Throwing the Ultimate Tailgating Party can be quite the challenge, which is why we decided to make this guide for what we believe are the most important pieces. Whether you are a rookie or a seasoned pro, this list will keep you on track and help make your party the one to be at.

Good Spot

The first thing you’ll need to do to make sure your tailgate is a success is to get a good spot! This means making sure you get there early. Tailgating pros can get there before four o’clock in the morning to snag the best spots, so if you want to make sure you get one too, remember the early bird gets the worm.

You’ll want to nab a spot with good proximity to the stadium itself, but also bathrooms or port-o-johns as well. Most importantly scope out a spot where you can be close to your friends. This allows for extra room for activities, especially with some stadiums cracking down on extra spaces (even if you are willing to pay for them).

Good Drinks

Of course, a parking lot party wouldn’t be the same without the adult libations. Whether your crew wants to sip on beer throughout the day or turn up the tailgate with some of the good stuff, you should be prepared to keep the drinks flowing.

Bloody Marys are an early morning tailgate staple and every host should know how to make one and have the ingredients on hand. Check out our delicious Bloody Mary recipe!

Everyone has a favorite beer so we suggest taking a poll before the big game to make no one is left out, or just make your party BYOB so everyone shows up with their fav.

We also love a bourbon hot chocolate for when that autumn chill starts to set it. There is something about the smooth bourbon and chocolate mixture that just warms the blood. Check out our version of this delicious recipe!

You’ll also want to make sure to have some non-indulgent or kid-friendly drinks on hand as well. We suggest whipping up a batch of punch or offering juice boxes and bottled water to stay hydrated on the go.

Good Food

Food is one of the most important parts of any successful tailgate, so we are giving our best tips and tricks to help you nail it.

First, don’t forget breakfast. If you are going to be at the stadium super early, scoping out that perfect spot, make sure you have the most important meal of the day covered. Everyone loves a good breakfast sandwich or burrito and they are easily customizable. Check out our delicious make-ahead breakfast burrito recipe!

A great way to pack a punch with your food is to marinate your meat the night before. You can turn up the flavor or heat and get some of your prep work out of the way. Then once you’ve grilled up your delicious steak or pork chops you can slice them up and turn them into a sandwich for a more convenient serving solution.

Finally, you can really elevate any dish by home-making a delicious make-ahead dressing or sauce. Homemade dressings are super versatile and can raise the flavor of any dish. The best part is that while most people think it’s difficult, they are actually pretty easy to make. Try our homemade BBQ sauce recipe!

Good Music

Make sure your parking lot party playlist is poppin’! Try saying that three times fast after you’ve had a few bloody marys! You could consider creating a family playlist on your favorite music app and inviting your guests to add their favorite songs, but we recommend designating a “DJ” to be in charge of the music and take requests throughout the day. If you are looking for some inspo, check out our ultimate tailgate party playlist, and don’t forget to make sure your outdoor speaker is charged up and ready to go.

Good Games

Tailgate games are loved by all. They are a great way to spend the day with your friends and family and are perfect for keeping the kiddos occupied throughout the day. Cornhole and beer pong are classics for a reason and if you are lucky, you might be the one going home with the bragging rights. You can easily customize them with your team’s colors or even DIY your own. Make sure to check out our list of the five best tailgating games or our list of the five tailgating games you’ve probably never heard of for some tailgate game inspiration.

Don’t Forget

Make your list and check it twice because forgetting something important can put a damper on your day. After all, no one wants to be the person trying to make new friends in the parking lot to borrow the things they forgot.

Above all, you’ll want to make sure your gear is good to go. This means making sure your speaker and portable battery packs are charged. Are your portable heaters and generators working? Did you get the propane you needed? Ticking items like these off your list as you go is going to help you stay organized and on track. Your tailgate party will be better if you are prepared ahead of time.  

Good Times With Family and Friends

The food, drinks, games, and gear are all vital and important parts of the tailgate experience, but most seasoned tailgaters agree that it is the people you are with that make the event worth going to. Sometimes these tailgates are the only times you might see those old friends all year, so make the time count and make memories with the people you love. After all, the get-together should be about the gathering of family and friends.