| As football season approaches diehard fans gear up | | | | Some manufacturers make sidewalls that can be |
| for the ultimate football fan ritual - tailgating. Whether | | | | attached to the canopy for additional protection from |
| you're a veteran tailgater or a rookie, now is the time | | | | wind, rain, and snow. |
| to prepare your tailgating equipment and supplies for | | | | If you'll be tailgating in cold weather spots take along |
| the upcoming NFL or college football season. | | | | team blankets or sleeping bags for warmth. A portable |
| When it comes to tailgating, team pride is the ticket. | | | | heater also makes a good investment for serious |
| Tailgaters delight in turning heads and hosting the best | | | | tailgaters. It's a good idea to be prepared for rain, as |
| pre-game party. Before you head out for the season, | | | | well, with rain ponchos or raincoats and umbrellas. For |
| be certain that you've got all the tailgating essentials | | | | sunny and even overcast days, keep plenty of |
| and plenty of college or NFL team pride ready to | | | | sunscreen on hand. |
| display. | | | | Other essentials to consider include: a rope and / or |
| Make your tailgating parties the social event of the | | | | bungee cords, trash bags, a bottle opener, paper |
| season with plenty of great food cooked on the grill | | | | towels, and a fire extinguisher. For entertainment bring |
| and your favorite beverages. Specific plans for your | | | | along a portable television and / or radio for pre-game |
| tailgating party should begin about a week in advance, | | | | shows and your own camera or video recorder to |
| but you need to make sure you have the essentials | | | | capture the event. Keep a football on hand for pick-up |
| for every party now. | | | | games in the lot. |
| For every tailgating event you will need a grill or cooker | | | | Fun ways to add team spirit to your vehicle include |
| that stows easily in your trunk or the bed of your truck, | | | | dangling team fuzzy dice from the rearview mirror or |
| plus gas or charcoal, lighter fluid and matches or a | | | | attaching an officially licensed car flag, car magnet, car |
| lighter. Don't forget bar-b-q tools (look for sets | | | | mats, or splash guards with your college football or |
| emblazoned with your team logo) and a team-inspired | | | | NFL team logo. One-way window film with team |
| grilling apron and oven mitts. A grill cover helps protect | | | | graphics keeps your vehicle cooler and allows you to |
| your investment and offers another opportunity to | | | | see out without letting others see in. It's a practical |
| show off your team colors. | | | | solution and a chance to show your team pride all in |
| Purchase bulk paper goods for serving (plates, cups, | | | | one. |
| napkins, utensils, etc.) in your favorite college or NFL | | | | An RV is the ultimate tailgating vehicle, especially if it is |
| football team colors, or better yet, invest in sets of | | | | specifically decorated as a shrine to your college |
| officially licensed sturdy dinner plates, tumblers, and | | | | football or NFL team. If you'll be taking your RV on the |
| freezer mugs with your team's logo. If you'll be | | | | road for tailgating this football season, consider officially |
| tailgating in lots where you'll have an early morning | | | | licensed doormats, bath mats, curtains, wastebaskets, |
| start or where you're likely to encounter cold weather, | | | | pillows, comforters, wall clocks, and bedding with your |
| you'll be thankful for a thermos or coffee carafe filled | | | | team colors and logo. For an authentic touch, purchase |
| with piping hot Joe, especially if it proudly shows off | | | | comforters and pillows made to look and feel like real |
| your favorite football team's logo and colors. | | | | football jersey material. |
| Because space is at a premium when you tailgate | | | | The best thing about preparing for football tailgating |
| from your car, SUV, or pick-up, you'll need to bring | | | | season is that getting ready is easier than ever. You |
| along a folding table and folding chairs. A tailgating table | | | | can find most of your tailgating essentials online at |
| is a compact solution and can be purchased with your | | | | retailers like |
| team logo and colors. Plan enough table and chair | | | | After you've purchased, organized and stowed your |
| space to hold food, beverages, and condiments and | | | | standard gear, begin to plan your specific food and |
| enough space for everyone to sit and eat. Pack pots, | | | | drink needs one week in advance. When planning food, |
| pans, serving trays, utensils, and a table cloth with team | | | | include all condiments. You'll want plenty of your |
| logo. | | | | favorite beverages on hand, too. Be sure to take along |
| For shelter take along a tarp or a tent. A 10' x 10' | | | | some non-alcoholic options as well. And don't forget |
| folding pop-up canopy is an excellent tailgating | | | | the tickets to the game. |
| accessory that keeps you shaded in hot weather and | | | | With gear, food, and plenty of your favorite college |
| dry in wet or snowy weather. Look for easy to | | | | football or NFL team logo and colors packed, you'll be |
| assemble models with your team logo and colors. | | | | set for a season of intense football and tailgating fun. |