What happens when your favorite team is ready for game day, but you aren’t? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a complete Tailgating Survival Guide, from the moment you pull into the lot to kickoff. Read on to see how you can win at football season — regardless of how your team does!
Get tickets — and parking! — early
Save time at the game and buy your tickets and parking pass now (or book a Tasker to grab prime seats for you). This will make your game day much less stressful when you already have guaranteed seats and parking.
Pro-Tip: Print out all your tickets at the start of the season and put them in your car’s glove-box. Check and see if your team offers seat upgrades through Experience. You might be able to upgrade your seats to the 50 yard-line 24 hours before the game.
Create your tailgate toolbox
We know you won’t forget to bring burgers and hot dogs and you definitely won’t forget to pack extra beverages. You might forget to pack these forgotten tailgate essentials, though! Purchase a standard tool-box and fill it with the tailgate essentials below. Keep it in your car and you will always be tailgate ready!
Pro Tip: If you don’t have enough time to go shopping for your toolbox essentials, hire a Tasker to do it for you!
Get your game day attire ready
First, check the weather for game day. Then decide if you want to wear your favorite team t-shirt, pair an old team hat with a great pair of jeans, or need to bring out your new sweatshirt. You’ll be on your feet a lot (especially when the quarterback throws a last-second Hail Mary to win the game) so get your comfiest shoes ready.
Pro Tip: Send everyone in your group the weather for game day. Nothing dampens a party like an unprepared guest!
Pack the perfect tailgate
Plan on bringing lawn chairs (preferably in your team’s colors), a table, and a tent. Get your grill and grill tools set up (don’t forget to check the gas!). Utensils, plates, napkins, cups, and paper towels can all go in a big shopping bag to make mealtime easy.
Need help to pack a cooler like a pro? We prefer separating your coolers for food and beverages. You don’t want your tailgate crew constantly opening the food cooler, looking for an icy beverage.
Start with a collapsible cooler for your food to make post-game clean-up a breeze! Place ice packs or frozen water bottles on the bottom. Next place your frozen foods right on top. Finally, you should add warmer snacks and bagged items on top. Make sure to add extra ice to pack the cooler as full as possible — this will ensure that no warm air can get into the cooler.
For your beverage cooler, start by putting your bottles and cans at the bottom. Again, fill the cooler as full as possible with as much ice. Make sure to add your favorite koozie and can opener to the side pockets. You’re all set for kick-off.
Last but not least, don’t forget your favorite tailgating games. We love corn hole and can jam!
Pro-tip: Pack your car the night before making sure to leave room for your coolers. You’ll save time and a whole lot of stress. Got a heavy load? Get a Tasker to help with the lifting.
Make a bumpin’ playlist
Make sure your song choices are upbeat and energetic for your tailgate. We love adding in songs that everyone can sing to (cue “Don’t Start Believin’” by Journey). Use the Spotify “Tailgate Party” playlist as a great place to start for building your own bumpin’ playlist!
Pro-Tip: Ask your tailgate crew for song suggestions!
You are now ready for the ultimate tailgate. While we can’t make sure your team will win, we can make sure you do. Whether you need help shopping for tailgate essentials, manning the grill or waiting in line to buy tickets, we’ve got you covered.
