The (Almost) Essential List of Tailgating Must-Haves

If you’ve ever so much as taken a game-day stroll through a college stadium parking lot, then you probably already know the absolute essentials for tailgating:

• Food
• Beverage
• Grill
• Folding chairs
• Appropriate vehicle to serve as “home base.” (Of course, we highly recommend a RAM truck – which provides lots of space and easy access to your tailgating essentials and almost-essentials.)

Almost Essentials
It’s these little extras that separate the simply-social parking lot parties from the serious tailgaters.

1. Team Gear – We’re talking jerseys, sweatshirts, big foam hands and – our favorite – those big hog hats (foam or stuffed). Throw in a can or two of face/body paint and everyone who passes through will know you mean business.
2. Toilet Paper – It’s a matter of simple math. Lots of people + Gallons of beer + Tons of beef, pork, chicken and chips = long lines at the porta johns. Stadium-lot owners don’t typically employ housekeepers to restock these things every half-hour, so you and your guests will be very thankful you had the foresight to bring your own T.P.
3. Team Flag – Better get one that’s unique, because this isn’t just a decoration. When you and your guests return from the porta john (roll of T.P. in hand) you’ll be able to quickly find your group underneath the flag raised high above your tailgate.
4. Activities – Most folks hit the stadium lot 3-5 hours before kickoff and don’t pull up stakes until 1-2 hours after the final whistle. So unless several people at your party have a great gift for gab, you’ll want to provide them with something else to do. Bag Toss, Beer Pong, Frisbee and football are always favorites. On the other hand, we don’t recommend breaking out the ol’ Monopoly board. The pre-game adrenaline will be high and the ability to concentrate will be low. As sure as death and taxes, this game is certain to end with a game board flipped in anger and money, hotels, Community Chest cards and a metal shoe scattered throughout the tailgate site.
5. Antacid/Antigas – How do you spell relief after a full day of fun, food and football? R-O-L-A-I-D-S! We’d also accept T-U-M-S or B-E-A-N-O.
   

Of course, this is only a partial list. Please feel free to share the tips that make your tailgate parties the envy of the parking lot.