Ready to witness the best game event ever in your life? Yes — well, that's great but do you know how you can make this epic moment stand out even more? By having a tailgating party with your friends and/or family members.
How? Because – this little backyard event has now become such a tradition among sports fans that it is seen as a way to boost the morale of the fans before the big event. Not only that, it is also a great way to have a small party in your backyard with your loved ones – regardless if there is a gaming event or not. If you wish to make your tailgating party more engaging and flavourful, continue reading.
What is a Tailgating Party?
A tailgating party acts like a social event that is usually hosted in a parking lot near an event – among which can include, concerts, games, etc. People who take part in this activity bring a bunch of different foods and amenities to create a lively environment around their vehicles and surround themselves with their loved ones.
The Culture Behind It
Tailgating events are deeply rooted in sports fans who come to stadiums to support their favourite teams – alongside that, they also engage in friendly banter and competition to see who has the best setup. Some of these individuals like to bring simple and comfy snacks and drinks – while others go out of their way to bring full-course meals.
Dishes to Bring For A Tailgating Party
Now, it is time to move on to the main course. So what makes the dishes in tailgating so special? They are easy to prepare as well as share with your group of friends. Here are a few dishes that will make your tailgating party a hit.
Grilled Favorites
Is it even an outdoor event if there isn’t any smoky aroma and grilled food surrounding you? No, of course not. So, here are some top grilled foods that are a must bring to your trailing party.
Burgers and Hot Dogs
The classics are one of the most customisable foods on the list and are universally loved by sports fans. You will need to make sure that you bring your patties pre-formed alongside a few different toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.
Kebabs
These are easy to eat and offer almost endless combinations of different foods. But the best kebabs are the ones that have a combination of meats, veggies, or even fruits so that you have colourful as well as flavorful eating options.
Chicken Wings
A perfect snack that is packed full of bold flavours – and to maximise those flavours make sure that you marinate these wings overnight. Also, make sure that you bring along a few different dips and spices for added flavours.
The Appetisers
Appetisers are ideal to snack though, during the actual main event – allowing you to stay energised. Here are a few tried and trusted tailgating party appetisers.
Sliders
These bite-sized meals are easy to carry and customise – offering you the opinion of a bunch of different fillings and flavours that can range from beggar patties to full-on pulled pored.
Nachos
Easily shareable and loaded with delicious toppings – just make sure that you serve chips and toppings separately so that the chips don’t become soggy.
Deviled Eggs
Simple, elegant, and full of flavour – what more can a fan ask for? Moreover, a lot of people like to experiment with these eggs by using unique toppings like bacon bits, smoked paprika, chives, etc.
Hearty Main Courses
Fans who are looking for a more sustainable meal that can carry them through the whole event can only be satisfied with these popular picks.
Chili
A comforting traditional food that provides you with warmth and a cozy feeling — and is especially perfect for games that are being held during cold weather. Prepare it on a slow cooker and make sure to bring along some toppings – which can include shredded cheese, sour creams as well as green onions.
BBQ Ribs
Nothing says game night more than a sticky, smoky BBQ rib that is packed full of flavour. Before visiting the tailgating party – make sure that you slow-cook the ribs and then cook them on a grill at the actual party so that you can have a more flavorful and marinated rib-eating experience.
Sandwich Platters
Maybe you don’t have time to make these convoluted dishes or are just looking for a simple dish. Then you go for these easy-to-make and service meals. You have more flavors and variety by making your sandwiches using different meats like turkey, ham or even some vegetarian filling.
Power Your Tailgating Party with BLUETTI AC200L
A successful tailgating party requires reliable power to keep your grill hot, drinks cold, and entertainment running throughout the event. The BLUETTI AC200L Portable Power Station is the perfect solution for powering multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring that your tailgate setup stays energized from start to finish.
With a massive 2,048Wh capacity, the AC200L can handle high-power appliances with ease. It features five 120V AC outlets with a total output of 2,400W, making it ideal for running everything from mini fridges and coffee makers to projectors and speakers. Whether you’re grilling, watching the game, or keeping your guests entertained, the BLUETTI AC200L provides the ultimate tailgating power solution.
We have provided a detailed runtime table to help you see how long the AC200L can keep each of your tailgating devices running, allowing you to plan the perfect tailgate experience without worrying about power shortages.
| Tailgate Party Device (Power) | Runtime with AC200L (Hours) |
|---|---|
| Grill (1500W) | 1.2 |
| Mini Fridge (60W) | 25.13 |
| Portable Fan (75W) | 20.8 |
| LED String Lights (20W) | 56.54 |
| Bluetooth Speaker (50W) | 29.18 |
| TV (65W) | 23.5 |
| Projector (220W) | 7.8 |
| Rice Cooker (200W) | 8.53 |
| Coffee Maker (900W) | 1.98 |
| Slow Cooker (250W) | 6.91 |
| Laptop (70W) | 22.07 |
| Smartphone Charger (15W) | 67.02 |
| Blender (500W) | 3.53 |
| Ice Crusher (250W) | 6.91 |
Best Practices For A Smooth Tailgating Party
Even though your delicious food is the main focus of this event – it isn't the only thing that you will need to work on. Preparation and organisation are also some key elements for a memorable tailgating party. Here are some helpful tips to make your tailgating experience more engaging.
1. Planning Ahead
- Choose the ideal location. Consider parking regulations and locating spaces that are tailgating-permissible.
- Check the weather first. You'll want to be ready for whatever’s coming.
- Assign who does what. Who's bringing food? The beverages? Games? Cleaning up? It’s better to go well-prepared.
- Make sure to take a quick rundown of all that you'll require so nothing gets left behind.
2. Food & Drinks Prep
- Prepare the food in advance. Marinate or prep anything that'll make you faster once you get there.
- Include a nice combination of easy-to-prepare food and things you can simply grab and munch.
- Don't forget food safety. A cooler with ice packs will do wonders, and keep those hot foods hot!
- Don't overlook the beverages! Have plenty of water and other drinks on hand to keep everyone hydrated.
3. Must-Have Gear & Setup
- Bring along the basics like portable grills, utensils, serving trays, and all that good stuff.
- Comfort is key – folding tables, chairs, and tents will make your setup much more enjoyable.
- If you’re relying on a power source, make sure you’ve got a portable generator or battery packs to keep things running. Power stations like the AC180 offer up to 1800W output power, allowing you to power your rope light and bring a sine to your location.
- Set the vibe with a Bluetooth speaker to get the party started.
4. Fun & Games
- Have some fun! Bring some tailgate games such as cornhole, frisbee, or even beer pong.
- Have a playlist of songs that'll get everyone hyped for the game.
- If you want to get the pre-game excitement in motion, bring a TV or radio to catch all the broadcasts.
- Don't forget to socialise with other tailgaters – that's all part of that whole community thing.
5. Safety & Cleanup
- Have a plan for a driver or get yourself home if you do intend on drinking.
- Include a first aid kit, in case of a mishap.
- Bring trash bags and recycling receptacles to remain clean and environmentally friendly.
- Have a plan according to any parking lot or stadium rules to be able to stay smooth for everybody.
Pro Tip: Make a complete checklist beforehand and make sure your tailgate party prep is aligned with that.
FAQ’s
Are there any vegetarian options for a tailgate?
Yes. You can go for options like veggie sliders, grilled vegetables, kebabs alongside stuffed mushrooms, pasta salads, etc. At the same time – you can add plant-based dips like hummus or guacamole for added flavors.
What is the best way to keep my food warm during a tailgating party?
It all depends on the type of method you are more comfortable with – you can use the trusted insulated food container, slow cookers if you have a portable power source or an aluminum tray alongside a sterno burner to keep your dishes warm throughout the event and maybe even after.
What is the easiest way to clean up after we had our meal?
First, make sure that you bring disposable plates as well as utensils, cups, etc to minimize dishwashing. Also, bring a lot of trash bags and/or bins so that it is much easier to dispose of your trash. Also, make sure to check in with the local rules and regulations regarding environmental preservation.
I don’t have a grill. What should I do?
You can go for no-grill recipes like sandwiches, wraps, pasta salads as well as pre-cooked dishes that can be eaten cold or at room temperature. Moreover, you can go bring a few different energy bars to keep yourself active during the event.
