Tailgate Essentials: Your Ultimate Game Day Checklist

1. The Setup: Build Your Tailgate Basecamp
Before the burgers hit the grill or the pre-game chants echo through the lot, you’ve got to build your home base. A great tailgate starts with a solid setup that keeps your crew shaded, comfortable, and ready for a full day of fun.
Start with a pop-up tent or canopy. It provides critical shade on sunny days and cover if the weather turns. Don’t forget foldable tables to prep and serve food, and camp chairs so no one is standing around holding a plate in midair.
When it comes to storage and refreshments, a dual-cooler system is ideal: use a hard cooler for meats, cheeses, and other food, and a soft cooler for drinks so people can grab and go. Add a portable speaker or tailgate speaker to control the playlist, and a power bank to charge devices and keep the vibes alive.
Essentials like trash bags, paper towels, and wet wipes help keep your space clean. A blanket adds seating space or warmth for colder game days. Finally, a clip-on fan or mini heater will keep you comfortable regardless of the season. Tailgating is all about adapting to the elements while keeping the energy strong.
2. Eat, Play, Blaze: Games & Grub That Get the Vibes Right
Once the setup is dialed in, it’s time for the heart of the tailgate: food and fun.
Let’s start with the grub. A mini grill or portable BBQ is the cornerstone of a proper tailgate. Bring grilling tools and skewers for easy prep, and fill your cooler with burgers, hot dogs, veggie patties, buns, and condiments. Don’t forget chips, dips, and snacks to keep people munching pre- and post-game.
For drinks, pre-mixed cocktails, canned seltzers, and water bottles keep hydration and vibes high. Bring along tongs and serving utensils to keep things clean and easy.
Now to the entertainment. Bring a football for a pre-game toss around the lot, and the crowd favorite: cornhole. It’s an easy setup, tons of fun, and doesn’t take up too much space.
Want to elevate your tailgate even more? Pack the ultimate stoner-friendly twist on beer pong: Bong Pong. Whether you're puffing or just spectating, it adds a unique flair that always gets people talking. Plus, it's compact and easy to carry. Just make sure to keep things respectful and know the local laws before lighting up.
3. Stay Ready All Game Day: Comfort, Storage & Extras
What separates a decent tailgate from an unforgettable one? The small stuff. Comfort, clever storage, and thoughtful extras can make all the difference.
Keep your stash safe with a doob tube to store pre-rolls and a smell-proof pouch or bag for your gear. These keep things lowkey, safe, and discreet. Toss them in a weatherproof backpack or plastic bin for easy storage and protection from rain, sun, or spills.
For your own comfort, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a blanket hoodie or stadium blanket for when the sun goes down. Staying warm and protected from the elements keeps spirits high, even in unpredictable weather.
A lighter is a must-have, even if you’re just lighting the grill. Add hand sanitizer to your stash for quick cleanups and hygiene. And for those chill moments between the action, a deck of cards or set of dice is a great way to fill the downtime with fun.
The key to all-day tailgating? Preparation. Build your setup right, bring the right food and games, and come with the extras that keep you and your crew energized, organized, and ready for anything. Whether you’re tailgating college ball, NFL Sundays, or even a local high school rivalry, this checklist ensures your squad rolls deep and stress-free. Game on.