We love tailgating so much we do it year round! Whether you’re hitting the parking lot for the summer NASCAR season or cheering on the Longhorns at a UT game in September you are gonna get HOT! If you’re planning on being outdoors all day under the sun check out our top 5 tips from tailgating experts to help your parking lot party stay chill when the heat just won’t quit.

1. Utilize A Canopy Or Tent

The sun beating down on you when the temps are high can be dangerous and make it that much harder to cool down. That is why a canopy or tent is a must-have when tailgating under these conditions. You’ll be able to stay cooler under the shade and have to worry a little less about sunburn too. Tents also come in all sorts of colors and team licenses, so you can show your team spirit while you beat the heat.

2. Stay Hydrated

When temperatures are high, the last thing you want to be dealing with is dehydration. Especially if you are planning on drinking any alcohol. Make sure you are drinking water throughout the day. Our rule of thumb is to drink one bottle of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume.

3. Portable Air Conditioner / Battery Powered Fan

On super hot days there just isn’t any substitute for keeping the air moving with a good portable air conditioner or fan. There are tons of battery-powered and rechargeable options these days and we can’t recommend investing in one enough, especially if you plan on tailgating during the warmer months.

4. Freeze Your Bottled Water

Freezing your bottled water the night before is a great multi-purpose hack. You can use the frozen bottles in place of ice or icepacks and then as the ice starts to melt, you are ensuring cold water throughout the day. If you start to feel overheated you can even hold one of the frozen bottles on the back of your neck and that should help you cool down a bit as well.

5. Cooling Towels

Cooling towels are a great tool when the heat index is out of control. You just add some water to them and put them on the back of your neck to help absorb sweat and cool you down, making your life a little more bearable. They also come in all sorts of colors so you can rep for your team while you outsmart the heat.