Tailgate Checklist

How to Host a Tailgate

Start planning by choosing a strategic location that aligns with your event's goals, whether that's a sports stadium, a large outdoor parking lot, or another high-traffic venue. Consider factors like visibility, accessibility, and available space to set up your equipment and displays. Once the location is set, plan your menu, decor, and branding to match the tailgating aesthetic. Classic foods like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken wings are a must, but don't shy away from adding signature items or showcasing specialty products to highlight your business's unique offerings.

Set up early to allow time for organizing food stations, drink areas, and promotional materials. Create a space that encourages interaction, whether that's through engaging activities, product sampling, or just the aroma of freshly grilled food wafting through the air. Most importantly, remember that a successful tailgate isn't just about feeding hungry crowds, it's about building connections, creating a memorable experience, and leaving your guests eager to come back for more.

2. Tailgating Gear

A successful tailgating event relies on the right tailgating gear to create a professional, functional, and inviting setup. Below we've outlined a checklist of tailgating gear every operator should consider when hosting a tailgate event:

• Folding Tables - At tailgates, folding tables serve as surfaces for food prep, serving stations, or guest interactions. Opt for durable, light weight tables with adjustable heights to accommodate various uses. Certify the tables are easy to transport and set up quickly to save time during event preparation.
• Canopies - Canopies provide essential shade and protection from the elements, making your tailgating area comfortable and visually appealing. Branded canopies are great for showcasing your logo and reinforcing your presence at the event. You should also look for canopies with durable frames, water-resistant fabric, and easy assembly to guarantee reliability and convenience.
• Coolers - Coolers are a must-have for keeping perishable items and beverages at safe temperatures. Invest in high-capacity, heavy-duty coolers that can withstand frequent use and packing. You may also want to look for features like reinforced lids, wheels, and extra insulation.
• Jockey Boxes - Jockey boxes are perfect for dispensing draft beverages like beer or specialty drinks. These portable systems provide a professional way to serve cold beverages on tap, enhancing your setup's efficiency and appeal.
• Food Carriers and Beverage Dispensers - Food carriers and insulated beverage dispensers are essential for maintaining the quality and safety of your offerings. Use food carriers to transport hot or cold dishes while preserving their temperature, while beverage dispensers are ideal for serving large quantities of drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or coffee.
• Beverage Tubs - Fill beverage tubs with ice to keep beverages chilled and within easy reach for customers. You'll want to choose tubs made from durable, rust-resistant materials that can withstand outdoor conditions.

4. Tailgating Foods and Sauces

A successful tailgating menu centers around classic, flavorful tailgating foods and complementary sauces that excite customers and leave a lasting impression. Offering a well-rounded selection ensures there's something for everyone, while showcasing signature sauces can help differentiate your brand.

• Burgers - Burgers are a quintessential tailgating food and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Offer several different options, such as beef, turkey, and plant-based patties, to cater to diverse dietary preferences. Provide toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles to allow customers to customize their burgers.
• Hot Dogs - Hot dogs are another classic that's easy to prepare and serve at tailgating events. Pair them with fresh buns and provide a condiment station featuring ketchup, mustard, relish, and chili for customers to build their perfect hot dog.
• Chicken Wings - Chicken wings offer a variety of flavors, such as classic buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, or garlic parmesan. Providing a mix of bone-in and boneless wings helps satisfy different customer preferences. Serve them with sides of celery sticks and dipping sauces like ranch and blue cheese for the complete experience.
• Hot Sauces - Include a range of hot sauces in your tailgate menu, from mild to extra hot, to accommodate all customers. You may also want to consider showcasing unique or locally made hot sauces to give your menu a distinct edge. Offer small, disposable containers for easy portioning and take-home options for customers who want to purchase your branded sauces.
• BBQ and Steak Sauces - BBQ and steak sauces are essential for enhancing grilled dishes like burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, and ribs. Offer a selection of styles, such as sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy, to complement different menu items.

5. Tailgating Snacks

Tailgate snacks are a crucial part of any event, providing customers with quick, satisfying options to enjoy while mingling or watching the game. Offering a wide range of snacks, including both salty and sweet options, ensures there's something for all customers.

• Nacho Chips and Toppings - Stock up on high-quality nacho chips and offer a variety of toppings, such as melted cheese, jalapenos, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and seasoned ground beef or pulled pork. Providing pre-portioned nacho kits or a build-your-own nacho station is another way to add a fun and interactive element to your setup.
• Bulk Chips - Bulk chips are a cost-effective and convenient snack option for tailgating events. Include popular flavors like classic, BBQ, sour cream and onion, and salt and vinegar to cater to a wide range of tastes. Serve them in individual portions using disposable bowls or bags for easy distribution and cleanup.
• Soft Pretzels - Soft pretzels are a warm, comforting snack that's perfect for tailgating. Offer them plain or with toppings like salt or cinnamon sugar. You can also include dipping sauces such as cheese sauce or mustard for added flavor.
• Jerky and Meat Snacks - Jerky and meat snacks are portable, protein-packed options that are ideal for on-the-go customers. Provide several different flavors and styles, such as beef, turkey, and spicy jerky, to appeal to different preferences.
• Individually Wrapped Candy - Individually wrapped candy is a great way to add a sweet touch to your tailgating snack offerings. Stock popular choices like chocolate bars, gummies, and hard candies. Having individually wrapped options promotes hygiene and makes it easy for customers to grab and enjoy their favorite treats.
• Popcorn - Popcorn is a versatile snack that can be served plain, buttered, or flavored with seasonings like caramel, cheese, or spicy chili. Offer pre-packaged bags for convenience or freshly popped options for an enticing aroma that draws in customers.

6. Tailgating Drinks

Providing a mix of refreshing and unique tailgate beverage options ensures you can cater to a variety of ages and preferences and leaves a lasting impression on your customers. A well-rounded drink menu will attract many customers, and purchases will often be paired with food or other items.

• Water - Water is a non-negotiable item for any outdoor event. Offer bottled water for easy grab-and-go convenience, and confirm plenty of water is available to keep customers hydrated and comfortable, especially in warmer weather.
• Juice - Juice is a family-friendly beverage option that appeals to customers of all ages. Stock a variety of popular flavors like orange, apple, cranberry, and mixed fruit blends. Opt for single-serving bottles or cartons for convenience and minimal waste.
• Specialty Sodas - Specialty sodas are a great way to stand out from the crowd and offer customers something unique. Consider craft sodas, regional favorites, or sodas made with natural ingredients. Providing a mix of classic flavors like cola and root beer alongside creative options like vanilla cream or black cherry can add an element of novelty to your drink offerings.
• Iced Tea - Iced tea is a versatile and refreshing drink that pairs well with many tailgating foods like grilled meats. Offer sweetened, unsweetened, and flavored options like lemon or peach to cater to different tastes. Providing tea in large dispensers or prepackaged bottles provides convenience for both you and your customers.
• Alcoholic Beverages - In addition to non-alcoholic options, offering beer and spirits for mixed drinks can elevate your tailgating event and appeal to adult customers looking for a more festive experience. Providing a wide selection of alcohol and garnishes ensures you can create a host of popular cocktails while maintaining an efficient and professional setup.
• Bar Drink Mixes - Bar drink mixes allow you to elevate your tailgating beverage offerings for customers looking for cocktail options. Displaying your drink mixes with garnishes like lime wedges, cherries, or salt rims can create a visually appealing and interactive drink station.