This is not about a grill and a cooler of beer: Tailgating is a lifestyle. Tailgating is a staple at almost every sporting event from NASCAR racing to college football games. What better reason to bring family and friends together than a sporting event? During this time of year, some of the biggest sports fans come out to support their teams and some people come out just to enjoy all the commotion and festivities. Before the big day, check out these tailgating hacks to make your game day celebration much easier.
Always keep a toolbox packed with tailgate essentials in the trunk of your car
Learn the rules of packing a cooler
Skewer and marinate kebabs the night before
Shape and pack up burger patties between sheets of wax paper the night before, too
Label your coolers so guests can find drinks easily
Freeze water bottles to use in place of ice in coolers so you have cold water to drink after they melt
Fill a six-pack holder with your favorite hot sauces and other condiments
Pack a mini first-aid kit into an old prescription bottle or Altoids tin
Pack extra set of the essentials
Bring a large plastic tub to haul back dirty dishes
Pack jumper cables
Bring a metal bucket for still-glowing coals and make sure your grill is extinguished properly
Turn a cooler into a warming oven using foil and hot bricks
Float a big helium balloon on a long string from your car, so friends can find you
Consider wind direction when you position your grill
Use an empty laundry detergent dispenser as a hand-washing station
Hang a paper towel roll using a bungee cord from the tent struts
Bring a pre-packed set of drawers so everything is handy and organized while you’re cooking
Turn a case of beer into a toss-away drink cooler
For colder months, bring a variety of soups in thermoses and tin mugs
Pack portable jello shots in your team colors
Serve a specialty drink in your team’s color with a matching “anti-insect” cupcake liner lid
Build a tailgate beer pong table
Most importantly: Make nice, introduce yourself to your neighbors
