Tailgating is one of our favorite fall activities. Tasty food, cold drinks, friends, and FOOTBALL – can it get any better than this? If you’ve tailgated before, you know you always end up forgetting something that you need. That’s why we put together this handy tailgating checklist. But before we dive in, let’s talk about how tailgating became such an integral part of the football game experience.
What is the History of Tailgating?
Tailgating before football games is a uniquely American tradition with a long history. The first football tailgate was believed to have occurred at a Rutgers-Princeton college game in 1869. Fans wore their team colors and enjoyed beer, whiskey, and home-cooked food before the game.
Modern tailgating evolved as vehicles and portable grills became available, but the essential elements that bring people together are the same:
- A love for their favorite football team
- A delicious spread of food and drink
- A lively celebration.
Today, tents pop up in every college and national football stadium parking lot on game days across the country with the distinct haze of charcoal smoke, sounds of laughter, and the incredible aroma of grilled foods. It’s an experience that every serious football fan doesn’t want to miss before the game.
Here’s a downloadable checklist of tailgating essentials you’ll need to partake in this American tradition.
Tailgate Grilling Essentials
Want your tailgate to be the most sought-after pre-game event of the season? Bring on the meat! Wow your guests with PureGround® Burgers made from a single cut of steak, including filet mignon, sirloin, ribeye, porterhouse, brisket, and NY strip – it’s like steak on a bun. Or go bold with Omaha Steaks Smash Burgers – pre-smashed, ready in 5 minutes, and Built for the Grill™. Grill up our Gourmet Jumbo Franks to satisfy even the largest appetites. Here are the food and drink essentials you’ll need for the tastiest tailgate in the lot!
- Gourmet burgers
- Franks, brats, or sausages
- Steaks (New York strips are great for grilling)
- Omaha Steaks Seasoning (perfect for both steaks and burgers)
- Hamburger and/or hot dog buns
- Sliced cheese for cheeseburgers
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Pickles
- Relish
- BBQ sauce
- Side dishes (chips, dip, mac ‘n cheese, potato salads, etc.)
- Cookies or other sweet treats
- Drinks
- Ice
- Cooler
Are you planning an all-day experience? Serve up an epic meat experience and try one of our delicious smoked meat recipes.
Grilling Essentials for Tailgating
What’s a tailgate without that undeniably delicious aroma of grilled meat? Get ready to put on a show before the big game at your tailgate and don’t forget to pack your grill! Here’s everything you’ll need to get your grill on before the big game.
- Portable grill
- Propane or charcoal
- Matches or lighter
- Hot pads or grilling mitts
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Grill spray oil
- Meat thermometer
- Fire extinguisher
- Apron
- Timer (you can use the Omaha Steaks mobile app)
Want to up your grilling game? Check out our ultimate grilling guide to learn how to set up your grill and the basics for grilling meat. Or download the Omaha Steaks mobile app with grilling instructions and an easy-to-use cooking timer.
Tableware and Accessories Essentials
Make sure everything’s set so your guests can kick back and enjoy the tailgating food and drinks.
- Paper plates
- Disposable utensils
- Plastic cups
- Steak knives
- Bottle opener
- Corkscrew
- Can koozies
What You’ll Need to Set Up Your Tailgate
Give your guests a comfortable tailgating environment that’s Instagram-worthy with a few essentials. Bonus if these are in your team’s colors!
- Tent or canopy
- Camping chairs
- Coolers
- Folding table
- Tablecloth
- Wireless speakers
Don’t Forget the Cleanup Essentials
Keep your favorite tailgating lot clean and free of clutter by cleaning up after yourself. Here’s what you’ll need for cleanup and keeping your cooking area clean and sanitary.
- Paper towels
- Hand sanitizer
- Trash bags
- Wet wipes
Outdoor Tailgating Game Ideas
Guests may come for the food, but they’ll stay for the entertainment (and seconds if you’re serving Omaha Steaks). Add some games for the best tailgate on the block. Here are some fun ideas:
- Cornhole
- Ladder toss
- Horseshoes
- Football toss
- Ring toss
- Frisbee
- Giant Jenga
- Deck of cards
- Football trivia game
Other Things to Consider Packing
- Sunblock
- Bug spray
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Team gear
How To Set Up Your Tailgate
Before the first whistle blows, the real action happens in the parking lot. A smooth tailgate setup is your first win of the day – here’s how to ensure your team’s pre-game HQ is ready for anything.
- Tailgating Spot: Choose a location that’s not only close to the stadium but also near bathrooms and walking paths.
- The Area: Set up a canopy or pop-up tent to keep guests cool and dry. Arrange the chairs in a circle or U-shape, and decorate the area with your team’s colors, flags, or banners.
- Entertainment: Keep the game day spirit going with a tailgate-friendly TV setup to catch the coverage, speakers to play music, and games to play between bites.
- Food & Drink Station: Designate a grilling zone and keep your tools and food within reach. Set up a self-serve table for food, drinks, and condiments.
- Kid Area: Make the day fun for all ages with a dedicated space for kid-friendly games, toys, and snacks.
Easy Cleanup Tips
Once the final whistle blows, the true MVPs are those who clean up. With a few simple habits, you can keep your tailgate clean and environmentally friendly. Here are some helpful cleanup tips:
- Pack Up Leftovers: Before the game ends, begin packing food that hasn’t been eaten.
- Clean Your Grill: Make sure your grill is turned off and clean. If you used charcoal, double-check that the coals are completely extinguished.
- Separate Trash and Recyclables: Use different bags to make disposal easier once you return home.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean tables, chairs, and other surfaces.
- Use Eco-Friendly Dinnerware: Bring reusable or biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils to streamline the cleanup process and reduce waste.
Tailgate Etiquette Essentials
Tailgating is all about the food, fun, and fan spirit, but nothing can ruin the vibe faster than a lack of courtesy. Here are a couple of basic etiquette tips:
- Do: Carpool so your group uses fewer parking spots.
- Don’t: Take up more space than you need.
- Do: Bring extra food to share.
- Don’t: Drop food or drinks and not clean it up.
- Do: Take all your garbage and recycling with you.
- Don’t: Play music that is too loud or has inappropriate lyrics.
That’s it! Now you have the essentials to host an amazing tailgate to cheer on your favorite teams!
Are you watching from home? Check out our 10 amazing game day appetizers that are easy to prepare and perfect for a football-watching party.
Game Day Ready: Tailgating Tips & FAQs
You’ve got the team spirit, now make sure you’ve got the know-how, too. These frequently asked questions cover the basics to help you score big before kickoff (and a few pro tips)!
What are the most critical tailgating essentials?
Start with the basics: a portable grill, folding chairs, coolers packed with ice, utensils, trash bags, and pre-prepped foods. Want to level up? Add a pop-up tent for shade, a wireless speaker, and some fun tailgate games.
What food should I bring to a tailgate party?
Stick to easy-to-grill or pre-made favorites, such as burgers, hot dogs, steak skewers, chips, dips, and desserts. Don’t forget the drinks and condiments.
How do I keep food cold at a tailgate?
Pack refrigerated foods on the bottom of a cooler layered with ice packs or frozen water bottles. Keep the cooler in the shade and limit how often it’s opened to keep everything cold longer.
What time should I arrive to start tailgating?
Plan to arrive 3-4 hours before kickoff. That gives you time to set up, fire up the grill, eat, and enjoy the pre-game fun. Be sure to check when the parking lot opens – some stadiums have strict rules.
Can I tailgate without a grill?
Absolutely! Bring ready-to-eat options, such as deli sandwiches, wraps, sliders, or even thermos-packed chili. If stadium rules allow, a portable electric grill or mini stove is a great backup.
What games are best for tailgating?
Cornhole, ladder toss, and a game of catch are tailgate staples. For smaller tailgating setups, bring trivia cards, tabletop games, or a deck of cards.
