Have you ever gone to a sporting event and seen all those people sitting around by their cars, drinking cases of beer, or even watching other games on a tv powered by a generator? This is your essential guide to joining them, arriving a little bit earlier, and celebrating with like-minded fans before kickoff of the next big game.

Essentials

1.  Getting to the game early

It is always important to get to the game sufficiently early - to have plenty of time to get setup, eat, relax and enjoy, and finally, to clean up before getting into the game a decent amount of time before kick off.  This way, you can sober up a little for the game itself, get full so you don’t have to spend a huge amount on stadium food, and most importantly, use the restroom before kickoff.  Setting up the grill, chairs, tables, and then the act of actually cooking the food takes a while - that’s why you’ll always see people getting to the games even 5 hours in advanced.

2.  Bring seating, shade, and extra food/drinks.

You never know who may be joining your group for the tailgate.  Fans will often trade with other fans for food, or unite in their hatred for whatever team their playing.  It’s just common sense.  Plus, you don’t want to be stuck in the hot sun all day standing around.

3.  Electronics

Fine - these are totally optional, and yes, there are people who have unlimited resources and spend it absolutely frivolous things.  Some of these things are used for tailgating.  What better setup to have your living room AT the game itself! Bring out the folding chairs, a generator, a direct TV dish and an LCD and you’re set! Add in Rock Band for a bonus and everyone will be at your station during pregame festivities.

4.  Games!

What better thing to get into the spirit of the upcoming game than to have a… competition with the oppposing teams fans! That and it’s always fun to just have drinking games with your friends.  It reminds people of what they miss from college - tailgators are often a little bit more aged than the students and know how to party.  I’ve seen it all.  Football, beer pong, canoe races, even… horseshoes! Whatever works.  All is game in entertainment.

And finally…

5.  Alcohol!

Why would you want to sit around a parking lot for hours with food and no drinks? If you’re not a drinker, unstandable - but otherwise make sure you bring lots of beer.  Tailgating isn’t really about pulling out the handles of hard liquor, but if that’s what floats your boat, go for it! Trust me, I’ve seen worse.  People often setup elaborate setups with bottles of wine and glasses, around a centerpiece on a picnic table.  No joke…

Tailgating isn’t about going to the game, it’s about having a good time.  Everyone should be smiling, full, maybe a little buzzed, but most importantly just enjoying the company of like-minded people around them.  I’ve known people to go to tailgates for the sole purpose of this social event and not even go to the game.  Many times, people pay for the parking just to sit in the parking lot to watch the game on a TV and listen to it on a radio.  It’s not always about the sport, but being in the environment and having fun.  See you before the game!