The Art of the Tailgate According to Brian Tonsoni

Tailgating is a part of college football. Brian Tonsoni takes us behind the scenes of how to throw the perfect tailgate. 

Written By Brian Tonsoni

What time is kickoff? A question that is asked by many. For some, the answer tells them when to tune in on television. For others, the answer helps plan when they will park and enter the stadium. For the tailgater, the answer gives them the number of hours for the tailgate as they are the type of fan who makes an entire day of a college football Saturday. The tailgater is dedicated not only to the football team, but to providing the best social activity of the season...the tailgate.

So, one may find themselves wondering how they become a tailgater. First one must decide to commit to an entire day of celebrating football. Time is of the essence for a good tailgate. The longer the time the better the tailgate. The optimal tailgate time is a minimum of four hours before kickoff time but could be as long as eight hours. Why so long one may ask? Time is vital for preparation, cooking, conversation and celebration. A good tailgate cannot be rushed. It must breathe deeply the anticipation of the game ahead.

A good visual representation of your fandom is necessary. It all starts with consideration of the setup. What items does one need to pull off a great tailgate.  Let’s start with seating.  Good chairs are essential for you and your guests to be comfortable and relax. Backyard lawn chairs are suggested. Eventually a good tailgate will advance to an outdoor bar, pub tables and bar stools. Add a canopy for wind, rain and sun protection is another vital decision. When people pass by your tailgate and are amazed at your set up, you know that you are doing it well.

If you are in for the long haul, you and your guests are going to be hungry.  Food choices are important.  Maybe you have your favorites or maybe you choose a food that is popular in the away team’s city. Next, we will discuss the items necessary to ensure good food.

Every tailgate needs a few tables. The table provides a place for the food to be stored along with all the plates and utensils needed. A nice table cloth, sport-themed or team-themed, is nice as well to set the tone  On the table, several team logo containers aid the host in holding the chips and snacks. 

Most tailgaters make their own food at the tailgate. So a nice portable grill and or stove is necessary. The smell of burgers, hot dogs and brats add to the atmosphere. Gas or charcoal grills are easy to transport. Along with the grill, make sure to have all the cooking utensils you may need. It’s not fun to run to the local store to get some tongs when the tailgate is rocking. Standing around the grill, flames high, holding a cold beverage and talking sports… yes, please.

Speaking of beverages, they need to be ice cold, so cooler selection is vital. The bigger the volume the better when it comes to coolers.  A few unique types allow for the guests to simply reach in without having to bend down to the ground. Whatever type of cooler you bring, make sure to have more than enough ice. The longer the tailgate, the more ice you will need.

After getting all of the necessary items, then the tailgater may add to the atmosphere by adding school specific decorations. Football helmets, pennants, signs, flags and other memorabilia make the tailgate special.  Maybe even a tackling dummy with a jersey would be nice.

Tailgate games also add to the experience on game day. Cornhole, washer toss, ladder toss, Frisbeer, and of course the game table for flip cup and beer pong are all activities that will make your tailgate memorable. What’s better than attending a competitive game as a fan? Being competitive before the game. Wagering is optional.

The tailgate is a big party, and a good party has lots of entertainment. Having  a source for music always adds some flare to the day.  Some tailgates will have televisions and satellites to show pregame shows and other big games of the day. Entertainment will also draw the passing fans into your tailgate.

There is a lot to consider for the proper tailgate. Honestly, the most important thing is simply to plan to tailgate. Get to the stadium early. Get your friends to the stadium early. The people make the tailgate. Adding memorabilia, chairs and good entertainment is nice; however, start off with the bare minimum then add items as the season progresses. 

Fans help football programs win games. The tailgate is how the fans prepare for the game. 

The Hoosier Huddle sponsored tailgate is always up early and all are welcome to stop by and enjoy the pregame. See you in the purple lot or the white lot or the orange lot—just make sure you get to any lot early and TAILGATE.