How to Have a Successful Tailgate
I am a huge fan of being outside and tailgating before a big game! Being a fan of the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas City Chiefs has led me to a lot of tailgates. These fandoms, combined with competing in KCBS BBQ Competitions, I feel like I know what is going on most times I show up to tailgate. Below, I lay out my 3 basic tips to help you throw your own tailgate before the big game!
Tailgating Tips:
- Show up early and pick a spot that is easy to find – Setting up your space can take a while. The earlier you are there, the more carefully you can get everything unloaded and start the grill sooner. It also pays off to be closer to the stadium for your space while tailgating. I always try to find a landmark when parking so I can tell everyone where to find me. You can also try positioning yourself near bathrooms or other tailgates you might want to visit!
- Prepare as much of the food ahead of time as possible – Cooking and preparing food in a tent, in the elements, is never fun. Seasonings can go everywhere or you could forget something at home. Life becomes so much easier when you bring an already completed dish to the tailgate. This tip usually does not apply to meats. If you want to have brisket or some meat that requires a long cook, try pre-cooking the brisket! Then at the tailgate, you can just warm it up on the grill and it won’t take hours to be ready to eat. Also, be sure to help coordinate what people bring. This can feel like a full-time job, but someone taking the time to coordinate will save you from have 60 buns and no hot dogs!
- Be prepared for the weather – Bad weather during a tailgate can ruin the party. There is nothing worse than showing up to tailgate for an MLB game in the summer and not having shade to stay cool under. Similarly, it is a terrible time in the winter at an NFL or College Football game if you are frozen. Be prepared for all of your weather options, and invest in a good pop-up tent in order to brave the elements!
I hope that using these 3 basic tips help you become a tailgate master. If you have any other tips, be sure to share those below in the comments!
