Tailgating is a fun way to show off your team pride and have a great time before a game. To ensure you and your family and friends have the best experience possible, it’s important to check that you have everything you’ll need.
Some essentials, like grills, are an obvious item on the checklist, but going beyond the basics can keep you entertained and comfortable, no matter the situation. Canopies, lanterns and blankets can keep the fun going rain or shine, and games like cornhole can keep the entire family engaged.
Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Sense Mate Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill
This grill is easily portable, weighing only 57 pounds. It has foldable legs that make it simple to fit inside the trunk of a car. There are several ways to power the grill: power cable, battery or car adapter. It also has Wi-Fi features that allow for constant temperature monitoring, even from a distance.
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The YETI Tundra 65 Cooler is one of the best on the market. It’s made to be indestructible and reliable. With 3 inches of insulation, this cooler holds cold for extended periods of time and also can be used for hauling hot meats.
Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
New Star Foodservice Stainless Steel BBQ Tool Set
This grilling set includes tongs, a spatula, a cleaning brush and a fork made from stainless steel and wood. It’s a great value for sturdy, reliable grilling tools. This set should cover any basic grilling needs at a tailgate.
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Jolly Green Products Ekogrips Premium Heat-Resistant BBQ Gloves
These sturdy heat-resistant gloves are great for protecting your hands while grilling. They’re non-slip, dishwasher-safe and tear-resistant. Their silicone material makes them resistant to stains and odors. They have excellent grip while also allowing for dexterity.
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BBQ Bros. Rubs Ultimate Barbecue Spices Seasoning Set
This set of BBQ rubs comes with Carolina, Memphis and New Orleans-style seasonings. Highly rated, these rubs work for different types of grilling. They’re free of gluten and MSG.
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Axim USA Bottle Openers, 3-Pack
These bottle openers are sturdy and reliable and ensure there’s more than one bottle opener to go around. They’re crafted from stainless steel and have a rubber-coated handle.
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Tupperware One-Touch Reminder 4-Piece Canister Set
This Tupperware set has plenty of space for all your tailgating leftovers and small peep windows so you can see what’s stored inside each container. This set is budget-friendly and well-made, as well as being dishwasher-safe.
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This canopy is lightweight, only weighing 35 pounds, and has a fast, easy setup. It can provide up to 6 feet of shade with its angled design. It’s fire- and water-resistant and provides 99% UV protection. This tent also has two different height settings for your varied needs.
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Coleman Quad Portable Camp Chair with 4-Can Cooler
This excellently priced camp chair is comfortable and durable. It has an attached cooler/storage area that can hold up to four cans. It also has a cushioned seat and back and attached cupholder.
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National Public Seating Heavy-Duty Folding Table
This durable table holds up to 1,000 pounds and comes with a 10-year warranty. The 18-gauge steel legs fold for easy storage. Priced in the mid-range, it’s a great buy for the money.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Lighting EVER LED Camping Lantern
This lantern has an output of 1,000 lumens. It has 4 different light settings and up to 12 hours of battery life. The lantern can also be used as a power bank for your smartphone and other gadgets. It is also water resistant and is perfect for outdoors.
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PortableAnd Extra-Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket
This fleecy blanket is easily portable and has a PEVA waterproof backing. It’s large enough to fit several adults as a picnic blanket or its fleece side can be used for warmth. It’s worth noting that it can only be spot-cleaned.
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Coleman Camping Expedition First Aid Kit
This first aid kit is reasonably priced and should cover all basic first aid needs. It comes with 205 pieces, including gauze, bandages, pads and antiseptic wipes. All items come in a semi-hard case.
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Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle
This candle has a pleasant smell, made from lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, cedarwood and citronella oils. The waxes are all-natural, and the candle burns for 30 hours. Its tin containers come with lids for easy transport.
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GoSports Portable Cornhole Game Set
A portable, lightweight cornhole set perfect for a tailgate. Sized to work for both adults and children, this set comes with two boards and six bags. The boards loop together for easy movement.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
This speaker has 360-degree sound. Its waterproof and drop-proof design makes it great for outdoor use. It has 13 hours of battery life and floats in water. It can be paired with another Wonderboom speaker for mono or stereo mode.
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Discraft Ultra-Star 175-Gram Super Color Ultra-Star Disc
This 175-gram disc has a fun wrap and is perfect for all frisbee games. It’s the official disc of the USA Ultimate Championship Series.
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Morgan Freeman writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
