Top Tailgating Essentials to Show Your Team Spirit
The NFL season is kicking off, and you know what that means? Tailgate season is here! The buzz and excitement are in the air, and it's time to get ready for some real fun and good vibes.
Having the right tailgating accessories can make or break the experience. There is no better way to get your pregame vibes in than taking part and, most importantly, looking the part.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best tailgating accessories, tailgating equipment, and products to make your setup truly stand out.
How to Tailgate Like a Pro
To tailgate like a pro, you need to plan ahead and be prepared for anything. One thing about tailgating is that being underprepared can become a hack. Nobody wants to struggle during all the fun. Remember always to check the NFL schedule and arrive early to secure a good spot and set up your area.
Having Customized Goods
Customizing and personalizing tailgating gear is a fantastic idea. It gives the event a personal feel, makes it memorable, and adds to the atmosphere.
When you add team logos or special messages to jerseys, hats, and coolers, you're not just showing team pride. You're also building a sense of unity amongst fans.
These custom items are great for starting chats and getting to know other tailgaters. Plus, they turn a plain parking lot into a lively mix of team colors and excitement.
Entertainment
There might come a time when people start to get lethargic; this is where tailgate games are necessary. Get yourself some games like cornhole or a football. Don’t forget to have a good speaker and make a tailgate playlist.
Food and Drinks
When you arrive, you should fire up the grill so that when the hunger strikes, you are more than ready to slap some meat on the grill. Stick to easy-to-eat finger foods like burgers, hot dogs, and skewers.
Your favorite cocktail, beer, or wine is a must, but don’t forget to stay hydrated. Bring lots of water and have sips throughout the day.
Comfortability is Key
Tailgating essentials like good quality and comfortable chairs are important. Don’t always believe the weather app. Make sure to take a canopy just in case of unexpected weather. You should also bring a warm jacket and clothes for all types of weather.
Let’s get into our picks of tailgating accessories and Tailgating equipment that can make your game day memorable.
Tailgating Essentials for the Best Game Day Experience
One way to stand out in the parking area is to get yourself all the different tailgating products.
Below are all the tailgating essentials:
Portable Grills and BBQ Sets
A great portable grill is the star of any tailgate party. Among the essential tailgating items, consider getting lightweight grills that can easily fit in the trunk of your car. It’s also a great idea to get yourself a fold-up BBQ set that is easy to clean up and sits securely in your car. The BBQ set shown below comes with all the BBQ utensils needed and can fold away into a neat bag.
The set below includes two skewers, one fork, one spatula, one pair of tongs, one brush, and four corn holders. Detachable/Adjustable Shoulder Strap And Padded Web Carrying Handle. Meets FDA Requirements.
Coolers and Beverage Storage
Nobody wants to have a warm drink at a tailgate party. That's why you should get a top-notch cooler that keeps ice frozen for a long time. A cooler shouldn’t be one of the items that you try to save on space. You will need to keep a lot of food and drinks cold, so get one that can hold all your goodies.
The cooler below is big enough and holds 20+ 12 oz. cans. Dimensions: 17.5" l x 10" w x 12" hand. You can even get your team logo put onto the side of the cooler (like the Johhny Walker Logo).
Folding Chairs and Tables
In tailgating, comfort plays a key role. You should buy good folding chairs and tables that you can move and set up. Pick solid and roomy options you can clean fast. Many tailgating tables and chairs come in bright, fun colors and cool designs.
If you want to take your chair game up a notch, you can get your favorite NFL team logo on your chair, like in the picture below.
District Cloud Hoodie Fleece
When it's cold outside, you'll be very grateful to have a District Cloud Hoodie Fleece. This super soft and comfy hoodie is made from 100% combed ring-spun cotton, making it feel amazingly soft.
The fabric-dyeing and garment-washing process adds to its snug feel. You can screen print, embroider, or heat transfer your custom designs on them.
Rally Towels
One of the tailgating must-haves is Rally Towels. They can turn an ordinary experience into an extraordinary one.
They're lightweight and easy to pack, making them convenient to bring along. Rally towels can also double as a handy cleanup tool for spills or as a seat cover on chilly days.
The rally towels below are customizable, and you can get whatever you want printed on them. These vibrant, team-themed towels are perfect for showing your support and boosting team spirit. 
Classic Trucker Hat
You can't call your tailgating outfit finished without a Classic Trucker Hat. This iconic headgear has been around since the 1970s and is now back in style. Its mesh back and adjustable snap-back closure help you stay cool while displaying your team's logo. It's ideal for bright game days and gives your look a laid-back athletic feel.
Sling Crossbody Clear Bag
To carry your tailgating gear, pick a Sling Crossbody Clear Bag. These bags have gained huge popularity due to their handiness and flair. They're ideal for traveling light, letting you bring just what you need for the game. The crossbody style keeps your hands empty for high-fives and holding snacks/drinks.
Drink Sleeve Cooler
You can make sure that your drinks stay cool with a game day drink cooler. The Kan-Tastic Drink Sleeve will keep your beverages cold as you root for your team. You can personalize your drink cooler to include your team's colors or logo. A nice idea is to have a few on hand and give them away as gifts to friends and family.
Cornhole Cooler
Cornhole stands out as a fan favorite among tailgating games, and the Cornhole Cooler takes it up a notch. This clever game merges the traditional bean bag toss with a cooler so you can keep your drinks chilled as you play.
The cornhole cooler in the picture below is easy to carry and move around but big enough to hold up to 40 cans. It shows off a full-color logo on the board's top and includes white and black bean bags. With a 35L capacity and measuring 24" x 16" x 9", it can fit into your tailgating setup.
Other Games
To spice up your tailgate, check out these other cool games:
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Bru Bag: An easy-to-set-up backyard game that's a blast to play.
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Triple Threat Cornhole: A fresh take on the old favorite with several targets.
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Kan Jam: A team frisbee game that puts your aim to the test.
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RampShot: A one-of-a-kind game that mixes cornhole and basketball elements.
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Bulzi Bucket: A flexible game you can enjoy on land or in water.
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Tic Bag Toe: An oversized version of the classic tic-tac-toe.
These games suit people of all ages and abilities, making sure everyone at your tailgate enjoys themselves.
Footballs
Foam Footballs are a great choice for tailgating fun! Its small size makes it easy to toss around in parking lots or open spaces. Made from foam, it's safe to use even in crowded areas, as its softness prevents injuries.
The bright design helps it stand out, making it perfect for displaying team colors.
Another great option is the plastic mini footballs, which are ideal for printing your logo, turning them into a fun and memorable giveaway.
Conclusion
To sum up, tailgating goes beyond a pre-game custom; it gives you a chance to display your team loyalty and just aids in creating fun memories. The proper setup can turn your tailgate party into an unforgettable experience. The secret lies in advance planning, bringing the correct gear, and, above all, enjoying yourself with other supporters.
Keep in mind the main point is to have a great time on game day. You might be cooking up some delicious food, playing cornhole, or just talking with your buddies - tailgating brings everyone together to cheer on their team.
So pack your stuff, put on your team's colors, and get set to make your next tailgate one to remember!