More Tips

At Penn State, We Are Tailgating! When football season starts, it's still summer time with hot temperatures. We've found that making sure your beverages are real cold before placing in a cooler of ice helps to slow the ice melt. It sounds simple but it works, along with freezing some bottles of water to throw in the cooler, too. Enjoy your 'gate-Go State! Gail and John

When tailgating always get people to chip in. it can get very costly....GO TEXANS!

WATER: Get yourself a big cooler. Throw in a 20lb bag of ice and fill with water.
POWER: Forget loud generators. We power tv, satellite, radio, fan with marine batteries (we bring 2, one for backup which was needed once). Get yourself a nice inverter to handle anything you have to throw at it (700 watt) from Michael at TAMU

We just discovered tailgating last year and love it! I found that large storage bin organizers are great. I use them to organize all of our tailgating gear and keep it that way, so it's easy in, easy out, each time!

The best things invented for tailgating: Plastic Ziploc bags (great for bringing food out or leftovers home), match light charcoal and plastic totes. It's amazing how much you can put in a tote, keeps it safe, clean and dry. Two or three stacked on top of each other can bring your entire kitchen with you. Take smoked sausage links and boudin links, slice each link into three equal pieces. Thread one sausage and one boudin piece on half a kabob skewer, grill on both sides until done and serve as appetizer. If you can't get boudin, substitute another type of sausage other than smoked. John G. from Baton Rouge......Geaux LSU Tigers !!

We like to tailgate, but all of our games are at 12:00 noon. We have found it very difficult to watch the television in the parking lot because of the glare. Do you have any suggestions as to how to reduce the glare? Flat screen Plasma TV seems to work the best

Team Flags: I wanted to have our Gator flag flying at the BCS Championship game. I looked around at some of the flagpole kits online and I wasn't really excited about spending $175 for a flagpole. The solution. I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought a telescoping window washing extension pole for $20. It extended to about 15 feet and could be stored easily in our trunk as it was only about 5 feet long when it wasn't extended. We brought some extra zip ties and hung the pole up from one of our poles on the side of our EZ Up tent using the other zip ties to put the flag on the top of the pole - hang it halfway up the pole and the flag is about 20 feet in the air and could be seen from all over the parking lot. Go Gators!

I am in my rookie season as a "Tailgater" at Pro Player Stadium in South Florida. That might not seem like much to some of you, but I live in Dallas, Texas! There are several "stranded" Dol-Fans out here and some even have season tickets! One thing I didn't see mentioned here was the team flag, you gotta have one, and if at all possible - get that thing way up there! Team jerseys, hats and jewelry are also essentials. Butch & Deb---- Go Fins!

When the schedule comes out in February, pick a game. Three months before game day send out a Tailgating Invitation to everyone on your Christmas Card list. For those Veterans who always go and for any rookies, collect $20 a person plus Ticket Money. As the person running it, go ahead and plan the menu and allocate your budget for tent and grill rental, personalized cups, and everything from the Fruit marinated in Finlandia to the KaKabob Contest , chili and hot dog Buffet. But that's only after a Full course breakfast with with Bloody Mary's and Screwdrivers. Don't be shy. Put the meeting time at 7AM either in your letter...If they are die hards, they will come . It's a lot of work, but Makes for a great day in one of the best tailgating campus's in the country. GO ARMY....AFT Boss from Newburgh.

Your very own port a potty. We made ours out of a tall shower tent from wall-mart for $30, then we got a bedside commode from her brother after his back surgery. We took out the small bucket and placed a 5 gallon bucket under the seat on the ground. Just add TP and hand sanitizer and now you have your very own port-a potty. It is narrow so it fits in between your cars, if you rmember to leave a little extra space. Have the open end behind you so you block off the entrance with your party...GO STEELERS! Theterriblevan.com

I have 2 dedicated 18 gallon Rubbermade totes for tailgating. 1 for paper/plastic goods, bbq utensils, extra batteries, propane hoses, extension cord, garbage bags and other such items. The other tote is for the food that doesn't need to be iced or cold goes, ie bread, chips, some condiments, etc... I store these totes together and they only come out for tailgating events or camping. Also if you can't afford a camper or a generator, I recommend a power inverter. I have a 400 watt unit ($50 with 2 outlets). It will power anything under 150 watts right from the cigarette light. Anything more needs a direct connection to your 12 volt battery (either the car battery or spare). You can use it to power your TV for pregame/postgame broadcasts (20" TV uses about 110 Watts), lights for the late or night games (x-mas type lights that you can string up around your 10' x 10' canopy), stereo, or even the coleman 40 quart thermoelectric cooler among other things. Hope someone can use my tips. There are a lot of good ones here! Enjoy! Kyle, Burlington, MA

When tailgating at the Indy Colts games, we have discovered that if you use disposable aluminum pans, they make cooking a snap. For instance, I wrap mini sausages in bacon, spear with toothpicks, and sprinkle with brown sugar and bake the night before at home. I then cover with foil and put the container in a very large zip lock bag and place in the cooler. The next day, I reheat on the grill. When the food is gone, the pan can go in a trash bag, (which I keep an entire roll in my Tailgating Box) with literally no clean up. These pans can also heat up chili for hotdogs or potato skins (pre baked and fried the night before and stored in a zip lock bag) topped with bacon and cheese. Additionally, in our Weber Q gas tailgating grill, you can put a small pan upside down on the grill and then top with another pan right side up and fill with biscuits to bake. Put precooked sausage in a pan and make some quick gravy for the biscuits and everyone will want to join your party. They are also great for storing cold items, such as a layered dip. We buy these aluminum pans in bulk at a warehouse club super cheap... It is fun to prepare and plan the party, but less fun to pack and unload all of the stuff that we so eagerly packed in the morning. So making everything as disposable at your party will make your experience in the evening less stressful. Also, when making deviled eggs at home, keep the filling in a ziplock bag, snip the bottom tip of the bag and pipe into the whites of the eggs shortly before serving. They stay much neater... but don't forget to bring a bottle of paprika to sprinkle on top. ...From Barry and Pamela, Indianapolis Colts Tailgating Fans... Go Colts!

An Easy-Up canopy provides shade, or protection from the elements. It also gives friends an identifiable rally point. Disposable chafing dishes are a great way to keep food hot. When you leave, you can cover them and they become a great package for the leftovers....Daniel Minnesota Vikings Tailgating Ambassador. (Ladies, stop by for some beads!)

Make SURE you bring a stereo. As a 10 year old tailgater, it's NO fun without the beat!

Bring a half gallon jug (or 2 liter soda bottle) filled with water. Use the water to put out the hot charcoal (s), after you finish your bar-b-que, and dump the coals on the ground/pavement. That way nobody gets a hot-foot, and you save the parking lot pavement from burning up. You can also use the water to help clean any of your cooking utensils, by adding a little dishwashing soap, to the bottle or jug. Always clean up your mess/garbage, by placing it in a trash barrel, or bag it and bring it back home, to dispose of it there. Please don't be a Litterbug...And remind those people in your tailgate party/group, not to throw their trash on the ground. Remember to recycle your plastic cups, plates.etc...along with any other trash that can be recycled!! By putting out your cooking fire, and always cleaning up your tailgate
spot, you can head into the game/event that much earlier. GO BILLS!!!...In 05'!!! Dave from Glens Falls New York

Laminated Check List. We have been tailgating for years. We developed our check list over the years and laminated it. On Fri/Sat as we are packing, simply check off the items with a dry erase marker. When all done, wipe it off and you are ready for the next game! Go Boliers!!!!!!

Give your tailgate a regional flavor. Quick and easy cooking is a must at a tailgater. Here on the Pacific Coast (University of Oregon--GO DUCK'S!!!) salmon and oysters are quick and easy to cook on the 'que--and tasty too! Cioppino (seafood stew, if you will) is another hot and hearty meal to get the fires burning for that big November game. Down South? We are in September! How 'bout fajitas with fresh garden grilled veggies and homemade salsa? We go Midwest in October with Brat day--boiled in beer and grilled...mmmmmm. Add some quality 'kraut and your ready for anything! Creative, quick, and tasty are the best meals for a tailgater!! From Charlie P. in Rickreal, Oregon...a Duck Fan and professional tailgater from birth to 43!!!

ZIPLOCS ARE THE GREATEST INVENTION SINCE SLICED BREAD FOR THE SERIOUS TAILGATER...CHRIS P.

I am in love with tailgating and have been at it since 1970. You can find me attending Milwaukee Brewers games as well as Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badger games. We are a hardy group that will be out there if it is 100 degrees or 20 below. My tip is that I always bring my own personal "jumbo" beverage glass with me. When I set my beverage down for any reason, having my distinguishable cup makes it is easy to spot and retrieve. That prevents you from grabbing someone else's cup or gulping a beer with a cigarette butt in it. In addition, I will not insult beer, brandy or any other tasty drink with a cheap plastic cup...Karl K.

Things not to do: .Bring raw chicken. So tell the new guy coming with you not to bring raw chicken, Pre cook it with some spices the night before...Kissle GO PATRIOTS!

Chicago has some of the best tailgate experts. This is the home of the famous Weber Kettle Grill. It is seen at almost every tailgate site. Make sure your charcoal is dry. Put the charcoal, lighter cubes and matches all in a plastic bucket with a lid and a handle. It will make it easier to store, handle and keep the charcoal dry (for some of the rough Chicago Sundays). You can also use the bucket for a seat, while you suck down some beers, eat your gourmet meal off your Weber Kettle Grill and talk about the '85 Bears. (Make sure to close the dampers on your Weber Kettle to put the coal out at least 30 min before game time)....Gary

We use a three drawer Rubbermaid unit that fits nice on the table. Stores your paper products in one compartment, spices in another and on the bottom what ever fits. If you need a plate or a cup pull out the drawer and grap one. It also keeps the cups put away and works good... NOTRE DAME TAILGATERS RULE!!!

Make hamburgers in advance (make sure they are no thicker than 3/4 inch) and freeze between sheets of wax paper. Put on grill still frozen and cook 3 to 4 minutes each side...from Heather a UGA Tailgater.

Large tailgates require a lot of additional help. Have a meeting with tailgating constituents (at a local bar) to plan and distribute responsibilities; write down on paper! One person can not do it all! ...from John A - WVU "Blue Lot" tailgater 20+ years and still going strong! WVU Mountaineer Fan - Home of the #1 party school in America!

I bought a large, clear, plastic Rubbermaid box with a lid for all our tailgating supplies like paper products, cutlery, trash bags, etc. This way, I can see inside the box for a quick inventory each week. Also, when football season is over, the box is easily stored in the basement until next year...from Dawn, Clemson Tiger Tailgater...Go Tigers!!

I am a "list" person. My boyfriend, Rob and I prepare at least a week or two ahead of time. We found that we didn't duplicate unnecessary items, or forget anything. We go to New Hampshire Int'l Speedway, and anyone who has been to a Winston Cup Event there can tell you, there is plenty of "wait" time, when making the exodus. Bring a deck of cards to pass the time away.

Also, a great cooler tip! Get bottled water and freeze it. Place it in your cooler. If it gets hot, you can take it out and as it melts, you will have cold water to drink. Unlike, ice, it won't "water down" your cooler! The bottles make good ice packs!!...Nancy and Rob--Rusty Wallace fans and NHIS tailgaters since '98.

One strategy that I used that may be of use to your readers was this: I tied a helium- filled balloon to the tailgate of my car. The big red, shiny Mylar balloon floating in the sky was an easy find for my brother and his family who did not know where I had parked in the sea of cars. I realize this may not be so useful at a huge venue with tens of thousands of cars, but it worked perfectly for us at a smaller site...from Ron, a Colgate University Tailgater

Tip #1) Line portable your grill with aluminum foil for easy clean-up and disposal of spent charcoal.
Tip #2) Flank steaks need a longer period of marinating, so on Monday, I put them in a ziplock bag with the dressing or whatever marinate we are using. Let them sit for two days and then freeze them until the night before the game. They thaw but are still very cold for the trip. Less danger of turning meat in a cooler...from Cathy a Temple Owls Tailgater

Here's a tip! Need a place to store and carry your knives, forks, spoons. and other small stuff? How about a old tool box? You can find one cheap at a hardware store or garage sale....from Rick, Go Blue!!!

Most generators do not run on electricity, (Big surprise), don't forget to gas it up before you leave...Tim from Tampa Bay

Tailgating Checklist...This makes my Saturday morning organizing much easier. Its a list that I have compiled from years of tailgating at Kinnick Stadium, home of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. Feel free to share it. Go Hawks!!!...Hawkeye Tom

I have been a Miami Hurricane tailgater for the past 12 years. During that time, we have established a faithful gathering at every home game. Because we have the same dedicated 30 or so people that show for every home game, we decided to make a plaque with all of our names on it to hang at our tent site. It's great for moral!...Diona in Miami

There are many supplies needed at a tailgate parties, but the most important ones are a grill, football, cooler filled with favorite beverages, and LOTS and LOTS of food to share with other tailgaters... Jason (Tailgate Pro), in Cincinnati Bengal Country.

For those of us who frequently partake of Jalapenos and such, here is a very helpful hint. A grapefruit spoon, the one that is narrow, with little teeth along the edge, is great for de-seeding and de-veining peppers. It is faster and and does not damage the meat of the pepper... Lee and Mimi, Husker Country Tailgaters in Lincoln, Nebraska