It’s tailgating season over at Dragon Stadium. The grill is out, the soda cans are popped and good times are brewing thanks to the fresh barbecue smell, loud music and kids laughing while throwing around a football. You may have been to a few Carroll games before and are now finally ready to host a tailgate of your own, but you may not know where to begin.
Not to worry. Scott Hall, the game day cook behind the Best Fans Tailgate group, has been tailgating for the better part of 15 years and knows the ins and outs of creating a successful setup. So put on your apron, grab your spatula and fire up your grill: Here are 10 tailgating tips from the top-tier tailgater himself.
- Get people involved. The more people participating, the easier it will be to organize a tailgate.
- Know the rules. Schools and universities will usually have their district standards and guidelines posted on their website.
- Find the right spot. The shade is your best friend, whether it’s from the trees or a pop-up tent.
- Personalize your tailgate. Starting your own game day tradition, like always serving the same original recipe or rubbing an autographed football for good luck, is a great way to make your tailgate unique.
- BYOB (Bring your own beverages). It’s advisable to bring a cooler of water bottles just in case, but generally, it is easier if people bring their own drinks.
- Buy everything in bulk. Plates, cups, paper towels and trash bags can be bought wholesale and last throughout the whole year.
- You can’t have too much ice. Depending on the size, one Friday night tailgate will typically go through anywhere between 60 to 120 pounds of ice.
- Keep it simple. Bluetooth stereos and TVs are fun, but sometimes the usual corn hole and football tossing can be just as satisfying and even more convenient to set up and tear down.
- Prepare beforehand. Chopping the veggies or seasoning the ribs at home makes cooking much easier later on, plus you’ll have more time for socializing.
- Share the experience. Go trade a plate of ribs for a big bowl of your neighbor’s gumbo, or switch a six-pack for somebody’s homemade seasoning. Sharing the tailgate experience is a great way to meet folks and have fun.