Score big with these tailgating hacks

On game day, there are two game plans: one for the players and one for the tailgaters. It’s a tradition like no other—arriving hours early to set up an ultimate spread, grill up some burgers and play some games before heading into the stadium to watch your favorite team. Want to have a top-notch tailgate? Check out these 7 hacks that will have you scoring big with your crew. 

The tailgate spread is crucial, but it can be an intimidating task to take on alone. The good news is that you don’t have to! Invite friends and family to your tailgate spot to divide and conquer the menu. If you’re hosting, offer to supply burgers and hot dogs and ask that everyone else sign up to bring either a side dish, dessert or plates and cutlery for sharing. As the host, you’ll also want to make sure you have enough table space, so plan accordingly with folding tables. The more, the merrier!

Football season can bring some pretty hot days, making plenty of ice a must to keep your cooler cold. Instead of buying an absurd amount of ice from the store or using up everything your freezer has to offer, freeze water bottles that can double as ice packs. They’ll keep the food and other beverages cold. And when you’re done with them, let them thaw and you’ve hacked your way to extra ice-cold water bottles! 

We’ve all been there—you break out the 20-year-old folding table and try to cover it with some team spirit by laying down a tablecloth, but the wind has different plans. Despite your best efforts, the tablecloth blows away. No need to waste any more time fumbling around. Instead, pack a twin-size fitted sheet. It will slip right over your table and be secured enough to last the entirety of the festivities. Bonus points: You can use the same one again and again! 

Don’t let trash be an afterthought! Oftentimes at tailgates, trash bags are tied to a table or just thrown on the ground. Keep your trash in one spot by using a pop-up hamper from the dollar store. Just open it up and place a trash bag in it as if it were a real trash can. Level up with two trash bags: one for trash and one for recycling. Make sure you place the hamper away from food and friends. 

It’s no surprise that everyone wants to join in on your tailgate, even the flies. While they just want to be included, they sadly aren’t welcome at these events. Flies are attracted to sweet things, so they might try to find a way into your drink. Here’s how we’re going to avoid it—with a cupcake tin. Yup. Simply flip the cupcake tin upside down, and it becomes a lid—punch a hole in the middle for your straw, and you’re ready to keep the good times rolling. 

You made a list, you checked it twice and then one more time for good measure. You were sure you had everything, but your speaker didn’t make its way to the game. We’ve got a hack for that. As long as you have music to play from your phone, all you’ll need is a cup. Just place your phone in the cup and turn it up, and your music will be amplified and none of your crew will even know the speaker was left at home. 

Tailgating can be anywhere from a couple of hours to an all-day event. You’ll want to plan accordingly to keep the energy up all day. An easy way to do this is by bringing some yard games. A cornhole tournament is a great way to keep your crew involved and alert. It’s also a way to introduce yourself to tailgating neighbors—invite them over to play, and you might make a longtime friend. If you tailgate often, you might even spring for customized team-branded yard games, which are definitely a conversation starter. Looking for something a little more heart-pounding? We’ve got you covered with 24 more ideas to bring to your tailgate. 

Whether you’re a tailgating legend or in your rookie season, the main takeaway is the memories you are able to make with friends and family. These hacks all provide a budget-friendly way to enjoy your time before rooting on your home team. Use all 7 to create a tailgate your crew will be raving about forever.