By Amber ClineSchool in full swing, cooler temperatures, and pumpkin-flavored everything – it can only mean onebrthing: it’s football season, and by default, tailgating season. With grills all over Southlake firing up,brand more and more people staking out parking spots at Dragon Stadium before the game, tailgatingbris becoming a lifestyle. Here are some pointers from former Emerald Belle and Southlake Style intern,brAmber Cline, to help you kick off the season with an outdoor celebration worth cheering for.
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PLAY BY THE RULES
Before getting the party started, it’s important to plan. Knowbrthe rules of the stadium. For instance, at Dragon Stadium, nobralcohol is permitted and you’re required to take everythingbrhome that you brought with you (including trash!). Be sure tobrkeep checking the weather – will a tent be necessary? Shouldbryou bring a jacket?br
PREPARE LIKE AN ALL-STAR
Next, prep everything you can before actually arriving at thebrstadium. Make a list of everything you’re bringing, includingbreasily forgotten essentials like zip lock bags, sharpies,brcondiments, tongs and hand sanitizer. Marinate the meat thebrnight before so all you have to do is throw it on the grill. Packbrthe coolers with the stuff you’ll need first on top, and usebrfrozen water bottles instead of ice packs so you’ll have coldbrwater to drink when they melt. Plan to be at the stadium atbrleast three hours before the game so there’s time to set up,breat, relax and pack up.br
DRESS LIKE A WINNER
First of all, ladies, heels are a no-no. The enemy of stilettos isbrgrass and the last thing you want to happen is to constantlybrsink into the ground. Keep it casual with sneakers, comfortablebrflip-flops or flat boots later in the season. In Texas, you neverbrknow what you’re going to get when it comes to the weather,brso layering is your friend – a poncho or cardigan could savebrthe day. And last, but not least, green out! It seems like abrno brainer, but be sure to take every opportunity to remindbrpeople who’s going to win, using everything from green hatsbrand scarves to green food and decorations.br
FOOD FANS LOVE
Now for the main attraction: the game-day grub. The go-brto foods are definitely burgers and hot dogs, but you canbralso get creative with other options. For example, a chickenbrsandwich or a veggie burger could ensure everyone getsbrsomething they like. Keep it simple with finger foods like fruitbrand veggie kabobs that both adults and children will lovebr(the less disposable cups, plates, and utensils to clean up, thebrbetter).br
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
Tailgating is as easy as ever with new apps and sites to helpbryou out. For example, the website ourtailgate.com allowsbryou to make an event, invite guests and keep track of who’sbrbringing what. For day-of inspiration, the app “Tailgate Fan”brhas great recipes to shake things up and even allows you tobrconnect with other tailgaters in the area using photo andbrvideo. “Tailgating Recipes” also is stocked full of fun recipesbrlike “Quarterback Quesadillas” and “Kick-Off Kabobs.” Usebryour phone’s “Notes” app to keep track of inventory and thebr“Clock” app to set timers on meats.
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With these easy tips to keep in mind, your tailgate won’tbrget sidelined this fall. So get planning, invite your friendsbrand fire up that grill. We’ll see you at Dragon Stadium onbrSeptember 11 for the first official home game of the year!