Tips for the perfect football tailgate party

Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015 | 2 a.m.

Sports inspire a host of traditions, but few are as beloved and revered as a football game tailgate. Possibly one the best pregame activities of all time, tailgating combines food, drinks and football with a rallying community of fans.

However worthwhile, hosting your own tailgate can be an undertaking. These tips will help make the process easier.

What should I bring?

Besides the food, beverages and condiments of your choosing, there are many other tailgating accoutrements to consider. As with any party or gathering, it’s best to over-prepare than to be caught off guard. Here are the necessities:

•Ice (Bring as much as possible; you can’t have enough.)

•Trash bags (And then extra trash bags.)

•Paper towels

•Foil (Bring double the amount you think you’ll need.)

•Wet wipes and hand sanitizer

•Charcoal (Bring extra, especially if it’s a windy day.)

•Propane or butane tank

•Tongs (One for raw meat, one for cooked meat)

•Spatulas

•Bottle openers (And a few extra, as these tend to disappear.)

•Plastic baggies

•Disposable plates, cups and cutlery

•First-aid kit

•Jumper cables

•Car phone charger

•Extension cord

•Portable fire extinguisher (Just in case)

•Sunscreen (Even if it’s cloudy out)

•Portable table and chairs

•Masking tape

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Days before the tailgate

Make a list of everything you need to bring. Divide it into categories: food, drinks, cooking accessories and utensils, tableware and miscellaneous. Check off each item before you leave on game day to make sure nothing is left behind.

Look into the rules of the tailgating venue. NFL, college and bowl games all might have different rules, especially about where to park, grilling practices and alcohol consumption. Know what to expect before arriving.

Prepare what you can in advance. Form burger patties the night before the game and pack them between layers of wax paper. Start cooking chili or pulled pork in the slow cooker. Marinate meat and skewer it if you’re making kabobs. Slice and package burger toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cheese. Freeze water bottles to use both as ice in the cooler and for drinking water.

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Morning of the tailgate

Pack the coolers: Ideally you’ll have three: one for raw meat, one for cooked meat and sides, and one for beverages. Be sure all items are chilled and packed in watertight containers. The denser you pack your coolers, the colder they’ll stay.

Plan to arrive three to four hours before the game starts.

Check your list. Then check it again. And then one last time before you leave.

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At the tailgate

•Pick a good spot. Select a location that’s easy to find, near a bathroom and close to other tailgaters. The earlier you show up, the better your options will be.

•Set up your base camp and start grilling. Food should be ready two hours before the game starts, leaving you and your guests enough time to eat, clean up and head to your seats.

•Be respectful of the location and to other tailgating parties. Don’t leave garbage behind, avoid getting belligerently drunk and limit smack talk to the rival team’s fans.

•When it comes time to pack up, be thorough. Be sure all trash is thrown away in a designated place and that all coals or fires are extinguished.

To make clean-up faster, bring your dishes and utensils in a plastic tub. Line the tub with a trash bag and put all the dirty dishes back in when you are finished.

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Grilling tips

•Throw away food that has been sitting out longer than two hours, and be careful when handling and cooking raw meat. Keep one set of utensils for raw meat and the other for cooked meat.

•Keep your grill grate clean and oiled so meat doesn’t stick. In a pinch, you can scrub it with crumpled foil to help pick up debris and grease.

•Use your thumb to make a shallow indent in the middle of each burger patty before cooking it. This will help ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t get puffy.

•Flip your burgers only once. Flipping them too often will make the meat tougher, meaning a drier, less delicious burger. They’re done once both sides look cooked and the internal temperature is 140 degrees.

•Grilling corn? Carefully peel down the husks, remove the silk and pull the husk back up. Soak for five to 10 minutes, then throw on the grill.

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Other tips

For early-morning tailgating, set up a make-your-own bloody mary bar, complete with an assortment of vodkas, mixes and garnishes.

Bring games to play with your guests and other tailgaters. Good options include cornhole, horseshoes, cards or even just a football to toss around.

Deck out your tailgating area with decorations that represent your team. Hang pennants, and color coordinate tablecloths, plates and cups in team colors. Making Jell-O shots in team colors is another fun way to show your spirit.