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5 Rules For Tailgating

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From Lee, Featured Contributor
Posted on September 3, 2008

Football season is when your ride becomes a symbol of team pride.

Most of the year, your car or truck carts you and your loved ones around. But this time of year, it becomes something more; an emblem of team spirit, a kitchen on wheels, and pre-game living room. We're speaking of course of tailgating, a sport where it's not important who wins or loses, but that nobody forgets the beer. Here are some tips for a championship tailgating performance this season.

1. 1Arrive Early

   Whether you’re driving a compact, diesel truck or RV, those who truly have the tailgate spirit will tell you that it’s necessary to arrive in the lot the night before or at least in the wee hours on game day. But a good guideline is to arrive about four hours before kickoff. That way you get to chill, eat, socialize and cleanup before the kickoff. Just remember, it is a travesty to rush a tailgate.

   

   2Represent Your Squad

   You might love that Old Navy pullover but come Sunday you better sport you team’s colors and whatever other gear you might have. Whether it’s that new Cowboys jersey or Grandpa’s old Giants cap, you better show up for your team and let it be known to everyone else where your allegiance is. This will make your tailgate a beacon to fellow supporters, particularly current students looking for beer. It's also a great way to break the ice with your tailgating neighbors and passers by. Don't stop at your attire, spruce up your ride as well! Bust out the shoe polish and tag the windows with team logos. Fly the team flag. Let everyone on the freeway know where you’re headed and who you’re rooting for. Good tailgating is about commitment.

2. 3Be Ready for All Seasons

   Weather conditions don’t matter. Why should they? The players don't care about a little drizzle or snow, so why should you let it keep you from a pre-game burger and beer? But to beat the elements you need to come with your gear which should include: jackets, rain slickers, garbage bags (for makeshift panchos and trash), a pop-up tent (for some sun relief and BBQ rain cover), and waterproof matches. It's not weather related, but an extra roll of toilet paper will save you during a Porta-Pot visit. First aid kits are also a must-have for obvious reasons, (i.e. drunk men with knives and fire). Also, not having enough charcoal, fluid, ice, meat or beer is grounds for a tailgate trial by fire.

   

   4Socialize

   While you might have come to the party with your friends, there’s no reason to not make new ones and the best place to start is the parking spot next to you. Bring an extra few coldies and introduce yourself. Share a beer and some pre-game hype, throw the pigskin, hey, do it all, just don’t share Grandpa’s recipe for BBQ chicken; save that for the playoffs.Remember,keep some giveaways handy as you are obligated to feed any wandering hordes of current students that my happen by, just not the good stuff.

3. 5Don't be Afraid to Stay in the Lot

   Sometimes the best seat in the house is actually next to, or inside your ride and having an RV at your tailgating disposal means never needing to open the door. That’s right, why even go inside, just bust out the TV and some rabbit ears for a better-than-the den viewing experience.

With tickets reaching upwards of $50 bucks for the cheap seats, tailgating might be the best way to enjoy the football season…at least the beer is cheaper and the food is WAY better! So ready the crew and prepare the supplies, crank up the radio, crack another cold can of domestic (after parking of course) and hold a prayer when your team is on the goal line. This is tailgating, and all you really need is a ride and some team pride! Get ready for some Football!

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Lee is a featured contributor for vLane.