The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Good Tailgate

There is a giant misconception that to have a great tailgate one needs to have a $5,000 grill, Omaha Steaks, and beer that is imported. That is not the way to have a great American Tailgate. There are a few necessities needed and a few luxuries that are often overlooked.

Necessities: The Ultimate Tailgate must include these common things to ensure a good time.

Food: I have seen these NFL pre-game shows where these guys are breaking out hundreds and hundreds of dollars on the food alone. Listen, people are not that picky. Grab yourself a little grill and stick with the essentials, hot dogs and hamburgers. You can grill the hamburgers and boil the dogs in beer. Very cheap and very simple, but do not forget buns or condiments. Also, do not forget some sort of chip product. This helps from people nagging you about when the food is going to be done. Do not bring Fruit! Fruit has no purpose at a tailgate unless of course you mean tomato (which I think is a fruit), which goes on the burger.

Beer: One thing I hate to see at a tailgate is expensive beer or beer in bottles. Beer in bottles is a very dangerous situation. Not just for the rival team's fans, but for the whole tailgaiting community. You pop a tire because of one of thos ebottles it does not matter how much you just spanked your conference rival, you're tailgate is ruined. The expensive beer is just comical. The whole point to beer at the tailgait is to put as much in you before you have to pay for the expensive beer inside the stadium. Like Dierks Bentley song, keep the beer "Domestic, Light, and Cold."

Table and Chairs: I know some people think that this is almost too obvious of a point but I am telling you that one day you will be at a tailgate where the table is missing, all the joy from day will be missing next. Listen a table and chairs just makes it more comfortable. Leaning against a car or sitting on an actual bumper is just going to get you annoyed before the game. You will be frustrated enough by the offensive lineman, who for some damn reason, can not remember the snap count to save his life.

Luxuries: Extra things needed to boost your tailgaiting experience.