Ready for another season of tailgating? Then huddle up!
Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or simply enjoy outdoor parties, tailgating is a fantastic way to soak up game day vibes with friends and family. The thrill of cheering on your favorite team … the mouthwatering aroma of grilled food … the camaraderie among fellow fans … there’s no other combination that creates an unforgettable experience.
Whatever your tailgating traditions, getting outdoor equipment could get pricey if you’re not careful. Not to worry – check out our list of supplies you’ll need (and a way to get them on budget) that will help put your parking lot party on point!
All the Tailgating Essentials
Now’s the time to start party planning, so let’s begin the gear checklist here:
Portable Grill - Get it from Bo
What’s a tailgating party without some meat on the ‘cue? A portable grill from getitfrombo.com is a must, as it will be the heart of your tailgate feast. Look for models that are compact, easy to transport and have good heat distribution.
And don’t forget to bring these BBQ essentials:
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Tongs, spatulas and grill brushes
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Aluminum foil for wrapping delicate items like fish or vegetables.
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Disposable plates and utensils, napkins and trash bags
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Sturdy and leakproof food containers that can safely store leftovers or keep your prepped ingredients fresh.
Portable Coolers and Ice Chests - Get it from Bo
When guests come to chill at your tailgate, you better have ice-cold drinks on hand. Look for portable coolers and ice-chests that provide sufficient storage space and excellent insulation. Consider getting coolers with separate compartments for drinks and food for easy organization. When possible, opt for reusable ice packs instead of spending money on bags of ice to keep your stuff cold throughout the day.
Tents or Canopies While you may feel confident about your tailgate party expertise, the weather can sometimes be less predictable. Be prepared! A budget-friendly tent or canopy will provide shade and protection from the elements. Look for sturdy options that are easy to set up and dismantle. Tents with removable side walls also allow you to adjust them according to the weather conditions. Sharing the cost of a tent or canopy with fellow tailgaters can further reduce expenses.
Folding Chairs and Tables Tailgating is basically an elevated pre-game hang … so make sure everyone who attends gets a seat. Look for affordable folding chairs that are lightweight, easy to transport and sturdy enough to support various body sizes. Better yet, ask guests to bring their own! Similarly, invest in compact folding tables where you can serve your game day goodies.
Team-Themed Decorations Consider getting crafty and making your own banners or signs to show off team spirit! DIY decorations can be a fun and budget-friendly way to get creative and personalize your tailgate space. Otherwise, look for affordable banners, flags, balloons or tablecloths at store like getitfrombo.com
Pre-Game Games and Entertainment Keep the party going until game time with exciting games and entertainment options of your own! Popular, portable games like cornhole, ladder toss or (if room) a friendly game of touch football can add to the fun and create memorable moments with your friends and fellow fans.
Portable Audio Systems and Speakers Portable Speakers are an easy way to provide background music, pump-up songs or even live-streaming of the game. Portable Bluetooth® speakers are a popular choice as they are compact, wireless and easy to connect with your smartphone or tablet. Fortunately, these days, it’s easy to find affordable audio options that provide good sound quality and are compatible with your music devices.
Other Ways to Make Tailgating Affordable
With a little planning and help from friends and family, tailgating can become a fun tradition without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas to pump up team spirit while keeping costs down.
Pre-Tailgate Meal Planning While your tailgate spread has to be good, it doesn't have to be expensive:
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Plan your tailgate menu in advance to save money.
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Opt for affordable and crowd-pleasing dishes that can be prepared ahead of time; consider sliders, pasta salads, chili or other tasty dishes you can make in large quantities.
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Go potluck! Coordinate with guests and assign different food categories such as appetizers, main dishes, sides and desserts. This not only diversifies the menu but also spreads out the work — and cost — among buy all participants.
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Keep an eye out for supermarket deals and coupons.
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Stock up on water, which is more cost-effective (and healthier) than purchasing sodas or sports drinks, to stay hydrated.
Group Purchases and Bulk Buying Consider teaming up with fellow tailgaters to make group purchases or buy items in bulk to take advantage of significant discounts. Have everyone identify items that can be purchased collectively — from food and drinks to decorations and supplies — to maximize savings.
Share Transportation Costs Transportation expenses can add up anytime you attend a big event when you factor in the price of gas and possible parking fees. Carpooling or using rideshare services can help distribute costs among the group, making it more budget-friendly and enjoyable for everyone.
Get it from Bo Offers Great Products at Discount Prices BBQ grills, fire pits, camping lights, safety jackets, ice chests and tools are some of the items we carry that can assist you with your camping and game tailgating season.