Tailgating Tips by 4theGrill
Here in Cleveland Ohio, football is king; unfortunately we haven’t had a whole lot to get exited about in the past decade or so. Most of us fans have turned tailgating up a notch to have an enjoyable Sunday afternoon. This article will give you a few tips on some of the things we have learned along the way.
Make a list: of items that you plan bringing. Such as table, chairs, beer, food, etc.. Start your list a few days a head of time and you will find yourself adding to it daily. Save this list or make a copy to refer to the next time you go to the game as well. If you do not want to bring full size condiment bottles with you, ask for extra on your next fast food run.
Prepare the night before: We have found that packing up all of the non-perishable items and loading them into the car the night before saves a lot of time and aggravation the next morning. Clear a shelf (or 2) in your refrigerator and dedicate it to all of the food and beverages that will be placed in your cooler(s). This will make it fast and easy to pack your cooler in the morning. Also do any food prep, such as marinating steaks, the night before and place it into large re-sealable storage bags, and pack a few extra bags, these are a handy item to have around.
The cooler: Remember in a tailgating situation cans are always more preferable then glass bottles. Not only are they more compact, they will not shatter if dropped. To save space pre-mix any mixed drinks and place them in plastic bottles. Place your beverages in the bottom of the cooler first then cover them with ice and place the perishable food items on top.
The Grill: We have a small tabletop gas grill that we use exclusively for tailgating. A portable charcoal grill will work as well. Either way, remember to bring a way to get it lit, packet type fire starters are a good solution for charcoal. The charcoal can be stored in the grill for transporting it.
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Have a parking plan: If you are going to the game with more then 3 or 4 people plan on taking two cars. The first car should have the fewest occupants and all of the tailgating supplies. This car should be the one that arrives first, and set up the table and chairs in the spot next to it to hold the parking space for the next vehicle. Most lots will not tolerate you setting up in a spot that will not be filled, however if you are saving it for another vehicle they usually do not mind.
Never Trust the Weatherman: It is best to be prepared for all types of weather whenever you are planning on spending a long period of time outdoors. It has been my experience that when it is supposed to be partly cloudy, it will rain for two hours straight. There is nothing worse than a bunch of you being huddled in your car, soaking wet and cold trying to eat. A plastic tarp placed between 2 cars, or hanging off of a hatchback makes a good short-term shelter.
Bring an assortment of food and beverages: For some reason there are some people who do not appreciate the cracking open of the first beer at 7:00 a.m. These are people just do not appreciate the fine art of tailgating. Bring along a thermos of coffee, and maybe you can convince them to appreciate it around 9:00.
Make a list: of items that you plan bringing. Such as table, chairs, beer, food, etc.. Start your list a few days a head of time and you will find yourself adding to it daily. Save this list or make a copy to refer to the next time you go to the game as well. If you do not want to bring full size condiment bottles with you, ask for extra on your next fast food run.
Prepare the night before: We have found that packing up all of the non-perishable items and loading them into the car the night before saves a lot of time and aggravation the next morning. Clear a shelf (or 2) in your refrigerator and dedicate it to all of the food and beverages that will be placed in your cooler(s). This will make it fast and easy to pack your cooler in the morning. Also do any food prep, such as marinating steaks, the night before and place it into large re-sealable storage bags, and pack a few extra bags, these are a handy item to have around.
The cooler: Remember in a tailgating situation cans are always more preferable then glass bottles. Not only are they more compact, they will not shatter if dropped. To save space pre-mix any mixed drinks and place them in plastic bottles. Place your beverages in the bottom of the cooler first then cover them with ice and place the perishable food items on top.
The Grill: We have a small tabletop gas grill that we use exclusively for tailgating. A portable charcoal grill will work as well. Either way, remember to bring a way to get it lit, packet type fire starters are a good solution for charcoal. The charcoal can be stored in the grill for transporting it.
Never Trust the Weatherman: It is best to be prepared for all types of weather whenever you are planning on spending a long period of time outdoors. It has been my experience that when it is supposed to be partly cloudy, it will rain for two hours straight. There is nothing worse than a bunch of you being huddled in your car, soaking wet and cold trying to eat. A plastic tarp placed between 2 cars, or hanging off of a hatchback makes a good short-term shelter.
Bring an assortment of food and beverages: For some reason there are some people who do not appreciate the cracking open of the first beer at 7:00 a.m. These are people just do not appreciate the fine art of tailgating. Bring along a thermos of coffee, and maybe you can convince them to appreciate it around 9:00.