What to Bring to a Tailgate Party

What to bring to a tailgating party, from a portable grill to stadium seats

Top 5 Tailgate Party Essentials

For some fans, game day isn't about only what happens on the field. It's an all-day celebration that starts long before the first whistle and continues after the final seconds tick off the clock.

If this sounds like your ideal way to spend game day, you're in the right place. Welcome to the ultimate tailgating gear guide. Use this article as your go-to resource for planning a championship-caliber tailgate party, with information like:

Ready to get this party started? Let's jump in.

What's a tailgate?

Wings on the grill. Ice-cold drinks in the cooler. Chairs for relaxing, games for playing, music in the air, and your crew all around. If this scenario sounds familiar to you, you've been to a tailgate.

A tailgate is a gathering of friends hosted outside a venue before a game, concert, or event. Named after the back door of a pickup truck, where it sometimes takes place, a tailgate party usually features food, drinks, and games. It starts before an event begins and can extend after the event ends. Tailgating gear includes grills, coolers, chairs, tents, and tables. For many fans, a tailgate party is the best part of a game day or concert.

Here are five tailgate essentials you need to throw the perfect tailgate party.

1. Tailgate grills: Fire up your pre-game

Quick, what's the first food you think of when you hear the word “tailgate”? Burgers? Brats? Wings? If any of those foods popped into your mind, you should include a tailgate grill on your tailgate checklist.

There are a ton of tailgate grill options out there, from a tailgate charcoal grill to a tailgate pellet grill. Here are four factors to consider when choosing the best tailgate grill for your game day lineup:

  • Fuel. What will it take to fire up your grill? Some tailgate pros choose a tailgate pellet grill because of the unique flavor it creates. Others opt for the ease of a tailgate propane grill, which you can easily power with a tailgate grill propane tank. Additional options include a tailgate gas grill or tailgate charcoal grill.
  • Portability . Your tailgate party will likely take place right next to your vehicle, but you still need a portable tailgate grill that's easy to transport. Wheels will help you roll your tailgate grill from garage to trunk to parking lot, and features like a locking lid that keeps it safe while you're on the go.
  • Control . Not every tailgate food should be cooked at the same temperature. Look for a propane tailgate grill that includes multiple burners, each with their own heat dial, so you have more control over what you're cooking.
  • Ease of cleaning. Don't let cleaning ruin the fun of a good tailgate party. Choose a tailgate grill with a built-in water pan, which makes it easy to catch and empty cooking grease when you head home.

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2. Tailgating tents: Keep your crew covered

Whether you're tailgating before a summer ball game or deep into football season, sun protection is essential. That's where a tailgating tent comes into play. The right tailgating tent or tailgate canopy keeps your crew cool when blazing rays turn up the heat on the blacktop.

Look for these three features when you're comparing tailgating tent and tailgate canopy options for your crew:

  • Easy setup. Look for a tailgating tent that goes up quickly, so you can spend less time getting set up and more time getting amped up for the game.
  • Extra sun protection. Some tailgate shelter options include SPF roofs and extended eaves so you have max out protection from the sun.
  • Made to move . Opt for a tailgating tent that packs up compactly so you can easily fit it in your trunk when you're ready to hit the road. Bonus points if your tailgate canopy includes a storage bag with wheels and a strap for extra-smooth transportation.

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3. Tailgate tables: Lay it all out

Before your team lays it all out on the field, you need a place to lay out all your tailgate food and drinks. The right tailgating table makes it possible. Whether you're looking for a fold down table, a truck tailgate table, or anything in between, here are three features to look for in the ideal tailgate table:

  • Adjustable height . There's a big height difference between a buffet-style table—where guests make plates while standing up—and a table where people sit down and eat. Choose a tailgate table with height-adjustable legs so you can offer both options.
  • Flexible arrangement. Every tailgate party is an opportunity to improve your setup. That's why it's nice to have some flexibility in the way your tables can be arranged. Look for tailgate tables that can be securely arranged next to one another by width or length, so you can adjust your table arrangement as needed.
  • CompactStorage. When the trunk of your car or truck is loaded with tailgating gear, every inch of space is precious. Your average fold out table will take up a ton of space—if it even fits in your trunk in the first place—so look for folding tailgate tables that pack up tightly.

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4. Tailgate chairs: The best seat in the house

Chances are you've put a lot of time, money, and effort into scoring great seats for the big game. You should feel just as excited about your pre- and post-game seats. That said, there are plenty of tailgate chairs out there, from stadium seats and stadium chairs to truck tailgate chairs. Here's a rundown of the best tailgate chairs:

  • Stadium seats fold down flat for easy storage, then fold open at a right angle to provide back support. Stadium seats are ideal when you plan on sitting in the bleachers.
  • Heated stadium seats are similar to normal stadium seats, with one important difference: They include a battery-powered heating pack to provide much-needed warmth during cold-weather events.
  • Head stadium chair pads are like stadium seats, but without the backing. While stadium seats are ideal when you're sitting in the bleachers, stadium chair pads are best when you're sitting in seats with a back.
  • Tailgate chairs, unlike stadium seats, are designed for use outside the venue. Choose a tailgate chair that's comfy and packs up nicely so you can make the most precious space in your vehicle and garage. The best tailgate chairs also include cupholders, giving you extra comfort and ease while you're relaxing.

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5. Tailgate coolers: Chill out before the action heats up

No tailgate party is complete without the mainstay of every pre- and post-game gathering: The tailgate cooler. Like a refrigerator that goes where you go, your tailgate cooler ensures you have access to ice-cold beverages from pre-game until after your event wraps up. It also gives you a trusty place to store all the tailgate food you worked so hard to prepare, whether it's a seven-layer dip or potato salad.

Look for a tailgate cooler crew that:

  • Handles with ease. Whether your tailgate cooler includes heavy duty wheels or easy-to-grip handles, look for a cooler you can easily transport from trunk to tailgate party and back again.
  • Fits your crew. Are you hosting just a few friends or the whole fan club? Tailgate coolers can hold upwards of 100 cans, so make sure you pick the right size for your tailgate squad.
  • Reps your team in style. Style points count. That's why we wear shirts, jerseys, and team colors on game day. Choose a cooler that you'll be proud to rep along with the rest of your tailgate gear on game day.

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PRO TIP: Find out how to choose the perfect cooler for every event—and how to best pack, clean, and maintain it—by visiting the Coleman Cooler HQ

Tailgate supplies: From essentials to extras

Once you have a tailgate grill, tailgate tent, tailgate table, tailgate cooler, and tailgate chairs, you've got your tailgate starting five. But every winning lineup also needs strong role players and a deep bench. The same goes for your tailgating gear: The perfect setup requires a full team effort.

Make sure to add these essentials and extras to your tailgate lineup for every game, concert, and event on your calendar:

 Portable bluetooth speaker. Listen to hype-up jams or the pregame radio show before you hit the game.
 Tailgate games. Whether cornhole and washers or tossing the football or frisbee.
 Condiments. Don't be the tailgate host who forgets ketchup, mustard, and mayo.
 Plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. Choosing reusable dishes and tableware means you don't need to buy new items for every tailgate.
 Tongs. Is it even a tailgate if you don't click the tongs?
 Spatula. Your burgers aren't going to flip themselves.
 Fuel. Propane, pellets, or charcoal to power your grill.
 Cutting Board. Pro tip: You can leave your cutting board at home if you prep meat and veggies before you leave the house.
 Tablecloths. Add style points and make cleanup easier.
 Paper towels and napkins . Essential for every tailgate party.
 Extra Tupperware. So you can securely bring home extra eats.
 Garbage Bags. Opt for heavy duty bags with twist ties to help you avoid tears or spills.
 Recycling Bin. Cans and glass can puncture garbage bags, so a bin is your best bet for recyclables.

Tailgate food: Welcome to the main even

No tailgate checklist is complete without the centerpiece of any tailgate experience: Tailgate food. Tasty eats can transform an ordinary pregame gathering into a legendary party. Below are some classic, can't miss tailgate foods along with exciting twists on familiar favorites that will leave your guests raving—and craving more.

Kickoff Classics

 Chips and guacamole
 Seven-layer dip
 What?
 Veggies and dip
 Deviled eggs

Sideline Sides

 Potato salad
 Macaroni salad
 Mac and cheese
 Coleslaw
 Slow-cooked meatballs

The Undisputed MVPs
 Hot dogs
 Bratwurst
 Burgers
 Wings
 Ribs
 Pulled pork
 Grilled chicken
 Steak
 Chili
 Gumbo

Coleman Hall of Fame Favorites
 Garlic-marinated strip steak
 French onion soup dip
 Green chile burgers
 Pear, brie, and arugula quesadillas
 Bourbon-honey baby back ribs
 Cast-iron skillet gnocchi with pesto

Championship Condiments and Extras

 Ketchup
 Mustard
 Mayo
 Wings
 Ranch
 Lettuce
 Tomato
 Onion
 Pickles
 Cheese

How to Tailgate: Tailgate Setup Ideas

You've gathered your tailgate gear, planned your menu, scored your tickets, and are ready to throw the ultimate tailgate party. Here are five tips to ace your tailgate setup, wow your guests, and enable an easy experience from start to finish.

  1. Show up early. Check the website of the event, find out what time lots are open, and get there as early as you can. Entering the parking lot early means you have plenty of time to set up and enjoy the day—while also facilitating a shorter walk into the venue.
  2. Throw some shade. Coolers will keep your drinks colder for longer if they're stored in a shady area. Same goes for food that should be served chilled—like guacamole, potato salad, or coleslaw. Make sure to put coolers and cold food under the shade of your tent, and consider adding a sun wall to your setup for extra protection.
  3. Lead your guests to victory. Make your food tailgate as easy as possible for your guests to navigate. For example, if you're setting up a buffet, put plates at the front of your table followed by buns, hot dogs, sides, condiments, utensils, and napkins—so your guests don't have to leapfrog throughout the line to make their plates.
  4. Wave your flag proudly. Make your tailgate setup shine and let other fans know where your loyalty lies. Adding flags, banners, team colors, and custom-painted cornhole boards help you score style points and rep your team with pride.
  5. Light the night. Whether you've got a hankering for a post-game sandwich or just want to make a cleanup of a cinch after the sun goes down, consider adding a light to your tailgating checklist. From lanterns for on-table lighting to headlamps for illumination that moves with you, find the right option for your tailgate setup here.

Be a tailgate MVP with Coleman

Congratulations: You're now ready to set up an all-star tailgate party. Now it's time for the fun to begin—and we're just as excited as you are. Learn more about prepping for other big events outside here:

FAQ

What to bring to a tailgate party?

Whether you're heading to a game or concert, a tailgate party is an ideal way to extend the celebration into an all-day event. But with countless ways to plan a tailgate party, it can seem overwhelming to figure out what to bring to a tailgate party. Here are some essential items to add to your tailgating party packing list:

  • Portable tailgate grill
  • Tent, shelter, or canopy
  • Fold down table or tailgate table
  • Tailgate chairs
  • Cooler
  • Tailgate food and drinks—see a complete list here
  • Utensils, dishware, and tableware
  • Napkins and paper towels
  • Lights for after the sun goes down
  • Games like cornhole, frisbee, and washers
  • Garbage bags
  • Recycling bin
  • Extra food storage containers

When is tailgate season?

Tailgating is one of the best ways to celebrate a big game or concert, but when is tailgate season? The short answer is that tailgate season is whenever you want it to be—as long as you know how to prepare. Here's an overview of different events you can tailgate to during each season and how you can best get ready.

  • Spring tailgating . From soccer games to spring training baseball games, spring offers plenty of tailgating opportunities. Spring weather can change quickly, so bring layers and anticipate a range of different weather scenarios—from sun to rain to surprise snow—on any given day.
  • Summer tailgating. In many places, summer is the heart of concert season. It's also a great time to tailgate for baseball games and football training camps. A tailgate tent, tailgate shelter, and tailgate cooler are essential parts of your summer tailgating setup.
  • Fall tailgating . Maybe the most popular time to tailgate, fall features the start of football season and the tail end of concert season. Temperatures can stay high even after summer, so you'll want to pack the same tents and coolers you include in your summer setup.
  • Winter tailgating. Dropping temperatures don't mean that tailgating season has to end—especially if you want to celebrate football playoff games or outdoor hockey games. Dress warmly, add plenty of warm foods and drinks to your menu (like chilis and hot ciders), and get started early to maximize your time under the sun.
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