It goes without saying that tailgating is an essential part of any gameday – you gotta go big to get your crew fired up for the big game. So whether you're a tailgate rookie or a seasoned pro, here are some pregame home runs (from a true sports restaurant) to get you ready for the ultimate gameday experience.

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There is nothing worse than running out of soul satisfying comfort food at a tailgate. It’s worth the few extra dollars to have too much food. You can always take food home, but you can’t eat what’s not there.

Map out all the items you need to bring and check them off as you pack. The biggest mistake: Leaving your tickets off the list. You can’t get in the game without ‘em!

Getting everything ahead of time gives you plenty of time to prep what you need and it’ll save you crucial time on gameday.

Load up all the non-perishable essentials (chairs, cups, tables, grill, etc.) the night before to save you some time and headache before the game.

Team colors…. Don’t leave home without ‘em! Remember you’re the first player on the Tailgating Team!

Getting in early to set up beats the piling in with the rest of the crowd. Having a good set up after the game also allows you to hang out and wait for the masses to leave.

Food should be ready an hour and a half before the game starts. This will allow plenty of time for those going to the game to eat and clean up.

Give a friendly shout-out to the fans around you – chances are they’re on your team. If not, you can always be a gracious host at your team’s venue. Throw the football around, share food, swap recipes (Save the best for your team’s fans though.)

No one likes a messy tailgate – before or after the game. Have a trash can or bag handy to clean as you go and don’t forget to take everything with you afterwards.

1. The grill- Your MVP for the game!
2. Toilet Paper- The Most Valuable Product for the Port-A-Potties
3. Trash bags- And plenty of them for clean-up
4. First aid kit- In case the football hits you in the head
5. Sun block- There’s no reason to burn you or the food
6. Comfortable shoes- You need the right shoes to walk your stomach around
7. Antacid- Defense wins championships
8. Water- You will need it to clean up and put out fires
9. Soap
10. Plastic re-sealable bags
11. Chairs- Rookies always forget them
12. Paper towels/ napkins/ wet naps
13. Bottle opener/ can opener
14. Plates, forks, spoons, etc
15. Extra Ice- You want to ensure your perishables stay cool even on the hottest game
16. Rain Gear- You’ll still be cooking when everyone else is running for shelter
17. Condiments
18. Dessert
19. Jumper cables
20. Friends

1. Don’t forget food safety! Buy the freshest meats and produce.

2. Durable, re-sealable plastic bags are great! Quart size bags are perfect for packing fresh vegetables and fruits. Slip your meats into larger plastic bags to marinate before grilling. The re-sealable bags prevent juices from leaking on other food and contaminating it. Bringing your food in plastic bags allows you to just throw the bags away instead of trying to clean a bunch of Tupperware containers.

3. Pack leftover food safely in clean re-sealable bags. Throw away food that’s been sitting out for more than two hours.

4. Take the time to cook food thoroughly to destroy bacteria.

1.   The grill- Your MVP for the game!
2.   Toilet Paper- The Most Valuable Product        for the Port-A-Potties
3.   Trash bags- And plenty of them for       clean-up
4.   First aid kit- In case the football hits you in       the head
5.   Sun block- There’s no reason to burn you       or the food
6.   Comfortable shoes- You need the right       shoes to walk your stomach around
7.   Antacid- Defense wins championships
8.   Water- You will need it to clean up and put       out fires
9.   Soap
10. Plastic re-sealable bags
11. Chairs- Rookies always forget them
12. Paper towels/ napkins/ wet naps
13. Bottle opener/ can opener
14. Plates, forks, spoons, etc
15. Extra Ice- You want to ensure your       perishables stay cool even on the hottest       game
16. Rain Gear- You’ll still be cooking when       everyone else is running for shelter
17. Condiments
18. Dessert
19. Jumper cables
20. Friends

1. Don’t forget food safety! Buy the freshest meats and produce.

2. Durable, re-sealable plastic bags are great! Quart size bags are perfect for packing fresh vegetables and fruits. Slip your meats into larger plastic bags to marinate before grilling. The re-sealable bags prevent juices from leaking on other food and contaminating it. Bringing your food in plastic bags allows you to just throw the bags away instead of trying to clean a bunch of Tupperware containers.

3. Pack leftover food safely in clean re-sealable bags. Throw away food that’s been sitting out for more than two hours.

4. Take the time to cook food thoroughly to destroy bacteria.