Make sure your Tailgate is the REAL winner of the game.
Watching your favorite sports team play in the stadium or on TV is definitely fun and all, but there’s nothing quite like going to a good old-fashioned tailgate party. Tailgating is a beloved pre-game tradition and an awesome way to let loose and socialize with fellow fans – all while being loyal to your favorite team or band and enjoying some tasty food and cold drinks.
So, pop open the hatchback and stock up your cooler, because it’s time to tailgate!
The Basics of Tailgate Planning
1. Research the Venue
2. Signup for a Potluck Membership
3. Prep your Grill and Accessories
4. Delegate Food and Drink Responsibilities
5. Choose Designated Drivers
Research the Venue
When you’re planning any kind of party, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before the big day. Whether you’re tailgating at a football game, concert, or other event, know where the parking lots are located, what you’re allowed to bring inside, and any rules about open-container alcoholic beverages. You want to be close enough to the stadium to not have too much of a walk, and ensure you're not too far off the walking paths. If you're planning on staying in the tent for the full game, make sure you're able to set up a mobile satellite!
Sign Up for Potluck
Party-planning can really take its toll on you if you don’t have the right kind of help and resources. This is exactly why we created Potluck – to put the FUN back into hosting an epic event. Before you go any further with the planning process, signup for Potluck to use our app. This is a do-it-all tool for planning and organizing, which is absolutely perfect for tailgating.
What really sets Potluck apart is that no app download is required for either hosts or guests. Guests also don’t need to have a Potluck membership to RSVP, which makes the planning process flow much more smoothly.
Tailgate pro-tip #1: When sending out invitations, remind your guests to dress in their team’s colors AND dress for the weather so that no one’s unprepared for rain, cold, or heat.
Prep the Grill
Grilling out is an essential part of any great tailgating party, so fire up the grill right after you pull into your spot in the parking lot. This will ensure that you have plenty of time to grill and eat before the game starts so that no one feels rushed when they arrive.
Tailgate pro-tip #2: Make sure a couple cars arrive together to secure a large enough spot at the venue. Let your other guests know where you’re at, and bring some unique signs or helium balloons to make it easy for them to find you.
Delegate Responsibilities
One of the best things about tailgating is that everyone shares in the responsibilities for bringing food and drinks. That’s why it’s the perfect Potluck experience! When guests RSVP to your tailgate party, they can choose whether they want to bring chips, dips, meat, sides, drinks, or other finger foods. Potluck makes it easy for guests to decide what to bring because they can see exactly what the host needs and what everyone else is bringing too.
Tailgate pro-tip #3: Decorate your vehicles with banners, streamers, balloons, and other decorations to create a festive and fun setting to get everyone amped up and ready to cheer!
Keep Everyone Safe
Many tailgate parties involve cold beers, conveniently boxed wine, and pre-mixed cocktails – it’s all part of the fun of tailgating! However, you don’t want to be the one responsible for having your guests drive home after they’ve had one too many adult beverages. When you use the Potluck app, it’s all figured out in advance who in your group will be the sober designated drivers so that everyone at your party gets home safe after the game.
Your Tailgate Checklist
Having everything you need right in your vehicle for tailgating will make the whole day more enjoyable and stress-free. To help you get everything organized for game day, here’s a tailgate checklist of things to bring along.
· Collapsible lawn chairs and tables
· Blankets for chilly days
· Cups, plates, and napkins
· Coolers and extra ice
· Bottle openers
· Hand sanitizer
· Condiments and sauces
· Plastic bags for garbage and recycling
· Sunscreen and insect repellant