During the fall of the year, there is nothing more American than sharing a tailgating party with fellow sports-loving friends and family. Whither inside or out, the tailgating party is a perfect combination of sports, food and fun. Organizing a tailgating party is not rocket science, there is an art to the planning.
Just what is a tailgate party?
The tailgate party revolves around professional, college or school sporting events. It is the sharing of team spirit with good friends and delicious food. It is the ultimate in urban picnics held in the stadium parking lots. Tailgate parties can also be held on the side lines or in the stands at high school and grade school sports games. Tailgating is not just for football, although most tailgates involve a football game. The unique party can easily be held at soccer and baseball games. In addition to the food, guests bring team flags and other sports paraphernalia.
The Tailgate atmosphere
The perfect tailgating party involves a vast amount of planning. Reflecting an energetic environment is the first priority in planning and organization a tailgating party. You and your guest may not be in the stadium watching the minute by minute play. Listen to the game on portable TV or radio. Organize your own cheering squad to match the energetic spirit inside the stadium.
Wear the team colors
Support your team in every way possible. Invite fellow guests to wear team colors, sport jerseys and to bring team pennants and flags. Decorate your party area with pom-poms, flags, car magnets, and team banners.
Friendly competition
Treat the tailgate party like a competition. Setup a friendly competition among other tailgating friends from past parties. Set up a friendly competition for the most elaborate setting, or the highest decorating spirit or the best tailgate chili. Friendly competition allows exemplary sportsmanship to flow from the stadium to the parking lot and adds to the fun. Set up a judging panel and an awarding system that is fair and agreeable to everyone.
The tailgating menu
Food is by far one of the most crucial part of the tailgating party. Grilled-food staples, include burgers, sausage, chicken, pork chops and baby-back ribs. If you have ribs, precook them the night before and keep them on ice. Start grilling immediately when you rest your site.
Bratwurst or Italian sausage and peppers are other staples of the tailgating party menu. Marinate bratwurst in your favorite beer before cooking will make them juicy.
Make chili, a one-pot meal favorite of tailgaters. Try different kinds of chili made with turkey, pork or beef. Add black beans, hot peppers and sausage for an extra kick.
Don’t forget the tailgate party munchies
Nachos are a terrific tailgating munchies tradition. Simply prepare chips, refried beans, salsa, guacamole and cheese on a warming plate; it can be ready in minutes.
Another favorite is the hot wings. Grill the wings, slather with hot sauce or BBQ sauce and serve. Chicken tenders are an alternative to the hot wings. Grill them and serve with a terrific side honey mustard sauce for dipping.
The beer
The beverage of choice for most tailgating parties is beer. Many tailgaters prefer kegs, other bottles of their favorite brew. It is aways excellent idea to check with stadium officials for the rules about consuming beer and alcohol in public. It may be a good idea to do away with glass bottles and drink from plastic cups.
Accessories
Bring an ice chest or cooler on wheels for easy transporting. Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs. Frozen water bottles not only are suitable as ice packs, but also provide cold, refreshing water for the trip home.
Other items needed are plastic containers, baskets, dishware and silverware. Zip-lock bags are also a good idea. You’ll need sealable containers to transport the prepared foods, as well as for the left overs.
Large picnic baskets with many compartments are ideal for tailgating parties. Multi-purpose wares like large serving bowl, platters and casseroles also come in handy. Choose items that can go on the grill or in the oven and microwave. They should also be freezer safe. Of course, you also need standard items like grilling utensils, plastic cups and lots of napkins. Whenever possible, opt for disposable and biodegradable items.
Miscellaneous items
Outdoor parties like tailgating, there is a need to bring camp chairs, folding tables, tent, blankets, and in some case, rain gear is an excellent idea. Small generators can help power electrical appliances for cooking as well as mini fridges and heaters.
For night games, bring basic battery operated lanterns to illuminate the party. Holiday white lights operated by generator will also add to the energetic spirit of the party.
Get everyone involved in the planning
A large tailgate party can be an overwhelming task to plan and organize. An easy trick is to delegate responsibility and get all your guests involved. Recruit friends and family to handle each aspect of the party. Start a few days before the game to begin preparing. With everyone pitching in, the tailgate party well be a great success.