Summer ending can be sad…until you remember that means it’s football season! Whether you’re rooting for the pros or your hometown heroes, tailgating is a tradition that everyone loves. If you’re gearing up for gameday this year but don’t want to break the bank, we’ve got you covered. Check out these seven tips for how to tailgate like a champ, whether you’re at home or at the stadium.
1. Plan ahead
When it comes to tailgating, planning is key to an easy event—and saving money. While it can be fun to plan a spontaneous tailgate, and you should feel free to go with the flow on gameday, planning in advance allows you to secure things like a tailgate spot at a better price. Tailgating at your house? Double-check your TV package to make sure you have access to the right channel before game time.
2. Make a budget and check your lineup
Once you decide you’re going to tailgate, the next thing to do is make a budget, especially if you’re a tailgating freshman. With rising costs of tickets, concessions, plus parking passes and potential travel expenses, you may be looking at a bigger price tag than anticipated. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun within your desired price range. Start by making a list of what you need, what things you really want, and then work to prioritize them. Once you know what’s important to you, you can decide where you want to spend the most, like merch after you win the big game instead of a Big Green Egg.
If you’ve tailgated before, you may already have an idea of how much things will cost, as well as some supplies already on hand. Go through your list and cross off anything redundant, separate things you already have or can borrow, and then focus on what’s left. You may have more backstock than you realized, freeing up room in your budget to finally upgrade your worn-out tailgating chairs.
3. Score on sales
Planning ahead can also help you save at the grocery store. If you know you’re hosting a big tailgate next month, or have multiple planned throughout the season, be sure to stock up on your favorites if you see them on sale. Don’t forget to check the weekly sales flyers or the store’s apps to see if there are any additional discounts.
4. Bulk up
Is your house tailgate central? For some of us, weekends are booked through the end of football season. If that sounds like you, a trip to the warehouse club may be in order. Stock up on essentials like paper plates and napkins, and score snacks that you can pull out all season without having to restock.
5. Dress like a champion
While team colors rarely change, new merch is available yearly—new player jerseys, throwback designs, and other exciting options abound. But new merch isn’t cheap. Want to show your spirit without breaking the bank? Organize a swag swap! Grab your friends and fellow fans and get out your extra team gear. This can be a great way to get rid of things that no longer fit or you don’t use and have been taking up space. You can also set ground rules, like certain items may be borrow-only, while others are traded for keeps.
Didn’t find what you were hoping for at the swap? Skip the retail stores and head for secondhand or thrift shops. You may not find the newest items but luck out on some awesome retro team apparel.
6. Teamwork makes the dream work
One of the best parts of tailgating is seeing your friends and getting ready to cheer on your team. If you’re going with a group, consider divvying up the responsibilities so no one shoulders too much of the burden. Maybe one person can cover food, while another provides the plates, napkins, and cutlery, and a third brings and sets up the tent. Traveling together can also help reduce gas costs and save on parking passes. You’ll still want to plan and budget so you can ensure things are divided fairly, but you’ll be able to make more winning plays by working together.
7. Be a fan favorite
One of the easiest ways to score deals on your favorite team’s tickets is to sign up for their fan incentive group. Sometimes these organizations have membership fees, but more often than not, these groups put you on a text or email list at no cost. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll get access to deals only available to members, like reduced ticket prices, merch packages, and more. You may also have access to priority seating and higher-cost items for a reduced price. It pays to be a fan!
Key takeaways:
- Plan and budget to make gameday as smooth as possible.
- Check your weekly circulars or warehouse clubs for the best deals on tailgating essentials.
- Sign up for your team’s fan club for exclusive merchandise and ticket opportunities.
Tailgates are some of the best parts of fall, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to make it happen. We hope these tips help you have the best gamedays this season. Are you tailgating this season? Share your favorite team or tailgating tip in the comments below!
