Tips for an Awesome Tailgating Experience!
Super Bowl 2015 has come and gone. If you were rooting for Tom Brady, it was a good day to be a Patriots fan! I wasn’t particularly excited about the Seahawks/ Patriots show off this year (being based in the Bay Area my 49’ners were long off the radar) but I can say I’m a sucker for a good game day get together or even better, a well orchestrated tailgate! Delicious food, good drinks, lots of friends; sports enthusiast or not, its’ hard not to love a tailgate party done right! Football may be over for till fall but my World Series winning Giants season is about to start up again. I’m seeing spring tailgates on the horizon!
Whatever may be your sport of choice, a proper tailgate can turn a good game into an even better one. Spending the afternoon grilling with friends and family can be super memorable. If you’re the one in charge of the festivities here are some tips to making sure your get together goes off without a hitch!
1.Show up Early!
Getting to the arena early will make sure to give you plenty of time to prepare and enjoy your tailgate. Showing up 3 to 4 hours before the game starts will allow you time to set up, cook, play some games and just hang out with the group. Also remember to factor in time to break down everything before heading to your seats. For those die hard tailgaters, if the stadium or arena allows it you always have the option to return to the parking lot after the game for a post party. This can help you avoid some sluggish post game traffic and celebrate a great win or soften a rough loss.
2.Know the Rules!
In order to avoid an embarrassing run in with security it’s not a bad idea to be aware of the rules of the parking lot or facility you’re partying in. Do some quick research before organizing your tailgate. Find out what is being asked of clean up procedure and what is considered contraband or unacceptable by the arenas proprietors’. Finding out ahead of time will help you avoid being asked to leave due to unintentionally breaking policy.
3.Finding a Good Parking Spot!
This may not be a high priority on your list of tailgate to-do’s but finding a good parking spot can be key in having a successful get together. If at all possible try to score a spot near a grassy area. This can allow you a little more space to spread out and in some cases maybe a shady tree to take advantage of if it’s a hot day. Be prepared to pack a canopy or umbrella if it’s a scorcher. Some parking lots may charge extra for prime spots. If your groups not looking to spend the extra cash try to find a spot near fans of the same team. Who knows, you might end up making friends!
4.Be Prepared!
Making a list of exactly what you’ll be doing and what you will need can help insure you don’t have to go without anything during your get together. Food and drinks are obvious but paper plates, cups, plastic silver wear and garbage bags should not be forgotten. If temperatures are extreme make sure to plan accordingly. Figure out what the bathroom situation is. If you have a friend that owns a class B motor home, RV or Conversion Van you may want to invite them along.
5.Easy Clean Up!
Most stadiums are mainly concerned with you and your party leaving the parking lot exactly how it was upon entry. Be aware of the rules concerning grilling with charcoal. Some arenas may have charcoal disposal, others not. That package of garbage bags may come in extra handy considering parking lot garbage dumpsters can get filled to the max. Be considerate of others and your surroundings. Picking up trash such as food, plates and bottles will keep the stadium maintenance crew inclined to have you back.
If you’re interested in taking your tailgate parties to the next level, check out our selection of Class B motor homes, campers and Conversion Van’s. Classic Van’s offers a huge selection of used and new vans that can be a great asset to any sports or camping enthusiast!
