Tailgating Supplies: A Few Necessities Make the Difference

Football season is here again, and tailgating enthusiasts are gearing up!  Tailgating supplies can be widely different from vehicle to vehicle, and they can include anything from team logo flags and banners to portable bean bag games and decorative area rugs.  A majority of items that are considered vital for tailgating could probably stay at home, but three of the most critical pieces of gear that should never be left behind include the portable shade canopy, folding chairs or other basic seating options, and the portable grill. 

Portable shade canopies not only protect you and your tailgating supplies from the sun's harsh UV rays, they also help to create your own outdoor space.  With so many people meeting up for the tailgating fun, your own personal space can become quickly occupied by tailgating neighbors.  A shade canopy provides a welcoming spot for partying with fellow tailgaters, but it also establishes boundaries within which you can comfortably set up your tailgating supplies and enjoy the day.  Portable shade canopies are easy to put up, fast to take down, and can be stored conveniently with your other tailgating supplies at home or in your car or truck.  If you drive an SUV or truck, the most ideal instant shade canopy for tailgating is one that attaches to the roof of your vehicle.  Velcro tabs or clips connect the shade canopy to one side of your vehicle's roof rack, while the other side of the canopy is propped up with sturdy support legs.  But, all in all, any type of portable shade canopy will do the job.

Seating options for tailgating come in all shapes and sizes, but what's important is that it's portable.  A folding sports couch or folding butterfly chairs with head rests and cup holders provide convenience and comfort, but any kind of folding chairs will be sufficient.  The key is finding seating options that are not only comfortable for you, but that will also fit easily into the back of your vehicle with all of your other tailgating supplies.  If you have room, you may consider packing an extra folding chair or two in your car or truck in case you'd like to invite fellow tailgaters to join you.

Food and drinks are another important part of your tailgating supplies, but unless you plan to serve only cold, picnic-style foods, you'll need to bring along a portable grill to prepare your meal and snacks.  A wide range of portable grills for tailgating are available, and selecting the most suitable one depends only on your situation.  Do you have a surface, like a table, on which a portable grill can be placed when it's time to grill those steaks or hamburgers?  If so, then any tabletop portable grill would work.  If access to table-high surfaces is limited, then a portable grill with full-sized folding legs is an appropriate option.  The most innovative portable grill for tailgating, though, attaches to the back of your vehicle and stays there during transport and grilling.  Known as the Margaritaville Tailgating Grill, this portable grill comes with a steel swing arm that connects to any standard receiving hitch.  The swing arm locks in place when the vehicle is in motion, but when it's time for grilling, the swing arm can be extended out, keeping the heat and mess away from your vehicle.  Lock the swing arm in place before driving home, and the portable grill never has to touch the inside of your car or truck.

The goal of tailgating, whether you enter the stadium to watch the game or not, is to celebrate your team and its potential victory.  Being prepared for the game with the most useful tailgating supplies means that you can be entirely focused on the day's fun and festivities rather than on what you left behind at home.  Any assortment of items can be included in your list of tailgating supplies, but without a shade canopy, comfortable seating, and a portable grill, your tailgating experience is sure to be a drag.