Results Are In: Football is the Sport to Watch!

It’s football season! For many, their trunks and hatches are popping in parking lots across America, while others stay home and open their front door for friends. But given the level of testosterone at the typical tailgate, it may be up to you to add some fun and creative touches to make your pre- or postgame party special. Some ideas:


Pick a food theme. If the visiting team is from Buffalo, serve wings; from New Orleans, jambalaya; from Philadelphia, cheesesteaks. Keeps it interesting all season long.


Crank up the tunes. Here’s a playlist that will get everyone hopping more than the Cowboy Chili: “The House Is Rockin’,” Stevie Ray Vaughn;
“Going Out of My Head,” Fatboy Slim;
“Lust for Life,” Iggy Pop;
“Touch the Sky,” Kanye West;
“Think I’m in Love,” Beck;
“Hells Bells,” AC/DC; “Welcome to the Jungle,” Guns N’ Roses;
“Du Hast,” Rammstein;
“Enter Sandman,” Metallica;
“Rock Superstar,” Cypress Hill;
“Kickstart My Heart,” Mötley Crüe.

Play your own game. Devise some team trivia questions. Then ask everyone to throw $5 into a pot, and throughout the day award a portion to whoever answers correctly.

Mix up a jug. For a convenient and truly amazing libation, create a gallon of End-Zone Margaritas. Use one of those big jugs they have on the sidelines and dump in: 32 ounces tequila; 16 ounces Triple Sec; 1 (12-ounce) can apiece of frozen lemonade, limeade, and orange juice; a 6-pack of beer (12-ounce cans); and lots of ice. Let everyone see you make this because they won’t believe how such diverse ingredients make the perfect margarita.

Make over the meal. Try to provide at least one healthful alternative, like Turkey Joes. Make them ahead, and bring something you can put them in to reheat over the grill at tailgating. In a skillet, heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, add 1 lb ground turkey, and cook until browned. Add 1 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped celery, and 2 minced cloves garlic, and sauté 5 minutes. Finally, add 8 oz salt-free tomato sauce, 3/4 cup water, then salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer 30 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

For the Tailgaters:

Buy a good grill. If you travel with your grill a lot, it might be worth it to invest (around $200) in the gas-powered, fold-and-wheel Grill2Go Advantage from Char-Broil. It has a griddle, plus folding shelves, a clip for a trash bag, built-in paper-towel holder, and even a light in case your party stretches into the night. If you’re looking for something more basic (and within your budget), go with Weber’s Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill that sells for around $30. It only has a 14-inch-diameter cooking surface, but it’s dependable and bombproof—the kind of grill you’ll have for years. At that price, you might even consider buying two to handle bigger events.

Mark your spot. If you’re tailgating in a giant parking lot and want to help friends find you, run a flag (or creative article of clothing) up the Wonder Pole (wonderpole.com). The basic $49 model telescopes from 48 inches to 10 feet (larger sizes available) and weighs under 3 pounds.


Remember the jumper cables. Dead batteries are the No. 1 post-tailgate frustration. Make sure to pack a set just in case.

Enjoy the football season with your family and friends and most important, have fun!