It’s that time of year for thousands of people to gather around in one place to watch different football teams compete. The fun isn’t only going on during the game, but also before and sometimes even after.  

With tailgating, the party/get-together happens before the game's action. People gather to show their spirit and support for their team, with food, drinks, music, and more. Starting up tailgating at the start of a new season can be overwhelming; this article is here to give some tips on how to have the coolest tailgating group at the function.

More:WT officially renames football stadium to Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium

“Tailgating is a pregame experience that allows, for example, what I do, ... it lets the community, alumni, and our students to come together to celebrate a new football season. We have yummy fall foods and fall drinks. It creates a lot of school spirit that carries over to the football game,” said Lisa Hoff Davis, university events coordinator at West Texas A&M University. 

Davis facilitates the president's tailgate at WT, which is an invite-only event with around 125 guests. “This is a special event we have here. A lovely meal is always served and allows the guests to get up close and personal with the president. Then we get serenaded by the WT marching band, signaling us that it’s time to head to the stadium,” Davis said. 

The first thing a future tailgater should do is read the stadium's regulations and rules they have in place, so everyone knows what to do and where to do it. At WT for instance, tailgating is only permitted on 26th Street. 

“It’s always fun to have a theme to build that tailgating experience, whether it is from the tailgate of your car or under a tent. Even having a specialty drink — a hot toddy or a hot chocolate with a little liqueur to keep the guests warm. Hand warmers are perfect for when the weather starts to get colder for the guests. Something to keep in mind is to not overserve yourself,” Davis explained.  

The weather is unpredictable at times, so having a canopy can help keep sunburns to a minimum and an unexpected shift in the forecast at bay. Throw some camping chairs in there for a comfortable place to sit and a foldable table for food or games. 

To keep the beverages cold, a cooler is key, and don’t forget the ice. Multiple coolers can be helpful by keeping the food and drinks from mingling together. Some other small things that many do not think about are things like bungee cords to keep the canopy secure, aluminum foil to keep the food safe from bugs and the elements. 

For some fun activities that both family and adult-only parties, bring games to enjoy such as corn hole or even toss around your own football, but be mindful of other people around you. You might even be able to play a friendly game against another tailgater. To get the dance movements flowing and to save a car battery or two, Bluetooth speakers are essential to getting the spirits hyped up for the game.  

Once the beginning of the game nears, do not forget to clean your area. Trash bags, disposable dishware, and cleaning supplies are essential for an easy cleanup from the pre-game shenanigans.  

“Tailgating is a terrific way for our students, donors, and alumni to come together for the football season and our beautiful campus. It’s a fairly new thing for WT to participate in, but it always elevates the spirit before the games," Davis said. "The new stadium has added tremendous excitement; there's not a bad seat in the house. The new stadium, in conjunction with the new tailgating on 26th Street, has created a new and fun tradition."