What to Bring to a Tailgate Party: Tailgating Checklist

Preparation is the best way to make your tailgating experience more memorable. Think about what you may need and equip yourself with all the snacks, refreshments, seats, or other forms of essential equipment in advanced. In this blog post, we will take you through the tailgate checklist to make your party a smashing success.

What is Tailgating?

Tailgating has become an uniquely American thing. Unlike many other countries of the world, where sports venues are surrounded by bars, restaurants, and other amenities, most American sports stadiums are surrounded by vast parking lots. Hours before the game, fans start gathering in the parking lot to eat, drink, and have a social good time.

What to Bring to a Tailgate Party: Must-Have Food & Drinks

The essential of any tailgate is foods and drinks. Here's a few ideas to get you started:

Grillables:

Burgers, hot dogs, sausages, chicken wings-all of those foods that take to great grilling are a staple at tailgates. And don't forget the buns and condiments!

Snacks and Sides:

Chip and dip, veggie plates, potato salad, and coleslaw are crowd-pleasers. Finger foods are super easy to enjoy while one mingles, too, and leave basically no clean-up afterward.

Drinks:

Stock your cooler full of various types of drinks. These include water, soda, beer, and maybe a couple of pre-made cocktails. Don't forget a bottle opener or corkscrew!

Desserts:

Keep it simple: cookies, brownies, a fruit platter. If you're feeling adventurous, throw some dessert items on the grill, such as s'mores or slices of pineapple.

What to Bring to a Tailgate Party: Must-Have Gear

A short list of must-have gear that will make your tailgate more memorable includes:

Portable Grill:

A portable grill is one of those things that any tailgate party should center on. It is essential for flipping burgers, grilling brats, or searing steaks. Go for compact models that are also easy to transport.

Coolers and Ice:

You will need coolers for drinks and for food that might spoil. And don't forget ice.

Folding Chairs and Tables:

Bring folding chairs enough to sit your group and a strong table or two to serve food and place other important things.

Canopy or Tent:

A canopy or pop-up tent provides the much-needed shade on a sunny day and keeps everybody dry in case it rains. Many times ignored, it is actually a very important part of the setup.

Trash Bags or Recycling Bins:

Clean-up is key. Bring separated trash bins for cans, bottles, and any leftover. Keep the space clean to make sure departure will be smooth, as well as respectful to fellow tailgaters and Mother Nature.

Utensils, Plates, and Cups:

Consider eco-friendly options to cut down on your waste. Disposable or reusable utensils, plates, and cups are obvious essentials.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker:

Set the mood to music. A portable Bluetooth speaker can keep the energy high, whether with pre-game coverage or simply your favorite playlist.

First Aid Kit:

Safety first! A small first-aid kit with bandages and antiseptic wipes in case minor accidents happen.

Tool Kit:

A handy tool kit with most of the general tools can handle surprise repairs, be it the grill that has a loose bolt or that chair leg which suddenly breaks.

Portable Power Backup:

With a portable power backup to keep your phone charged for those game day photos to running essential appliances like grills, coolers, and lights, you can focus on enjoying the moment without worrying about power interruptions.

Power Solutions for Every Tailgate

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large, spirited tailgate event, our portable power stations have you covered.

● For Small Tailgate Parties: DBS1300 Portable Power Station is lightweight, compact and easy to carry, designed for convenience without sacrificing power. With an expandable battery capacity from 1.33kWh to 9.46kWh, it’s perfect for everything from short game days to extended events, ensuring you never run out of juice.

● For Large Tailgate Parties: The DBS2100 Pro Portable Power Station is engineered for large tailgate parties, delivering all the power you need to keep the celebration going. With an expandable battery capacity from 2.15kWh to 12.9kWh, it ensures you’re prepared for an all-day event without a hitch. The massive 2400W output, which can reach up to 3600W with Power Boost mode, allows you to power up to 13 devices simultaneously—or up to 17 devices with the DBS2100B expansion battery—so everyone stays connected and entertained.

Conclusion

With the right preparation, your tailgate party will be unforgettable—packed with great food, fun activities, and team spirit. Use this checklist to ensure you have all the essentials, including a reliable portable power station like the DBS1300 or DBS2100 Pro. Enjoy the game, the food, and the atmosphere, and share your tailgating tips and experiences in the comments below!