Tailgate Like a Pro With These Must-Have Game Day Essentials

Although there’s no guarantee your team will pull off a win on game day, throwing a tailgate party is a victory you can count on all season long. Whether you’re getting excited for a Pop Warner game or an NFL primetime matchup, it’s best to turn to the pros for advice on how to make your game-day party a success.

As a Penn State University alum and season ticket holder, cookbook author and grillmaster, Matt Eads of GrillSeeker.com has attended his fair share of home games. Here, he shares a few tips about the essential gear you’ll need to make your tailgate a success. “The key to making a good dish is having your mise-en-place or ingredients ready before you start cooking. Tailgating is no exception. Have a plan. If you put a little pre-planning and effort into your tailgate, the entertaining will be much smoother, and you’ll have far more time to chat about the game.”

Tailgate Party Essentials

• Cshidworld Store Car Storage Organizer, $35
• Gazelle Tents G6 Cool Top 6-Sided Portable Gazebo, $600
• REI Camp Prep Table, $149
• PKGO Portable Charcoal Grill, $320
• Blackstone Leggero Portable Pizza Oven, $299
• Urban Slicer’s Pizza Worx, $38
• Bn-Link USB-Powered Portable Water Pump, $14
• Dixie Disposable Cutting Boards, $19
• FlasKap FreePour System, $79
• Anker EverFrost Powered Electric Cooler, $499

Cshidworld Store Car Storage Organizer

Eads reminds us: “Most people forget about the little things. Paper towels, wet wipes, Ziplock bags, trash bags, foil, and having a stash of cloth towels ready to go will make things easier on you as the host. Organization is another one. Something like a grocery organizer for your trunk is essential to keep your stuff separated. Otherwise, you have an overstuffed foot locker, and seemingly, what you need is always on the very bottom.” Eads tells us it’s important to establish a compact kit of utensils and knives dedicated to your tailgate so you’re not substituting gear from your home kitchen that may be missed. 

Also, “At the end, when it's time to pack up and your spatula is covered in barbecue sauce, you don't want it in the backseat of your car. It’s nice to have a place to store all that when you’re looking to beat the traffic.”

This expandable organizer zips down to about the size of a laptop bag but expands to expose three compartments with two removable dividers and six mesh pockets when fully opened.
You can haul hot or cold foods or up to 24 canned beverages in the included insulated leakproof cooler bag.

Gazelle Tents G6 Cool Top 6-Sided Portable Gazebo

Why pitch a tailgating tent when you can bring along an instant gazebo? Gazelle’s six-sided portable gazebo with removable rain-fly sets up in a couple of minutes, so you’ll be entertaining in no time. An optional ground cover and removable wind panel provide additional protection on blustery days.

Eads likes the idea of having a pop-up canopy or instant portable shelter available for inclement weather but cautions that they can turn into a windsail on windy days. “Look for a structure that comes with sandbags or other ways to weigh it down and secure it. Tent poles and ground stakes are virtually useless on an asphalt parking lot. 

REI Camp Prep Table

Also, think about where you plan to set stuff down. A camping table can double as a prep table and buffet table and makes a great space to stash gear underneath, like coolers or gear bags. 

Our pick for a prep table is easy to break down. Large enough to hold a spread of appetizers, this 24-by-49-inch table is a must-have for tailgating season. The table holds up to 100 pounds and folds down to fit in any vehicle. Plus, it has adjustable legs, allowing you to raise it to a comfortable counter height for food prep or lower it for use as a drink table. 

PKGO Portable Charcoal Grill

This versatile charcoal grill, griddle, and smoker can be separated into two grills that can be used simultaneously. It boasts plenty of cooking space with a sturdy handle that, when locked down tight, can be carried like a briefcase for easy transport. 

Remember to check with the stadium as well. Things like open fires, charcoal grills, and gas-powered generators are prohibited at some venues. A solar-powered generator or 12-volt inverter that connects to your vehicle ensures you won't be left in the dark.

Blackstone Leggero Portable Pizza Oven

This portable, powerful, lightweight pizza oven is perfect for tailgating. The Blackstone Leggero heats up fast and is compatible with most propane tanks. Its battery-operated pizza stone rotates for even cooking, which means less babysitting and more entertaining.

Urban Slicer’s Pizza Worx 

If you love making pizza at your tailgate but hate the hassle of making your dough, Urban Slicer simplifies the process. One cup of water is all you need to transform this ready-to-make mix into two artisan pizzas, all before halftime. 

Bn-Link USB-Powered Portable Water Pump

This wireless, USB-rechargeable pump screws onto any standard 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-gallon jug or container to dispense fresh water at the touch of a button. It dispenses about 2.5 cups of water every time you press the button and can pump up to 20 gallons of water on a single charge.

Dixie Disposable Cutting Boards, 80 Pack

This 80-pack of disposable cutting boards makes cleanup a breeze and should last all season long. These boards are eco-friendly and compostable, perfect for cutting cheese, meats, or veggies.

FlasKap FreePour System

Convert your beloved double-walled insulated drinkware into a portable cocktail party with the FlasKap drinking system. Compatible with most popular tumblers, this flask cap discreetly dispenses spirits into your tumbler full of mixers, assuring the next sip is a first down, not a fumble.

Anker EverFrost Powered Electric Cooler

This untethered, battery-operated cooler will keep food and drinks cold without constantly needing to add ice. With a convenient smartphone app, you can use it as a fridge, freezer, or both at the same time. It fits 38 cans or 21 wine bottles and lasts up to 42 hours on a full charge.