Though for most the motive is to watch the big game, for others on fall Saturdays in the South, it’s all about the tailgate. These days, “tailgating” in the original sense of the word has evolved from gathering around the tailgate of a truck in a parking lot, to a setting where pretty much any grassy area is fair game. Choose a spot, open up a folding chair and stake your claim—it’s that easy! Other, more expansive modern tailgates often involve multiple tables, tents and TV’s to go along with the standard folding chair and cooler. With food and drink, friends and family and the opportunity to mingle with other football fans—what’s not to love about the tailgate tradition? Whether you’re going big all day or keeping it simple for a few hours, these are a few staples to consider to throw a top notch tailgate.
- Creative snacks. You’ll need some food to fuel your spirit on game day. Tailgates are an opportunity to show off your knack for snacks. Finger foods and easy-to-eat entrees are the best options for your Saturday spread.
- Cold drinks. A stocked cooler with ice and a tailgate go hand-in-hand. Make sure you have all of the extras, such as koozies, a reserve of ice and straws, if desired.
- Shady spots. In the South, we know that as much as we’d like to call September “fall,” it’s pretty much still summer well into October. Pick a tailgate spot near a tree, or bring shade tents because you will need relief from the heat!
- Fun and games. Especially on those games scheduled later in the evening, you’ll need some form of tailgate entertainment for when sitting in your chair and people watching gets old. Some favorites include corn hole, bocce ball and Frisbee.
- Music, music, music. Nothing says festive like blasting some tunes either while waiting for the game to start or in post-game celebration. Make sure it’s something you think will appeal to your tailgating neighbors and that is family-friendly, especially if there are little ones around.
- Festive team décor. For some, game day is just another chance to show off their style. When you’re limited to the team colors, your creativity is allowed to come out in the type of garments you wear. You also can’t go wrong with a good old fashioned team jersey or T-shirt.
- Game broadcasts. If you’re really on your tailgate game (and you’re not going to the game), you’ll have a flat screen television showing yours and other relevant games your tailgaters might be interested in.
- Plenty of seating. Chairs, blankets, cooler tops—all are acceptable forms of seating at the tailgate. Since your fans will likely be standing up during the game, give them a spot to sit down to rest in between the trek to the stadium.
- Friends, family and fans. What’s the point of a top-notch tailgate if you have no one to share it with? Answer: there isn’t one! Reunite with old friends, meet new friends and high-five other fans as they walk past.
- Team spirit. Though it’s not tangible, it’s still a tailgating necessity. Team spirit not only means cheering for your team, but having a positive attitude and respecting everyone who wants to have fun on game day!
In Auburn and Opelika, we are fortunate to live in a community where on select Saturdays in the fall, we don’t have to drive out of town to tailgate and go to the big game, we can simply step out our front doors!
Now that you know what to do, it’s time to start planning!
Thinking of moving to or within the Auburn-Opelika area? Contact Realtor Ryan Roberts to see listings. Call Ryan at 334-750-9872, or email Ryan at [email protected]! #Tailgate #Tailgating #Football #Auburn #Opelika #RyanRoberts #AuburnRealEstate #OpelikaRealEstate #AuburnRealtor #OpelikaRealtor
