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Tailgating Tips
'Tis the season when die-hard football fans (and those who just enjoy a good party) gather together to cheer on their favorite college or professional football teams with gusto, a little bravado and of course, Idaho® potatoes!
To help make your next tailgating party a smashing success, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Make a List – This sounds obvious, but once you're planted in the parking lot, you're not going to be able to run to the store and pick up extra ketchup or more chicken. It's a good idea to create a list of everything you need to bring, including serving items.
- Create a Theme – Add some excitement to your party by coming up with a theme. If it's Halloween, bring pumpkins, masks and candy to share with other tailgaters. Or, if your team is playing against a Texas team, serve barbecue.
- Pack Up the Car the Night Before – Save time by packing all the non-perishable items in your car the night before. Don't forget:
- Folding table
- Chairs
- Trash bags
- Water
- Frisbee or a football
- Music
- Bottle/can opener
- Grill/charcoal/lighter fluid
- Ice
- Coolers
- Paper towels/wet wipes
- Eating and serving utensils
- Select A Spot – If you're attending a game at a large stadium it's likely there will be more than one parking lot. Let your friends know in advance of the game where you'll be so they can easily find you.
- Food – Pack plenty of food--football fans are a hungry crowd!
- Arrive Early – Try to arrive about 3-4 hours before game time. This assures you will get a prime parking spot and gives you plenty of time to set-up.
- Location – If possible, try to park near a median or grassy area. Your guests will have more room to mingle and toss the football around.
- Serve Food Two Hours Before Game Time – This allows everyone plenty of time to eat before the game begins.
- Dress for the Weather – It's not uncommon, especially during the fall months, for unexpected weather changes. Bring blankets, an extra jacket and an umbrella…just in case you need them!
- Shoes – Make sure you wear comfortable shoes – you'll be on your feet for hours and may possibly have a long walk from your car to the stadium.
- Music – It's not a party without music! Download a selection of songs to your MP3 player – don't forget to bring the adaptor to plug it into your car.
- Lock Up – Even though there may be security in the parking lot, be sure to lock up all your valuables including the coolers, footballs and lawn chairs in the car. It's better to be safe than sorry.
- Food Safety is Key – Foods that are stored in the refrigerator need to be kept cool at 40°F or lower. If grilling make sure your poultry or fish reach the following internal temperatures to avoid food borne illnesses:
- Poultry: 165°F
- Beef: 160°F
- Fish: 145°F
- Leftovers: 165°F
- Potato Salad Safety Tips:
- Bring along a larger bowl and make a nest of ice for the potato salad.
- Keep the potato salad covered until you are ready to serve.
- Try to keep the potato salad out of direct sun light.
- Post-Game Party – Why fight the traffic? Plan for you and your crew to hang out at the car for up to an hour after the game. It's a great way to recap the highlights of the game and finish the leftovers!
- Clean Up; Leave No Trace – Disposable containers, plates and utensils are obviously easiest – just chuck them in the trash when you're finished. However, if you are a regular tailgater or trying to reduce waste, there are many reusable and affordable to storage containers you can purchase. Just be sure to bring along a plastic bag or bin to transport all the dirty utensils home.
- Leave No Trace – Do your share to make sure your tailgate spot looks exactly the way it did when you arrived.
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