Sports Then and Now

Some die hard football fans will visit the stadium without even having a ticket to get in. That’s because it can be just as fun, if not more fun, to tailgate and watch the game from the comforts of your own car. In fact, 42 percent of tailgaters spend over $500 a season making sure everything is just right. When the NFL season kicks off, more and more fans will be busy all Sunday long packing, prepping, and enjoying tailgate parties. If you’re going to be hosting your own tailgate party in your special stall, here are some tips to prepare your car:

Cargo Carrier Complete With Hitch

You might be able to fit some of the key items that you’ll need for the big day in your trunk, but you’ll probably need a cargo carrier if you’re throwing a sizable party. When you have the portable sun shades, seating, a smoker, a barbecue, tables, and all of the fine linen that you need to set the mood, you’ll need space. Make sure you have a cargo carrier that’s compatible with the hitch on your vehicle. Check out sizes, weights, and designs to see which one will have the right capacity.

Air Compressors for Inflation

Flat tires can flatten the mood. If you have an air compressor with you, you don’t have to deflate the fun just because you have a flat. These tools are also handy when you need to inflate balls, seats, and anything else. Simply plug into the AC adapter, and you’ll have air in seconds. You can go to a place like U Pull & Pay if you need other car parts for the big day.

A Toolbox BBQ Kit

If you want to get a little creative, you can make your very own toolbox BBQ kit so that you have everything you need while you’re slathering the best meats with BBQ sauce. Include everything you have to have from a spatula and lighter to matches and tongs, and you won’t have to turn around on your way to your lucky parking spot. Read the rest of this entry →

You and your friends gather in the parking lot before the big concert or the game and you want to make the tailgate experience as memorable as possible. The problem is, you don’t know where to start to make your tailgate great. There are plenty of things you can do that will help you to put together a tailgate party that everyone will remember and talk about long after the event is over. Here are some great ideas for your next parking lot smash.

Have Music Everywhere

When you plan your party, be sure music is part of your planning process. Along with your vehicle stereo, you should plan on bringing extra speakers to make sure everyone hears the music. Don’t forget to bring an equipment case for your extra speakers to protect them from the potential dangers of a really good tailgate party. You can find hard protective cases that offer protection from the elements as well as travel.

Go Crazy with Themed Food

If you are tailgating before a football game, go for the classic football food. Chips, soda, veggies, and hotdogs are staples that never go out of style. You can also theme your food with the event and get creative with football cupcakes, microphone kebabs and more. Food that is shaped to match the party theme is going to add plenty of character to your event. Ask everyone coming to bring along a dish so you can share in the fun. Read the rest of this entry →

For many, as the summer season comes to a close, the air cools off and fall approaches, it means football season is officially kicking off. Whether you’re a student with an awesome college team or you’re an avid NFL fan (or both), now is when the fun begins for you and your friends and family. When you’re a football fan, there are few better ways to enjoy a Sunday than by spending time with those you love, eating good food, maybe drinking a few beers, and watching hours of football. When you’re all actually able to go to a game together, make the most of the day by tailgating before the game! Check out these 7 tips for tailgating safely this football season.

1. Take Safety Precautions When Using Your Grill

If you’re cooking with a gas grill, make sure you check that your hose is tightly connected. A loose hose could be bad news for you and anyone close by. If you’re cooking with coal, it’s important to cook early on in the day so the coals have time to cool off. You can also check for bins that are designated for coals.

2. Consider the Proper Temperatures for Food

Keep in mind that to prevent bacteria from growing on food, it needs to be kept at its proper temperature. Make sure hot foods are well insulated and cold foods are kept in a cooler with ice.

3. Designate a Driver

Before the festivities even get started, be sure to designate as many sober drivers as needed for everyone to get home safely. According to car accident lawyers, a common example of negligent driving is doing so while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Keep in mind that even when you have a sober driver, it’s crucial that he or she remains attentive behind the wheel – there are other drivers on the road and they may not have designated a sober driver. Read the rest of this entry →