If you are trying to plan a tailgate party, you might realize that it’s not as much fun as actually being in the party.
There are plenty of details you need to get right to make sure everyone has a great time and goes home with happy memories of the event.
So, to help you out, here are some tips for planning a tailgating party.
1. Pick the Perfect Spot
The location of your tailgate party is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly. Before the event, make sure to research parking areas that allow tailgating and check the rules specific to that spot. Some places might have restrictions on where you can park, whether you can set up grills, or how loud your music can be.
Choose a location close enough to the event, but not so close that it’s crowded or hard to find parking. Arriving early is also a good idea, you want to claim a spot that gives your group enough space to spread out without being cramped by other tailgaters. If you’re meeting friends, make sure to coordinate ahead of time so everyone parks together.
2. Prepare Your Tailgating Toilets
One often overlooked but crucial part of any successful tailgate is taking care of bathroom arrangements. While many stadiums or concert venues have public restrooms, they may be far from your tailgating spot, or the lines might be long. This is where having your own portable option, like tailgating toilets, can come in handy.
Portable toilets or pop-up restrooms can save you and your guests from constant trips back and forth to crowded facilities. There are plenty of affordable, portable solutions on the market that make the experience much more comfortable and convenient for everyone involved.
3. Create a Tailgate Menu
Food is the heart of any great tailgate, so you want to make sure you’re offering delicious, crowd-pleasing options.
Whether you’re grilling burgers, making sandwiches, or serving up snacks, the key is simplicity. You don’t want to spend the entire event cooking, so prepare as much as you can ahead of time. Pre-made salads, marinated meats ready for grilling, and easy-to-serve items like chips and dips are all good ideas.
Don’t forget to plan for drinks, too! Make sure to bring a cooler stocked with a variety of beverages—water, sodas, and some alcoholic options if it’s allowed at your tailgate spot. Remember, ice melts quickly, especially in the sun, so pack more than you think you’ll need.
4. Set Up an Entertainment Station
Tailgating isn’t just about food and drinks, having a little entertainment can elevate the party and keep your guests engaged.
If you’ve got a portable speaker, set up a playlist of pump-up music to get everyone in the spirit of the event. You can also bring along outdoor games like cornhole, ladder toss, or a football to throw around.
If you want to keep up with the pre-game action, consider bringing a portable TV or radio to catch the latest updates. Just make sure you’ve got enough battery power or a portable generator to keep everything running smoothly. A well-rounded entertainment setup keeps the energy high and ensures there’s never a dull moment.