It’s time to leave for the game. Have we packed everything? Here’s a list to help you answer that question.
What to Eat
- Main Course: Steaks. Chicken, Roast Beef, Turkey Breast, or Ham. Don’t limit yourself to just one.
- Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Sausages (Pork, Bratwurst, Italian)
- Bacon – it goes good with everything
- Salt, Pepper and favorite seasonings
- Lettuce-Cheese-Tomatoes-Onions-Pickles
- Appetizers – Grilled Oysters, Corn on the Cob, Sliders
- Eggs if you’re starting really early.
- Deli Meat in a tray (good appetizer)
- Crackers
- Vegies (if you must)
- Salads – Potato, Macaroni, Coleslaw, Green
- Dressing
- Hot dog-Hamburger buns
- Bread-Sandwich Rolls
- Ketchup-Barbecue Sauce-Mayonnaise-Butter-Mustard-Relish-Horseradish-Hot Sauce
- Chips, Pretzels, Tortilla Chips and Salsa, Nacho Cheese, Guac, and multiple containers of dip
- Chili for Chili Dogs and Burgers
- Baked Beans
- Sweet Peppers-Hot Peppers
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Beef Jerky
- Dessert – Cookies, Cake, Pie, Candy
Stuff To Wash All That Good Food Down
- Adult Beverages of Choice (This Means Alcohol)
- Margarita Mix
- Bloody Mary Mix
- Coffee, and Creamer and Sugar
- Iced Tea or Lemonade in a dispenser
- Juice
- Bottled Water
- Beer
- Wine
- Sodas
- Jello shots -preferably in team colors
- Ice in stay clean cooler
The Hardware
- Portable grill
- Propane gas or charcoal
- Matches or lighter
- Grilling utensils
- Grill Scraper
- Grill Spray or Oil
- Oven mitts, potholders
- Apron
- Spatulas
- Tongs
- Pots or pans for chili or beans
- Can and bottle openers and corkscrew
- Spray bottle of water to cool down flare-ups or people
- Hot coals bucket
- Wooden skewers
- Basting brush and pan
- Aluminum foil
- Thermometers
- Serving utensils
- Paper plates
- Paper towels
- Napkins and wet naps
- Plastic zip bags
- Hand sanitizer and toilet paper
- Plastic cups
- Plastic utensils
- Multiple coolers with plenty of ice
- Disposable tablecloths
- Cupcake liners to cover drinks
- Can and bottle size cozies
- Plastic containers for leftovers
- Plate screens to keep bugs of your masterpieces
- Large garbage bags
- Toothpicks
The Campsite
- Canopy or picnic tent
- Folding chairs
- Folding tables
- Generator and electric fan
- School or state flag
- Flag pole
- Empty laundry detergent dispenser as a hand-washing station.
- Binder clips (You never know what you’ll need to hold together)
- Bungee cords (good for paper towels)
- Helium balloon on a long string (Helps people find you)
- Decorations
- Portable fire bowl & firewood
- Team banner of blanket to create extra shade
Entertainment and Comfort Items
- Tickets to the game (Put in vehicle the night before, if practical.)
- Radio or Bluetooth speakers
- TV
- Satellite Dish
- Sunglasses
- Cell phone
- Binoculars
- Hat/beanie
- Chalkboard/chalk
- Heater
- Stadium pillows/backrests
- Temporary tattoos, beads, necklaces, bandanas pom-poms, wigs, face paint. All in your team colors.
- Official tailgating playlist
- Statistics to back up armchair quarter-backing and second-guessing the coach
- Football
- Junior-size football—for those who are less gifted, yet highly enthusiastic
- Toys for kids
- Beanbag game
- Playing cards
- Newspapers-Books-Magazines
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Big Foam Hand
- Pom-Poms
- Pennant
Just in Case Items
- Ponchos
- Umbrellas
- Lucky T-shirt
- Bug spray
- Jumper cables
- Mini flashlight
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Antacid
- Aspirin
- Visine
- Tissue
- Sharpie
- Masking tape
- Blankets for cold or rain
- Antacid
- Cowboy boots
Special Operations
If you have time and circumstances permit, try these things.
- Skewer kabobs the night before. Saves time.
- Freeze water bottles to take the place of ice in coolers.
- Use six pack holders to carry condiments.
- Marinate the night before. (Not you, the meat.)
- Consider wind direction when positioning your grill. Consider movement of the sun in positioning canopy.
- Prepare and pack burger patties and toppings in advance (cut onions, tomatoes, lettuce and pack in a container.)
- For ultimate relaxation, arrive at least 6 hours before the game. Start eating at least four hours before the game.
- Convert the back of your car/truck into a fully-stocked bar by building a set of shelves which will fit into the opening.
- Designated parking spot sitter: If allowed by the venue, send a person to arrive at the tailgate spot up to 24 hours in advance to secure the preferred position.
Have I left anything out? Add it to the comments.