It's that time of the year! Tailgating 101

The TIA wants you to enjoy tailgating to the fullest. And, it’s important to start with the basics. Here’s a little “Tailgating 101” to get you started on the road to becoming an elite tailgater.

1. Dress in team colors. Wear a team jersey, t-shirt or sweatshirt. If you don’t have time to get to the team store, dressing in team colors is perfectly acceptable as well. Show your team spirit -- because tailgaters are superb fans.
    
2. Plan the menu. Make sure that you get as much prep done as you can. Keep the menu simple -- and keep packing as simple as possible too.
    
3. Make a list. And then check it twice. Think about the things that you want to bring with you. Check off items as you pack. Pack paper and plastic products (i.e. - plates, napkins, towels, cutlery) the night before. Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit, trash bags and damp towels in ziplock bags to clean hands and face.
    
4. Arrive early. Stay late. Get to the parking lot at least 3 to 4 hours early and stay 1 to 2 hours after the game. It will make it much easier to get in and get out.
    
5. Pick the prime parking location. If you can, park next to a grassy area or at the end of a parking row. This will give you room to sprawl to enjoy some serious tailgating.
    
6. Fly a flag. Get it up on a very high pole so that friends can find you.
    
7. Decorate. Get those team colors up on your rig. Pennants and other team memorabilia can turn even the most humble vehicle into a homage to your team.
    
8. Meet your neighbors. Tailgating is one of the most social activities in our country. Throw the football with your friends (old and new), share stories and recipes -- have fun.
    
9. Have the food ready early. You should serve food at least 90 minutes before the game starts (we’ve seen some tailgates start with breakfast at 6am, lunch at 11am and a game a 1pm). This will give you plenty of time to eat and clean up.
    
10. A clean tailgate is a happy tailgate. Use the old hiking adage, if you took it in, take it back out.

 

Other Tailgating Must-Haves

Jumper Cables. The one time you don’t bring ‘em is the time you’ll need ‘em. You may also be the hero when someone’s battery decides to go kaput.

Toilet Paper. It is the MVP (uh, most valuable product). Just because the porta-let is there doesn’t mean it’s fully stocked.

Plastic Trash Bags. Make sure that you bring extras. Don’t get caught short because keeping your tailgating area clean after you’re done results in great future tailgating karma.

Extra Ice. Just bring an extra chest filled with ice. You never want to run out of ice. It’s a nightmare to go out and try to buy it “mid-game.”

First Aid Kit. Bumps, burns and cuts can happen. There are plenty of drug stores and retailers who have full first aid kits to buy.

Sun Block. Go 50SPF or higher. ‘Nuff said here.

Comfortable Shoes. We haven’t done the ‘ol pedometer test, but people walk around tailgates more than they realize. Make sure that you have shoes that keep you and your feet comfortable. Leave the high heels and dress shoes at home. Trust us here.

Antacid. Defense wins championships. And sometimes, we need a little extra help to keep us on our game.

Article via tailgating.com