Do you know how to plan an epic tailgate party? Tailgate parties are all about bringing sports fans together. Traditionally a pre-game gathering, which took place in the stadium car park before kick-off, tailgate parties have evolved. Today, you can get friends, family members and fellow fans together wherever you want to celebrate. In this guide, we’ll outline some essential steps for an epic tailgate party.
Where to host your party
Most people who go tailgating and attend games regularly get together outside the stadium to enjoy some food and drink and soak up the atmosphere before the action begins. While this type of gathering remains popular, there are lots of options to explore if you’re willing to veer off the traditional route. In recent years, backyard tailgate parties have become incredibly popular. They save time, effort and money, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic and you can choose who you want to hang out with for the day.
Now, thanks to technology, you can also explore areas that may not have always been viable options for dedicated sports lovers who need to catch every second of a big game, fight or match. If you invest in a tailgate generator, you can host an off-grid party, plan an al fresco gathering or simply enjoy peace of mind if you’re hosting in your backyard or you have land attached to your house.
When you’re choosing where to host your party, think about the number of people you want to invite, the amount of space you need and accessibility. Unless you’re making a weekend of it, you don’t want people to be traveling for too long.
What you need for a memorable event
The game is the focal point for every fan so it’s crucial to make sure that you have a TV screen that is big enough for everyone to see and high-quality speakers. It’s beneficial to test any equipment you plan to use outdoors before the event to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day. You may need to add lighting and extra speakers if you’re expecting a large number of people or you’re taking over a substantial plot.
Once you’ve sorted the screen and you have a generator capable of powering your party for the duration of the game, you can turn your attention to food 
and drink. Ask guests to let you know if they have allergies or any dietary requirements or intolerances, and try to provide a wide range of foods. Snacks, hot and cold buffets and barbecues are ideal for large parties. If you’re grilling, light the grill in advance to ensure that your friends and family members don’t have to wait for their burgers and hot dogs.
The next task to tackle is buying drinks. Think about your guest list and whether people are driving or you have any children attending or people who don’t drink alcohol. It’s best to offer a selection of drinks, including water, soft drinks, beers and other alcoholic drinks. You can use cool bags, portable fridges and ice buckets to keep your drinks cold in the summer.
The final step is to add ambiance. Whether you’re in the wilds enjoying the game as part of a weekend away camping, or you’re at home in the backyard, it’s a great idea to add atmosphere and get the party started. Play music, add outdoor lighting, put decorations up and consider adding entertainment. If you have a friend who’s a DJ, for example, ask them to spin a few tracks before and after the game.
Planning a seamless event
Every host wants their outdoor event to be a success. The best way to minimize risks and execute a seamless party is to plan thoroughly. This is particularly important if you’re going off-grid. Create a guestlist, ask people to RSVP to give you an idea of how many can attend, cater to dietary requirements and make sure everything is working before the party starts. Figure out how much food and drink you need and light the grill ahead of the event to speed up the cooking time. Give yourself time to mingle, catch up with people and, of course, watch and enjoy the game.
Tailgate parties add to the excitement and exhilaration of watching live sports and following a team. If you’re a football fan, or you love to watch boxing, soccer, baseball and basketball, you may be thinking about organizing a tailgate party. To hone your hosting skills and ensure your gathering runs without any glitches, follow these steps. Choose a suitable location, make sure you have all the equipment you need, plan a food and drinks menu that caters to everyone and add ambiance.
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