Tailgating may seem like a lot of work for the host vehicle, but forget the RVs and the campers – tailgating without all the fuss is where the fun’s at! With just a little planning and food prep, you can throw a super-fun tailgating party even with your Prius.
To keep stress levels low and the fun high, start by planning ahead. Choose the game you’re going to attend, invite friends and buy tickets as soon as possible. With those must-haves out of the way, the only thing left to concentrate on is the party!
Menu
Food, of course, is why people tailgate, so be sure to have something to eat that everyone can enjoy like some delish pizza from Papa John’s. Check out our Papa John’s local coupons for some great deals! It’s a good idea to have some appetizers on hand for your guests to munch on throughout the party and while waiting for other tailgaters to arrive – think easy to transport and easy to eat without holding a plate like crackers and cheese, veggies and dip, chips and guac, etc. Desserts should be similar. Cookies, bars, cupcakes and fudge are all yummy treats that can be eaten without plates and utensils.
If you don’t have time to prepare all the goodies, tell your friends when you invite them that you’ll bring the pizza, and ask if they will each bring a side, dessert or beverage to share.
Transport food in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, and try to have a cutting board and a good, sharp knife on hand, that way you’ll be prepared for whatever extras people bring – whether it’s cutting up a pan of brownies or slicing up extra cheese.
Decorate!
Want to take the fun to the next level? Buy crepe paper streamers and helium balloons in your team’s colors and trick out your ride and your space. You’ll be showing your support for your team, getting people pumped for the game and standing out in the middle of the endless sea of vehicles for your guests who have to park far away.
And don’t forget the iPod – fill up a playlist with your favorite party songs and bring some battery-powered portable speakers.
Everything ready? Plan to get there at least two hours before game time to find a parking spot and get set up. And be sure to leave some time after the party to pack everything up and still make it inside the stadium before kickoff. If you’re going with multiple cars, try to leave at the same time so you can get spots together, or at least close.
Tailgating checklist:
Tickets
Folding chairs and table
Tablecloth
Disposable cups, plates, napkins and utensils
Bottle opener and/or cork screw
Trash bags
Plastic wrap
Sunscreen
Blankets (for those later-in-the-season games)
Cooler with ice
Music and battery powered speakers
Antibacterial hand sanitizer
Can’t make it to the game? No worries! Have a tailgating party at home. Back the car out of the garage, set up like you would in the parking lot and head indoors at kickoff to watch the game on the flat screen! Just don’t forget to order more pizza!
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