Tailgating Gear

In many places, the weather's cooling and football season is gearing up. You know what goes hand-in-hand with fall sports: tailgating. National Tailgating Day is September 2nd, so let us help you prepare with all the tailgating accessories and gear you need to enjoy it to the fullest. Whether you're kicking back at home to celebrate the kickoff or part of the crowd for a major game, we've got tailgate ideas and supplies to make it memorable.

When tailgating as part of a large group near a stadium or in a parking lot, first check for guidelines you must adhere to, like no pets, no grills, or no speakers. Supposing everything is allowed, bring a variety of items to turn your tailgating party into a fun destination.

Portable griddles like a small Blackstone grill, portable stoves, or other small charcoal grills or gas grills to turn up the heat. Bring your own meat, veggies, and stone fruit to throw on the grill, and the utensils to handle it safely. Don't forget standard side dishes, snacks, plenty of delicious drinks, and the plates and cups to hold them. Keep the food safely chilled in a cooler packed with ice. If it's still sunny and hot in your area, consider setting up a patio umbrella in a portable umbrella stand – but do so away from the grill. Cleanup is easier with a spare trash bag or two to hold disposable cutlery, napkins, and food waste.

If you can, add a portable generator to your tailgating gear to make the environment more comfortable. Then you can plug in an electric griddle, festive string lights in team colors for atmosphere, or tailgating fans to keep things cool. Wherever you've set up shop for tailgating fun, make sure you've got tailgating tables and chairs if there won't be picnic tables or folding chairs nearby.

Tailgating at home is a fun option for families with small kids or those avoiding crowds. Bring on the games, kid-appropriate beverages, and grilling fun with the family. Have a blast with tailgating games for all ages, like bocce ball and cornhole, or beanbag toss, during a home tailgating party or one at a stadium venue. Portable speakers and radios let you listen to the game outside or provide background music while you fire up the grill. Use patio furniture for seating and grab extra folding chairs to seat guests.

Although it's fun to pre-game, remember to plan for the actual game. Stadium seats make bleachers, benches, or stadium chairs much more tolerable – and many of them have cupholders, too. Just slip these stadium seat covers over the existing seating for extra padding and back support.

This fall, find tailgating accessories to keep the whole family entertained and happy. Make a simple evening outing one for the memory books. Stop by your local store or shop online beforehand to get your tailgating supplies.