How to Plan the Perfect Tailgate
Updated: October 6, 2026 · Reviewed by Taylor J. Graber, MD
Football season means one thing above all: tailgating. Good food, team colors and a little friendly competition with your favorite people. Whether you are a parking-lot veteran or hosting your first one, a bit of planning is what turns a long day in the sun into a great one.
Start with a simple timeline
A week out. Pick your spot and check the stadium's rules. Most lots publish what time they open, whether grills and glass are allowed, and how much space each car gets. Send one group message with the plan: who brings what, when you are meeting, and how everyone is getting home.
The day before. Shop, prep and pack. Marinate meat, chop toppings, freeze water bottles (they double as ice packs) and load the car with everything that does not need to stay cold.
Game day. Arrive early, set up shade first, then food. Plan to stop cooking and start packing about 45 minutes before kickoff so nobody is rushing to the gate.
Food and drink
Tailgating can last all day, so plan for more than one round of food. Barbecue is the classic, but if it is too hot to stand over a grill, party trays from a local restaurant feed a crowd with far less work.
Two rules keep the food safe in the heat: keep cold food on ice until you serve it, and do not leave anything out for more than about an hour on a hot day.
For drinks, put water where people can see it. A cooler of water and sports drinks next to the beer makes it easy for guests to alternate. If you are serving alcohol, make sure there is plenty of food, and settle the ride home before the first drink is poured.
Beat the heat
Early-season games in San Diego and Arizona can be hot, and a parking lot is hotter than the forecast suggests.
Bring shade: a pop-up canopy does more than anything else on this list.
Drink water steadily through the day rather than waiting until you are thirsty.
Wear a hat and sunscreen, and reapply at halftime.
Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea or muscle cramps. Move to shade, cool down and sip water.
Confusion, fainting or hot, dry skin can mean heat stroke. That is an emergency: call 911.
Activities and atmosphere
The game is only part of the day. Cornhole, a football to throw and a speaker with a good playlist are easy wins. If you have power, a TV for the early games keeps your spot busy long before kickoff.
Keep decor simple, because everything you put up has to come down before you go in. A team tablecloth, colored cups and a flag on the canopy go a long way. And wear your colors.
The packing list
Canopy, chairs and a folding table
Grill, fuel, lighter and tongs
Two coolers: one for drinks, one for food
Water, and more water
Plates, cups, napkins and trash bags
Sunscreen, hats and a basic first-aid kit
Phone charger and a jumper pack for the car
Tickets, parking pass and ID
Add IV therapy to your game-day weekend
A lot of our tailgate bookings are groups: friends in town for a big game, or a house full of fans the morning after. Our registered nurses come to your home, hotel or rental, and a standard drip takes about 20 to 45 minutes, so it fits easily before you leave for the stadium or the next morning.
Before the game: hydration and vitamin drips for people who want to start the day topped up.
The morning after: our Hangover IV and ASAP Recovery IV are the usual picks.
Every appointment includes a health screening that our physicians review. Groups of four or more receive a group discount on each IV: one person books the visit, and the other guests complete a short online form beforehand.
Want us at the tailgate itself? It may be possible, depending on the venue and the details. Call or text your regional team and we will tell you what we can do.
Mobile visits are by appointment, so book ahead for game weekends. Schedule online, or call or text your regional team.
Ready to make your next tailgate one to remember? Book today.