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Get that game face on, because it’s time to learn how to tailgate properly.
Establishing home base
Tailgate parties are a jungle in every sense of the word, from the frenzied, unpredictable inhabitants, to the crowded habitat one can easily become lost and disoriented in. The only way to thrive in the wilderness is to have a solid campsite, and in a tailgating environment, this is defined in a number of ways. There should be no question of which team a camp is pulling for. Themed tables, chairs, banners and canopies can demonstrate this.
Team affiliation should also be proudly worn by the outfits of those in attendance, ranging from team jerseys to full body paint. The point is to get creative and proudly trumpet team love, even if that means using actual trumpets.
A tailgate isn’t a necessity for tailgating, but places to sit down and relax amid all the chaos certainly are. Bring chairs for the crew.
On another note, be prepared for the elements, because a canopy providing shelter from a storm keeps the party from getting soggy.
Belly filled, ready to kill
No fan should ever have to bust a lung cheering on their home team or jeering at the opposition on an empty stomach. Another purpose of the pregame is to keep the fan base strong and nourished for the game ahead. This means drinks, chips and dip and plenty of protein. Grrrrr protein, get it in with hot dogs, buffalo wings, bratwursts, hamburgers and hummus. Yes hummus, that stuff is the best. Good tailgate etiquette suggests bringing refreshments to the table if you are rallying at someone else’s tailgate. Extra points if you deliver a recipe both delicious and never before seen, try to up that cuisine game. Or just take the easy route and bring drinks to share, whatever’s clever.
All fun and games
It is unlikely anybody in the tailgate area will be hitting the field, but that does not mean the competitive spirit should be absent out in the fan trenches.
Games like cornhole, Polish horseshoes, ladder toss, KanJam and the like are enough to instill in any fan the thirst for victory. Lounging around is great and all, but the voracious team supporter will spend most of the game on their feet, hooting and hollering and all that, and beginning this habit pre-game is a good idea.
Remember, fan is short for fanatic. In the same vein, play that funky music loud and if any of the people invited have thundering system to pump up the crowd, victory is yours at tailgate time.
Good kids, mad tailgate
Quite possibly the most important part of the tailgate affair is the circle you bring. A spirited crowd that is down to get rowdy on game day is preferable. However, if kicking back before the home game, chowing down and drinking up is more the agenda, that’s cool too.
Bring friends to make memories with, because tailgating is about having fun and putting the worries of the day on the backburner. This is the business of cheering on the team, and the group chosen for this mission makes all the difference.
George Wood can be reached at [email protected]