill something.
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Pillows and Blankets
Pillows and blankets give extra comfort at night. Since you’ll be outside, you won’t want the weather to ruin your party, so it’s best to come prepared for a chilly night. Some tailgating parties also have campfires and you’ll want to have your blanket for that.
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Hand Warmers and Body Warmers
Nights may be cold and you may need to bring warmers to give you that extra heat. Just bring hand and body warmers in case the cold nights become unbearable.
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Bluetooth Speakers
Playing music is always a good idea. Bring Bluetooth speakers so you and your friends can dance or sing along while eating. Music also adds festivity to the mood.
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Trash Can
You need trash cans to dispose of your garbage. Always remember to party responsibly and don’t harm the environment.
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Games
Tailgating parties also have games for you to enjoy. Some board games and card games are played. Lawn games are also commonly enjoyed. Even mini golf is also set up and played in parking lots. There are lots of games you can choose from.
Enjoy the Party
Tailgating parties are a great experience for football fans. It is a way to bond with friends and even socialize with strangers. This is not just merrymaking but it is a continuing tradition from the past. It is also a symbol of American or Canadian love for football.
Tailgating is also great because everything is prepared by you and your fellow football fans. All the grilling and the setting-up is a fun activity itself. Don’t forget to bring all the must-have tailgating gears for a more memorable and comfortable experience.
