Tailgating Essentials

If you are going to a college football game this year, there are some things that are "essential" and other things, not so much.  Here is a list of a variety of the "essentials":


A food tent.  Really??  If its cooked right, smells right, then the flies go to some other tent!


Games are an optional pastime.  Me, I'm too busy taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the day.  And the "bird watching" O M G!!!!!

A chafing dish is an absolute must.  This is the disposable version.  Good for keeping things hot, like Rotel, Pulled Pork, meatballs, jambalaya etc...  I have four keepers that are used all tailgate Saturday season long.


Drinks gotta be kept cold, and this is a pretty cool one.  Sista in law gave me one of these and it will be put to good use.

I'm planning on taking this bad boy to Oxford this weekend to see how it works out for tailgating.  Might even get a sale or two out of it.  Ya never know......


If you are going to tailgate, you have got to get yourself a tent.  No ordinary tent will do.  The top must represent your school colors, and be decked out in your finest party attire.  Table cloths, Chandiliers, TV's and satellite dishes are not a mainstay.  There are no strangers when it comes to tailgating, all starving college students are welcomed at these tables, since we all once a time or two in our youth.  Quite a few college kids are making a good living setting up and taking down these tents.  They are paid handsomely to secure the same spot week after week.

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A wheeled cooler and wagon are a must, if you are going to tailgate properly.  Parking is now at a premium, and reserved paid parking spots are now the norm.  This particular wagon fold up for ease of storing and transporting.  The only negative is that it kinda has a mind of its own and goes where it



What is a tailgate party without cups.  The "red solo cup" is legendary, but it is being replaced by cups imprinted with a variety of things.  Plus, they hold your favorite adult beverage....
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With all the hoopla on campus, it is inevitable that gravity will kick in.  There is no way that the facilities on campus can accommodate the crowd.  Universities have begun adding  port-a-johns and portable bathrooms like this one found at Ole Miss:


There are also companies that will set you up with a complete tailgate package for over $3,000 per year. 


The tailgating season has just begun so you still have time to get your essentials in order.  If you make it to Oxford or Starkville, look me and the spousal unit up.  We have tickets for both!

Life is good.  Get out there and enjoy it!