Plan Ahead
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.

Make a List
Make a list of items you need to bring and check them off as you pack. Remember to put your game tickets on your list!

Plan Your Menu
Plan your menu and prep a day or two ahead.

Pack up the Car
Pack up your car the night before with tables, chairs, supplies and coolers.

Show your team spirit!
Wear your team colors. Remember you’re the first player on the Tailgating Team!

Arrive Early -
Plan to arrive 3 to 4 hours early and stay 1 to 2 hours after the game.

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.

Decorate your tailgate site with team décor.

Meet your fellow tailgating neighbors
Throw the football around, share food or swap recipes.

Clean up your area

Don’t Forget
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. A friend

Food Tips
• Don’t forget food safety! Buy the freshest meats and produce.
• 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 you food in plastic bags allows you to just throw the bags away instead of trying to clean a bunch of Tupperware containers.
• Pack leftover food safely in clean re-sealable bags. Throw away food that’s been sitting out for more than two hours.
• Take the time to cook food thoroughly to destroy bacteria.