As NCAA college football season gets underway, so too does the all-American tradition of tailgating, and all the shenanigans that go along with it. College football fans rejoice, flocking to parking lots surrounding their respective stadiums to drink, cook out, play games and drink some more. At Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, we understand the attraction. We’d be out there with you if we didn’t need to stay back at the shop and keep the grill hot.
Since we’ll be holding down the fort while you’re out in the fray, here are 15 tips for hosting the best football tailgate possible.
1. Iced Water Bottles
Freeze several full plastic water bottles and use them as an ice substitute in your coolers. Once they melt, you’ll have cold water to drink. Yay, science!
2. Six Pack of Spice
Got an empty six-pack holder? Fill it up with your favorite Fuzzy’s Taco Shop hot sauces. It’s fiscally savvy and cool.
3. Proactive Dishwasher
Bring a large plastic tub for your dirty dishes. Line it with a garbage bag and bring back your empties in an orderly fashion.
4. Balloon Marks the Spot
Bring a big helium-filled balloon and tie it above your car so the party finds you. Like the planets around the sun, the festivities will remain in your orbit.
5. Must Wash Hands
Use an empty laundry detergent dispenser as a hand washing station. Keep it clean, y’all.
6. Brawny Hang
Hang a paper towel roll using bungee cords linked to the poles of your tent. Just do it, okay.
7. Disposable Cooler
Take a cardboard case of your favorite beer, take the beer out, line it with garbage bags, fill with ice, put beer back in, drink beer, put empty beer back inside, throw away entire thing when finished. Ta-da.
8. Jello Shots
Bring along portable Jello shots for the crew. Brownie points if they’re in your team’s colors.
9. Same Thing—but with Cake
See No. 8.
10. DIY Football Field Tablecloth
Buy a green rug from your nearest mart. Line it with plastic electricians tape and mailbox numbers. Baby, you got yourself a football field tablecloth going.
11. Accesorize
Temporary tattoos, bandanas, beaded necklaces and wristbands. You’ve just made a football field out of a rug, why not put a tattoo on your face?
12. Football Field Beer Pong Table
You get a beer pong table…and make it look like a field…and then field goals at the ends… Directions here.
13. Decorate the Cooler
Buy a cooler and do your alma mater proud. Come on. It’s not like you’re gonna stop rooting for your team anytime soon, right?
14. Provide Handheld Food
People will be occupied with all the activities going on. Keep the food mobile and easy to eat. May we suggest tacos, perhaps?
15. Befriend Thy Neighbor
It’s may only be a few hours out of your life, but those few hours at your tailgating spot can be improved exponentially if you make friends with your neighbors. Meet a stranger, and a great story will likely ensue.