It is never too early to start preparing for football season.

Some people live for college football season, and not just college students, but alumni and local town fans alike. Tailgating is a huge part of the college football culture. If you want to hang in the big leagues this fall and create an awesome, fun, and memorable tailgating party, make sure you have everything you need to do so.

Game Day Gear

Before season starts you need to purchase a jersey or some clothes with your schools colors or mascot on them. Shirts, hats, rain gear, if you can think of it, you need it. You should also look into buying some body or face paint. Even if you are not into getting painted up yourself it will be a fun thing to have for others at your tailgate party. Another fun thing to have for yourself or for friends is temporary tattoos and stickers. Noise makers, pom-poms, foam fingers, cow bells, and horns, all stuff you need.

If you are a seasoned tailgater and know what you’re doing, there are always ways to freshen things up. If you own a tent, you can decorate it with streamers or get the mascot pattern sewed onto it. You can paint your cooler school colors, or in the design of a football field. You can also make sure that your frisbee, football, bags board, and whatever other recreation activity you bring to tailgate is fixed and working and all color coordinated.

Game Day Tailgate Checklist

• Tickets
• Canopy or Tent
• Folding/camping chairs
• Folding table
• Cooler
• Food and drinks
• Sides and condiments
• Plastic cups, plates, silverware
• Trash bags
• Portable grill (with wheels)
• Charcoal or propane
• Ice
• Napkins
• Cozies
• Sunscreen
• Matches or lighter
• Poncho or umbrella
• Bug spray
• First aid kit
• Bags or ladder ball
• Frisbee or football
• Music

Game Day Eats

All the yummy meats that you throw on the grill for game day are a must. Hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, chicken, its all good and necessary. Make sure you have a variety of things that people can munch on like chips or pretzels. Sides are also a must, potato salad, deviled eggs, pickles. An easy way to integrate your team spirit into your set up is to get cups, napkins, and plates with your teams football colors or logo on it. You can also get sweet and fancy with cupcakes or cookies with your team mascot on them.

Everyone has their own tailgating style. If you do things a little differently, that’s great. The most important thing to remember about tailgating is to support your team and have fun!

Check out this blog – Is There Life After College Football Season?