Are you ready to up your tailgating game?
Whether you're a seasoned tailgater or a rookie looking to score big with your snacks, we've got you covered. From the essentials to the extra points, this guide will have you tailgating like a pro in no time. So grab your jersey, fire up the grill, and let's dive into the ultimate tailgating playbook!
Preparing the Spread Offense
Let's talk strategy. When it comes to tailgating, preparation is key. A great coach once told us, those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail. So make sure to arrive at the stadium early to secure a prime parking spot and set up your tailgate headquarters. Deck out your space with team banners, flags, and decorations to show off your spirit.
Give yourself a little room on each side without being rude to your fellow tailgaters. You’ll want to have the option to spread out a bit.
Play Ball Whevever You Go
Prepack several games like cornhole, washers, horseshoes or bocce that are all relatively portable and fun for groups. These games are simple enough to do with a beer or snack in hand.
You’ll also need to be ready to have a ball – by actually having a ball handy. Many fans want to get into the upcoming action and will toss around a football, kick a soccer ball, or throw a baseball before the game. Put those items in the trunk ahead of time to be ready when your tailgate athlete starts to wish they could go pro.
If you’ve got a good portable tv and power source, or just a decent radio, dial in some live action from other teams around the league. Or just turn on a classic game from your team to celebrate great wins from other eras.
For the small ones that may not get into the game and are too young for the action, have some options for them including an area for a nap with pillows and blanks (perhaps a shady area if you can find one), the usual tablet with some shows downloaded and some coloring books themed to sports.
The Pregame Meal
As for the menu, go beyond the basics with a lineup of crowd-pleasing dishes. Fire up the grill for burgers, hot dogs, and brats, or try your hand at barbecue ribs or chicken wings. And don't forget the sides – think potato salad, coleslaw, and of course, plenty of chips and dip. Prep as much of this as you can beforehand so you don’t spend your entire afternoon cooking and prepping. Some suggestions are:
Put all your foods in resealable containers, including your chips and dips separately. This will expedite clean up while still keeping your leftovers fresh, and also will act as your serving dishes so the food remains protected from the bugs and ants.
Have a cooler on standby ready to hold your condiments and perishables that don’t do well in the heat. There is always some weirdo that wants mayo on their hotdog and that mayo needs to stay cool.
And one of the best additions to your spread is a southern favorite, boiled peanuts. We nominate Gameday Nuts as the MVP of tailgate snacks. These boiled peanuts without the shell are a game-changer, offering no mess from empty shells and bigger, more flavorful nuts. Plus, they're a healthier snacking option for those looking to tackle their cravings without the guilt. Boiled peanuts are a classic that aren’t always easy to find but they are now.
Gameday Nuts come in three winning flavors:
- Coastal Wave, the original savory flavor that'll have you coming back for more.
- Bayou Kick, a cajun spiced flavor that packs a punch with every bite.
- Franchise Dill, a creamy herb flavor that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Plan ahead and order The Starting 11 (single serve, pre-frozen packs) to keep your crew fueled up throughout the game. They can eat while still throwing a football. And for those who prefer to do it themselves, The Home Game kit has everything you need to whip up a batch of delicious boiled peanuts right at home specific to your team’s tastes.
And last but not least, don't forget to stock up on plenty of drinks to keep everyone hydrated throughout the game. Whether you prefer ice-cold beer, soda, or water, make sure to have enough to go around. Gameday Nuts savory snacking is ideal with a cold beer in a plastic cup.
As the final whistle blows and the game comes to an end, savor the memories made and start planning your next tailgate adventure. You’ll get it down to a science. And we really bet you’ll love that you aren’t dealing with any peanut shells to toss out because Gameday Nuts will “Get the shell outta here” so you can cleanly keep the whole party in hand and applaud your own tailgate win.
Go to www.gamedaynuts.net for more on the featured product.