When budgeting for a tailgate affair, be sure you have food, gear, games, gas and parking all on the list. Then start looking for bargains.
Start ahead of time. As you find such items as brisket, ribs, chicken, hamburger or other family favorites on sale, buy and freeze them. The warehouse stores, such as Costco, Sam’s and others are generally stocked with beverages and the makings for every-day favorites such as hot dogs at reduced prices. Buy in bulk and divide up so you’ll have food on hand, game day or not. Then, when the food is taken care of, visit a local dollar store to stock up on paper goods and grilling equipment.
Save on ice by freezing water bottles and using them as ice packs while they last. Or think in larger terms. Large empty milk or beverage containers make good cooler coolers.
For many tailgaters, it’s a social occasion. Plan a menu in advance and divide up. The same goes for transportation to the game. Share rides and parking expenses if possible, with the promise that the hosting duties will be rotated among your group. Just be sure the vehicle you choose has a tailgate. Before you run out to buy fold-up chairs, tables or canopies, check with family and friends to see if you can borrow these items. Return them in good shape and maybe they’ll let you borrow again.
Do as much of the food preparation yourself as possible. No store-bought potato salad ever tasted as good as the one that comes from your kitchen. Ditto sandwiches, cookies, cakes and other tailgate goodies.
Anyone who has tailgated more than once knows the routine. The early arrivals get the prime spots. That may mean several hours in the parking lot. Plan on taking a few favorite games or crafts to fill the time. Pinterest has ideas you can follow or adapt.
Many families can’t afford to attend every home game for their favorite team, but that doesn’t mean the tailgate party must go by the wayside. Nothing wrong with the back yard – or even the basement or family room if the weather is as football-ish as it sometimes gets around the country. The idea is the same, pre-game festivities and then the game itself. Improvise.