Tailgating is a tradition rooted in food, fun, and team spirit. Whether you’re a veteran tailgater or tailgating for the first time, proper planning can make the difference between a chaotic scramble and a memorable, game-winning setup. From gear to grub and everything in between, here’s what you need to know before heading to the lot.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Game Day
Success starts well before you hit the parking lot. Check game times, tailgating policies, and weather forecasts early in the week. Coordinate with your group on who’s bringing what to avoid doubling up, or worse, forgetting something crucial. If you’re grilling, prep and marinate your food the night before, and make sure propane tanks or your supply of charcoal are ready to go. Trust us, on game day, you don’t want to be hunting for a spatula or ice.
Secure the Right Parking Spot Early
Getting to the stadium early can be essential. The best tailgating spots fill up fast, especially in designated tailgate zones near the entrance. Arriving 3 – 4 hours before kickoff gives you time to set up, settle in, and start the fun without rushing. If parking passes are required, buy them in advance and double-check the rules about grills, tents, and alcohol.
Pack Smart with a Tailgating Checklist
Avoid game-day stress by planning ahead with a checklist. Break it down into categories so you don’t miss a thing:
Food & Drinks
- Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks
- Condiments, sauces, and seasonings
- Bottled water, sodas, beer, or cocktails
- Ice packs or bags of ice
- A high-performance cooler (like our Ranger 25 or its Mammoth cousins)
Cooking Gear
- Portable grill or stove
- Propane or charcoal
- Grill tools (tongs, spatula, lighter, etc.)
- Aluminum foil, cutting board, oven mitts
- Fire extinguisher
Comfort Items
- Folding chairs and tables
- Canopy or pop-up tent
- Blankets or outdoor rugs
- Portable heater (in cold weather)
- Sunscreen and bug spray
Entertainment
- Cornhole, ladder toss, football
- Bluetooth speaker
- Portable TV or streaming device
- Team flags, jerseys, face paint
Other Supplies
- Paper towels and wet wipes
- Trash bags
- First aid kit
Pro Tip: Pack items into labeled bins or storage containers for easy access. Place heavier items like grills and coolers on the bottom, and keep frequently needed items like drinks and utensils within reach.
Choose the Right Cooler for the Job
Your cooler is the unsung hero of your tailgate. It keeps your drinks ice cold, your food fresh, and your guests happy. Choose a cooler with enough capacity for everything you plan to serve—plus extra ice. Look for models with thick insulation, rugged construction, and leak-proof seals to handle long days in the heat or cold. Mammoth Coolers, for example, offer serious ice retention and durability that can stand up to crowds and weather. Pro tip: pack drinks on the bottom, layer in ice, then top with perishable foods for maximum efficiency.
Prep Your Food Before You Arrive
The more you do at home, the easier your game day will be. Chop veggies, marinate meats, skewer kebabs, and assemble sandwiches the night before. Store everything in airtight containers to keep things fresh and avoid spills. Not only does this cut down on your on-site workload, it also keeps your cooler organized and saves the hassle of trying to process and prepare your food with limited space and tools outside the home. Plus, pre-prepped food gets you to the grill and the fun faster.
Keep Drinks Cold and Food Safe
Warm drinks are somewhat depressing, and food kept too long at unsafe temperatures can ruin your next couple of days with food poisoning. Keep your cooler stocked with plenty of ice or lots of high-quality ice packs. Follow a 2:1 ratio—twice as much ice as food and drinks—to effortlessly maintain chill for a long, long time. Store raw meats in a separate cooler if possible, or at the very bottom surrounded by ice. Beverages can go in a second, easy-access cooler so people aren’t constantly opening the one with perishable food. And if you’re serious about performance, opt for a Mammoth Cooler—it’s built to hold ice for days.
Grills, Stoves, and Safety Gear
The grill: Whether you prefer charcoal or propane, you’ll need a grill that is portable and quick to set up. Bring all necessary accessories—tongs, spatula, lighter, foil, and grill brush—and don’t forget a fire extinguisher. If you’re cooking multiple dishes, a camping stove or smoker can help expand your menu. Set up your cooking zone away from foot traffic and vehicles, and always keep raw and cooked food separate to avoid contamination.
Create a Comfortable Hangout Space
Comfort turns a tailgate from good to great. Set up folding chairs, outdoor rugs, and a pop-up canopy to create a welcoming space. Blankets or inflatable seating can level up the comfort even more without you bring a huge, bulky load. Bring a folding table or two; they’re handy for food prep and serving. If it’s chilly, bring along a propane heater—just make sure it’s safe for outdoor use.
Show Your Team Spirit
Deck out your space with team flags, banners, tablecloths, and even themed coolers or cups. Encourage your group to wear jerseys, face paint, and team colors.
Entertainment That Keeps the Party Going
While the grill’s heating and people are snacking, keep the vibes alive with games and music. Cornhole, ladder toss, and a simple football toss are always crowd-pleasers. A portable Bluetooth speaker is a must for setting the mood—just make sure it has long battery life and enough volume to compete with neighboring setups. If your crew plans to watch, bring a portable TV and generator or stream it on a tablet or phone if a TV is not an option.
Stay Powered Up
Bring a generator if you can. If not, look into purchasing a portable power station.
Weather-Proof Your Tailgate Setup
Rain, wind, or blazing sun—Mother Nature doesn’t care it’s game day. Pack a pop-up tent or canopy with sunwalls to shield your crew from UV rays or drizzle. Bring extra tarps, ponchos, or blankets for unexpected weather shifts. If temps drop, a propane heater or a stack of cozy blankets can keep everyone comfortable. Always anchor your tents and gear securely—you don’t want a gust of wind turning your tailgate into a kite show.
Clean Up Like a Pro
A great tailgate ends with a clean space. Bring plenty of trash bags, paper towels, and disinfecting wipes to stay on top of messes. Set up a designated trash and recycling area to make cleanup easier and faster. If you’re hosting, do a final sweep before heading into the game—leave your spot better than you found it. Not only is it courteous, but some stadiums require it to avoid fines or bans.
Don’t Forget Other Essentials
Before you leave home, double-check the small but critical items: game tickets (digital or printed), parking passes, your ID, and a fully stocked first aid kit. Add sunscreen, bug spray, and any personal meds to your list. These small items can make a big difference in keeping your day safe and smooth from the pre-game all the way to the end of the game.
Ready to Upgrade Your Tailgate? Grab a Mammoth Cooler
When it comes to tailgating, a high-performance cooler can make a mammoth-sized difference. Mammoth Coolers are built to keep your drinks cold and your food safe for days. With rotomolded construction, exceptional ice retention, and rugged durability, Mammoth Coolers are designed for serious tailgaters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you’re hauling burgers to the lot or beers to the beach, Mammoth has the size and durability to match your adventure.
Don’t let warm drinks ruin your game day: shop Mammoth’s Ranger Coolers now and tailgate like a pro.