Pop the trunk! Tailgating season is back in full swing, and the college football faithful could not be happier. It is time to dig out the grill, dust off your tent and don your team colors for some game day fun. A major part of Southern culture, the passion for college football runs deep. Southerners take great pride in their college football teams and view games as more than just sporting events; they are cultural phenomena. And tailgating is a way to express this passion and show their unwavering support. With the first official tailgate heralding back to 1869, the draw that pulls today’s fans to the parking lot is the same as it was then – the friends, the party and the game.
Make no mistake, though, today’s tailgates have evolved over the years from a few items tossed into picnic baskets to large, elaborately decorated tents that feel like an extension of your living room, featuring an assortment of delicious food and libations. In fact, the South is home to some of the country’s top tailgating destinations in the country, setting the bar high when it comes to this fall ritual. From freshly starched linens, real silverware and candelabras to custom table covers, chandeliers and chafing dishes, there is a lot that goes into creating the picture-perfect tailgate experience. Below are some tips to help elevate your tailgate so that even if your team does not come away with a victory, your tailgate will still be a winner!
- Location, Location, Location – One thing that can really differentiate your tailgate from the sea of others is having a great location. And there is no aspect of tailgating more competitive than the site stakeout. While most American campuses open to tailgaters the morning of the game, Southern schools usually let fans in the night before. No matter what time the campus lots open, it is imperative to get there early in order to secure a premium spot. Try to find a grassy area near the stadium and in close proximity to restrooms and a power source. While some of the best spots on campus require you to drop your supplies and park elsewhere, there are usually plenty of lots that allow you to park and tailgate within a short distance to the stadium. Be sure to review campus parking maps and rules for tailgating ahead of time.
- Divine Decor – When it comes to tailgate decorating, your team is your theme. Choose items in your school’s colors and go all out! From tents and table coverings to serving pieces and chairs, look for items that will not only be functional and easy to transport but will make a bold statement and show off your team spirit. Beyond the basics, consider adding an outdoor rug. Artificial turf is a fun option that can easily be hosed down and used again. Consider layering an area rug on top of artificial turf for an even more elevated look. This layered approach is also great for decorating your tables. Start with white floor-length tablecloths and layer swatches of fun fabrics in your team colors or printed with your school’s logo or mascot. If you really want to step it up a notch, add curtains to your tent to create a dramatic backdrop for your buffet or for some added privacy and pizazz. Hang banners, signs and bunting, and incorporate other decorative items such as fresh floral arrangements. Use candelabras, as well as memorabilia, such as a team football helmet to your table for added interest. You can even cut the ends off footballs and insert a glass jar or container to hold flowers, pom-poms and more.
- Light it Up – For daytime games, you do not necessarily need to worry about lighting, but if you have a night game or are planning to arrive early and stay late, one thing to consider is adding some lights to your tent and tables. Not only does it add ambiance to your tailgate, but you need to be able to see well enough to fix a plate or mix a drink! Fortunately, there are plenty of options. From solar-powered string lights to battery-powered chandeliers to rechargeable table lamps, you do not necessarily need power to get your tailgate glowing.
- Games for the Game – While the game is the big event, not everyone who tailgates has tickets. And even if you do, you may be interested in keeping up with other games throughout the day. You can take your tailgate to another level by adding a television or two. To do this, you will need power for the television. There are a number of options for this, but one of the easiest is to use a rechargeable portable power station that comes with AC outlets. You can also use a solar-powered generator. Once your television is powered up, you still need to get the game on your screen. There are a few options for this as well. If there is public Wi-Fi available, you can connect your TV to the available network. You can also use an HDTV antenna, but the number of channels you can pick up is limited. If the channel you need is not available, another option is to stream it from a mobile device. For this, you will need HDMI cables or adapter cables to connect your video source to the TV. And do not forget a good speaker for the radio broadcast of the game. For added fun, be sure to bring some games to enjoy during your tailgate. Cornhole is king for a reason, it is a game that can be enjoyed by just about everyone. Some other games that will spice up your tailgate include beer pong, bocce ball, jumbo Jenga, horseshoes and ladder toss. Pick a couple and set them up for those who do not want to sit and watch tv.
- Serve a Mouthwatering Menu – Above all else, tailgating is about delicious food and drinks. One way to take your tailgate to another level is by elevating what you serve. From pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken wings and sliders to deviled eggs, pimento cheese sandwiches, spinach dip and pigs-in-a-blanket, there are countless options to create a menu that is sure to impress even the most seasoned tailgating veterans. As for drinks, for early games, set up a bloody mary bar or whip up a pitcher of mimosas. For later games, make sure you have plenty of beer and wine, and pre-make a big batch of bourbon Old Fashioneds or spiked sweet tea. Whatever you decide on, one of the keys is to serve hot food hot and cold food cold. If you will be out all day, this becomes even more important. How do you do this in a tent? Use chafing dishes for hot items and serving containers with ice trays for dishes that need to be kept cool. And of course, make sure you have extra Sterno and plenty of coolers filled with ice. And speaking of serving, this is where you can really shine by using festive pieces, real silverware and color-coordinated plates and napkins. The most important thing is to just have fun with it and go with your gut!