Tailgating Essentials: What to Pack for the Parking Lot (2024)

The pre-party, the game before the game, the bottomless buffalo chicken dip… what is football without a quality tailgate? Football season is the best season, but not without tailgating essentials like the ones we’ve curated below.

Our Tailgating Essentials Checklist

Tailgating Essentials: What to Pack for the Parking Lot (1)

Booze

A tailgate is a good excuse to have a good party. Grab ice and fill your favorite cooler with our favorite portable bevvys, Coppercraft canned co*cktails. The Brumate Rolling Cooler takes a tailgate to the next level, acting as both a cooler and a bottle opener. And it fits 48 12 oz cans. You could also pack a portable bar and Coppercraft’s premium spirits to craft co*cktails onsite. Remember, the best tailgate hosts are always prepared to welcome unexpected guests and make new friends, which is why booze is one of our tailgating essentials. Have water available and remember to drink responsibly.

Tailgating Essentials: What to Pack for the Parking Lot (2)

Food

A tailgate menu always has must-haves: burgers, hot dogs, brats… Do yourself a gameday favor and pack your favorite foods the night before the big game. Chop veggies, season or marinate meat, pre-form patties, toss salads. Pack it all in a cooler so you can spend time during the tailgate socializing with friends and neighbors rather than preparing the grill.

Grill

If you plan to grill, know the grilling rules at your location. Some stadiums don’t allow charcoal grills. Others do. Consider a portable gas grill like the Nexgrill Portable Propane Grill just in case. Don’t forget fuel, grilling utensils, plates, napkins, trash bags, and more.

Tailgating Essentials: What to Pack for the Parking Lot (3)

Weather

Seasoned fans know tailgating season is susceptible to inclement weather. Pack a pop up tent or canopy and blankets to bundle up in the cold. A folding table helps when grilling or preparing food. You should also bring camping chairs and adequate clothing. Dress in layers and wear shoes that you’re comfortable standing in. Don’t fear the poncho! You’ll be grateful for it if/when the rain comes.

Just for Fun

The makings of a good time include games like bean bag, ladder toss, and KanJam. Portable speakers and a great playlist help too. Bring team apparel to show your team pride and get excited for the game.

Ready to tailgate? Use this list when packing, so you don’t forget any of the tailgating essentials. Can’t wait to see you at the game!

Furniture & Clothing

  • Canopy / Stand Up Tent
  • Camping Chairs
  • Folding Table
  • Blankets
  • Ponchos
  • Change of clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses

Grilling/Food Prep

  • Portable Grill or Blackstone
  • Lighter
  • Propane Fluid
  • Fuel (Charcoal or Gas)
  • Grill Utensils
  • Skewers
  • Plates
  • Utensils
  • Serving Utensils
  • Drinks + Cups
  • Drink Koozies
  • Napkins
  • Wet wipes
  • Trash bag
  • Ice

Food

  • Brats
  • Burgers
  • Buns
  • Condiments (mustard, ketchup, etc)
  • Prepped Skewers
  • Veggies for grilling and dip
  • Chips
  • Cold Salads (potato salad, coleslaw, etc.)
  • Dip (buffalo chicken, 7 layer dip, etc.)
  • Cooler for food

Drinks

  • Coppercraft co*cktails
  • Coppercraft Spirits
  • Water
  • Soda + Beer
  • Cooler for Drinks
  • Portable Bar set

Games & Activities

  • Cornhole boards
  • Bean bag toss
  • Football
  • Frisbee
  • Portable speaker

Share your tailgating essentials with us on social by using #coppercraftdistillery. Find our award-winning spirits at our tasting rooms or a retailer near you. Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest from Coppercraft Distillery. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.

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Tailgating Essentials: What to Pack for the Parking Lot (2024)

FAQs

Tailgating Essentials: What to Pack for the Parking Lot? ›

Don't forget fuel, grilling utensils, plates, napkins, trash bags, and more. Seasoned fans know tailgating season is susceptible to inclement weather. Pack a pop up tent or canopy and blankets to bundle up in the cold. A folding table helps when grilling or preparing food.

How to pack for tailgating? ›

Cooler: Stock it with cold beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to keep everyone refreshed.
  1. Food: Plan a menu that includes finger foods, sandwiches, and snacks that are easy to eat while socializing.
  2. Seating: Folding chairs, picnic blankets, or even tailgating-specific furniture will keep everyone comfortable.
Sep 14, 2023

What not to forget for a tailgate? ›

Don't forget fuel, grilling utensils, plates, napkins, trash bags, and more. Seasoned fans know tailgating season is susceptible to inclement weather. Pack a pop up tent or canopy and blankets to bundle up in the cold. A folding table helps when grilling or preparing food.

What is needed for a tailgate party? ›

What to Bring to a Tailgate
  • Coolers with ice.
  • Folding table and folding chairs.
  • Plastic tablecloth.
  • Portable grill, plus propane or charcoal and lighter fluid.
  • Matches or lighter.
  • Grilling utensils.
  • Meat thermometer.
  • Aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
Aug 7, 2023

What is tailgating in parking lot? ›

Tailgating in parking is when a driver follows another vehicle too closely when entering or exiting a parking lot.

What do tailgaters wear? ›

Try putting together a plain cotton t-shirt and relaxed jeans with a pair of ankle-high women's dress boots or full-length Western boots for men. Add a festive flair with a large-buckled belt or a scarf in team colors to dress it up or down to your liking.

How can I make tailgating better? ›

14 Tailgating Hacks Everyone Should Do
  1. Make yourself easy to find. You'll need to make your spot stand out among the crowd. ...
  2. Label your coolers. ...
  3. Freeze water bottles. ...
  4. Use fitted sheets as tablecloths. ...
  5. Bring a speaker. ...
  6. Get to know your neighbors. ...
  7. Create a handwashing station. ...
  8. Make your own trashcan.

What food is good for tailgating? ›

The 24 Best Tailgating Recipes Everyone Will Love
  • Bacon and Blue Cheese Guacamole. Cindy Rahe. ...
  • Buffalo Chicken Chili. Aaron Hutcherson. ...
  • Pickle Slaw. Nick Evans. ...
  • Grilled Chicken Nachos. Elise Bauer. ...
  • Buffalo Hummus. Simply Recipes / Micah Siva. ...
  • Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. ...
  • Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. ...
  • Texas Sheet Cake.
Oct 8, 2023

How to plan a tailgate? ›

Check out these top five tips for hosting a football game party at home:
  1. Watch the Weather. Keeping an eye on the forecast is essential when planning a tailgate party if you want to be outside. ...
  2. Plan the Menu. Aside from the game, food is the main event at a tailgate. ...
  3. Prep in Advance. ...
  4. Strategize Your Spread. ...
  5. Keep Guests Cozy.

How much do people spend on tailgating? ›

According to research by tailgating.com, a typical tailgater spends over $500 a year on tailgating food and attends or hosts six to 10 tailgate parties each year. Both men and women shop for the events, and since the parties range from the simple to the extravagant, they can mean big business for retailers.

What should you never do if someone is tailgating you? ›

Avoid yelling, gesturing in the direction of the tailgater, and doing anything else that could upset them even more. Let the tailgater pass. If you're on a multi-lane road, move over to the right when it's safe, giving the driver a chance to pass you on the left.

What are the rules of tailgating? ›

tailgating rules
  • Consumption of alcohol or open containers of alcohol is prohibited.
  • No glass containers.
  • Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis in designated parking lots.
  • Holding or saving parking spaces is not permitted.
  • Drive lanes in parking lots must be kept clear at all times.

What to expect at a tailgate? ›

What happens at tailgate parties? Tailgate parties are a lively mix of delicious food, thirst-quenching drinks, friendly games, and enthusiastic team spirit. People come together to have fun, enjoy the pre-game excitement and create a sense of community with their fellow fans.

What is one thing you should never do if someone is tailgating you? ›

It's essential to not escalate the situation, since aggressive driving can have devastating consequences. Avoid yelling, gesturing in the direction of the tailgater, and doing anything else that could upset them even more. Let the tailgater pass.

What do people do during tailgating? ›

Tailgating — or a tailgate party — is a social get-together that usually takes place in the parking lot of a stadium, arena, or venue before an event starts. The pre-game party typically includes music, food, (alcoholic) beverages, and games to kick off what's sure to be an unforgettable day.

How do you get electricity when tailgating? ›

Inverter Generator or Battery Power Station: Ensure you have access to power for electronic devices and appliances with an inverter generator or battery power station. Look for models that are quiet, fuel-efficient, but also provide enough wattage to meet your needs.

What are some rules to follow to avoid tailgating? ›

Use the three-second rule to ensure a safe following distance and avoid a collision. Following other vehicles at a safe distance gives you enough time to react if another driver makes a mistake. If a vehicle merges in front of you too closely, take your foot off the accelerator.

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