Pull off the best traveling tailgate party ever by starting with this free tailgate packing list that includes all of the necessary items to tailgate like a champ.

Tailgating is fun, all of it, even the planning stage. Choosing the big game, finding good seats to cheer on your team to victory, and planning for travel only begin the fun. Then you get to hang with your friends, eat, drink, smack talk a little, and watch your favorite sports team.

But, packing it all up and worrying about forgetting something on the big day can be a little stressful. Remove the stress factor by planning and organizing methodically — print your free tailgating checklist and let’s get started for the big day.

📌PIN IT FOR YOUR TAILGATING FRIENDS.📌

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

What is a tailgate party?

Realizing that many of you may not know what exactly is a tailgate party, I embarked on some research. There are varying historical explanations of this uniquely American experience.

According to this article on Mile High Report, tailgating holds its roots at Lambeau Field beginning in 1919. Fans would pack the sidelines, fill the back of their trucks with food, and spend the day with friends and family cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

Tailgate Party Packing List
Lambeau Field, Home of the Green Bay Packers.
Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA: Historic Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers and also known as The Frozen Tundra

Fast forward to the present-day scene.

Nowadays, we show up before 8 AM to set up the tents, prepare BBQ, drink some adult beverages, and hang out with friends before the game starts. Even after the game, the party continues while we wait for the traffic to clear.

The tailgate party has become a way of life for us on Saturdays down south.

Now we are taking the party on the road to cities such as Lexington, Starkville, and Knoxville. Leaving with only one regret; we wish we could have stayed longer.

If you plan on taking your teenagers on this journey, here are some hints on keeping the peace.

There have been great successes in our recent travels, and we have had epic failures.  What I have learned is how important it is to organize and prepare ahead of time, especially for a traveling tailgate. AND to recruit some helpful friends.

Tailgate Packing List.
Friends Toasting Beers

Tip #1: Before you begin collecting all of the items on your tailgate checklist, scope out the venue and read the tailgate policies.

On the Skyscanner website, you will find thorough tailgating policies for stadiums. Check out this policy at the Dallas Cowboys stadium, for example. You will need to be familiar with the rules, and will likely require a purchased parking spot.

Here you will find parking information for Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, including directions, pricing, and tailgating information. A little research before you go will help you park quickly and get this party started.

Many stadiums have services that will set up everything for you, at a charge, of course.

By having it all set up for you, including catering and drinks, all you have to do is show up. Tailgate Guys is one such service, offered at many college and pro football games, and they are growing every day. Hiring this type of service takes all of the guesswork out of your travels. All you have to do is show up.

Tailgate Party Packing List
Gator Walk Village at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Home of the University of Florida Gators.  
Tailgate Guys Gator Walk Village Set Up

However, if this cannot be arranged, I can help.

The 4-Page Traveling Tailgate Packing checklist is all-inclusive with plenty of space for you to write in extras.  If you see something that I forgot to add, please let me know.  I would love to hear from you.

Instantly download the 4-Page Traveling Tailgate Packing Checklist.

Quintessential tailgate food and drink.

Historically, tailgate food consists of wings, burgers, and Barbecues. Add a few specials such as Cowboy Caviar, Deviled Eggs, and anything with Bacon and you are ready to roll.

The perfect tailgate foods need to have all of the following:

  • The dish needs to travel well.
  • And must feed a lot of people.
  • The food should be able to sit out for long periods of time.
  • And it all needs to be easy to pick up and eat on the go.
Tailgate Party Packing Checklist,
Tailgate Party Food

And, of course, ice-cold beer.

Tailgate Party Packing Checklist
Traveling Tailgate, Cold Beer

Give them some love.

And the Four Family Favorites for Gameday Tailgate Party.

Below are recipe cards that can be pinned and printed.

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar, a crowd favorite, is super easy to prepare ahead of time for a large crowd. Combine the fresh ingredients, beans, and spices with oil, vinegar, and lime juice for the perfect tailgate dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Can of Black Eyed Peas, rinsed and drained.
  • 1 Can of Black Beans, rinsed and drained.
  • 1 Can of Super sweet corn, rinsed and drained.
  • 1/2 Cup Diced Roma Tomatoes.
  • 1/2 Cup Chopped Red Pepper.
  • 1/2 Cup Chopped Green Pepper.
  • 1/2 Cup Chopped Red Onion.
  • Chopped Cilantro Leaves to Taste.
  • Chopped Jalapenos for Taste.
  • 1/2 Cup Olive Oil.
  • Juice of a Lime.
  • 2 Tablespoons of Red Wine Vinegar.
  • 1 Tablespoon of Sugar.
  • Dash of Garlic Powder.
  • Dash of Cumin.

Instructions

  1. Blend the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, cumin, lime juice, and sugar in a large bowl.
  2. Add the tomatoes, peppers, onions, black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, and cilantro.
  3. Add jalapeno peppers for a bit of spice. I usually make two batches, one with extra jalapeno for those who love a little heat, and one for those mild folks.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to blend the flavors.
  5. Serve with or without tortilla chips.

8 Ingredient Quick and Simple White Sangria with Fruit

8 Ingredient Quick and Simple White Sangria with Fruit

Make this fresh, tasty, and strong Sangria for your tailgate crowd. They will all want the recipe. Best to soak the fruit overnight to make it super tipsy & happy.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Large Honey Crisp Apple
  • 1 Navel Orange
  • 1/2 Cup Moonshine Soaked Cherries (optional to soak them in Moonshine, but it's delicious)
  • Sprinkle of Cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 Liter Sauvignon Blanc (or other cheap dry white wine)
  • 1/2 cup Gran Marnier
  • 1 cup Peach Brandy
  • 1/2 Liter of Ginger Ale
  • Slice of Lime, Optional

Instructions

      1. Cut the Honey Crisp Apple into small cubes.
      2. Quarter the Navel Orange and slice.
      3. Add the Cherries and a sprinkle of Cinnamon.
      4. Cover the fruit with the white wine, Gran Marnier, and Peach Brandy. I typically soak the fruit all night, but you don't have to.
      5. When ready to serve, add the Ginger ale to the mix.
      6. Serve over ice with a slice of lime if you wish.
      7. Enjoy, and don't forget to eat your fruit salad, it's the best part.

6 Tips How To Make the Best Chocolate Brownies Ever

And here are tips for making the best chocolate brownies ever!

Here are six tips when making the best brownies ever. The mix is crucial, but that's not all.

Instructions

  1. The Mix — I have tried multiple mixes and I have made brownies from scratch. The winner is Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme Brownie Mix, even over homemade.
  2. Olive Oil — Olive Oil gives a bit of a fruity taste to the brownies without compromising the texture. And olive oil is a healthier fat.
  3. Do Not Overmix — In fact, undermix, and leave some lumps. Overmixing will give you dry, dense, and often stiff brownies. Mix until all of the dry ingredients are joined with the wet, and then stop mixing.
  4. Bring Your Eggs to Room Temperature — Whisk your eggs for several minutes AFTER you bring them to room temperature. The eggs will disperse better when combined with the dry ingredients.
  5. Do Not Overcook — Cook the brownies for about five minutes less than what the package says. Check them by inserting a fork or toothpick in the center. If the fork or toothpick comes out with a few little crumbs, the brownies are done. It is better to remove them from the oven slightly undercooked as they will continue to cook a bit on your countertop.
  6. The Trick To Cutting Brownies is to Use a Plastic Knife — I have cut brownies with multiple types of knives and always made the biggest and crumbiest mess. And then I discovered the plastic knife. It is life-changing. They will be perfectly sliced every time.

Quick & Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip With Tortilla Chips

Rich and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip is a staple for any tailgate and always a crowd fav. Serve it up in a bread bowl and use the bread cubes for dipping. Pair it up with tortilla chips, carrot sticks, and celery sticks.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8-oz Cream Cheese, bring to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
  • 1 TBSP Parsley
  • 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 14-oz Can of Artichokes, drain the liquid, and finely chop
  • 6-oz Frozen Chopped Spinach, thaw it out and drain the excess liquid
  • Dash of Garlic Salt
  • Bread Bowl
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Carrot Sticks
  • Celery Sticks

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350.
  2. Spray a baking dish with nonstick oil.
  3. In a large bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and garlic salt.
  4. Stir in chopped artichokes and spinach.
  5. Add mixture to your baking dish.
  6. Bake for about twenty minutes.
  7. Serve in a bread bowl with a side of tortilla chips, carrot sticks, and celery sticks.

Notes

  • Kick up the heat by chopping up one (or two) jalapeno peppers and add to the mix before cooking.
  • If you are hosting a homegate, you will love this idea. Purchase a loaf of French Bread. Slice lengthwise and remove inner bread to create a "boat" for the dip. Spread the spinach artichoke dip and top with parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for about twenty minutes. Slice the deliciousness and serve.

Essential Tailgate Items to Add to Your Tailgate Packing List.

The Absolutely Necessary Stuff.

  • TICKETS!  These days most tickets are touch-free.  Make sure you upload your tickets before you get to the venue as sometimes the wifi isn’t that great and you will have trouble.
  • Clear Bag ~ Many sports venues now have a clear bag policy.  Check each venue for the rules and regulations regarding what type of bags are permitted.
  • Team Spirit Apparel.
  • First Aid Kit With the Basics.

9 Essential Items for Tailgate Setup.

  1. Tailgate Tent or Canopy.
  2. Tailgate Chairs (AKA Camping Chairs).
  3. Three Quality Coolers ~ Bring along two coolers so you can separate the adult beverages from the kid’s beverages. And one cooler for food items.
  4. Folding Tables ~ You will probably need two.
  5. Table Cloths ~ Fun, but optional.
  6. Television.
  7. Blue Tooth Speakers.
  8. Satellite Dish.
  9. Generator.

Read this for pro tips to help you choose the perfect cooler and pack your cooler the correct way to protect your food and drinks and prevent food waste.

What You Need to Serve Food and Drink.

  • Disposable utensils.
  • Paper Plates.
  • Napkins/Paper Towels.
  • Red Solo Cups.
  • Serving Utensils.
  • Bottle Opener/Corkscrew.
  • Koozies.

And What You Need for Clean-Up.

  • Garbage Bags.
  • Recycle Bags.
  • Ziplock Bags for Leftovers (although often the food has been sitting out all day).
  • Aluminum Foil.
  • Wet Wipes.

Should You Add Your Grill or Not to Your Tailgate Packing List?

To Bring Your Grill or Not ~ Frankly, it is a lot of work to bring a grill, and create a show. Many love it, and there are grills that travel well. I would recommend having all of your food ready to go. Then you can relax, eat, drink, smack talk, and do tequila shots.

If you decide to be a grill master, here is a list of what you will need.

  • Portable Grill.
  • Propane/Charcoal.
  • Matches/Lighter.
  • Spatula.
  • Tongs.
  • Sharp Knife.
  • Cutting Board.
  • Grilling Mitt/Pot Holders.
  • A Funny Apron.
  • Brush for sauces.
  • Timer.
  • Grill Spray Oil.
  • Meat Thermometer.
  • Fire Extinguisher.
  • BBQ Rub/Sauce.
  • Salt and Pepper.

Below are three of our favorite Gameday Recipe books from Amazon.

Creative Tailgate Entertainment Ideas.

In addition to watching games on television, listening to your gameday playlist, and hanging out with your besties, try these fun activities.

  • Cornhole is always a crowd favorite and fun for any age.
  • Photobooth for documenting memories.
  • Pack a football for the small kiddos and adult kiddos.
  • Giant Jenga or Connect 4
  • Make new friends, exchange food and drink ideas with your tailgating neighbors.
  • Host a cookoff — chili, wings, burger, ribs, or macaroni and cheese cookoff.
Tailgate Packing List.
Cornhole set up.

Gameday Playlist Favorites.

Disclaimer:  I am from the South!

Set the mood and get the party started with your favorite gameday tunes. Let’s start with anything by Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty, or Kenny Chesney.

And here are twenty more.

  1. Boys ‘Round Here by Blake Shelton.
  2. Brought to You by Beer by Cole Swindell.
  3. Castaway by Zac Brown Band.
  4. Chillin’ It by Cole Swindell.
  5. Cruise by Florida Georgia Line.
  6. Get Your Shine On by Florida Georgia Line.
  7. God’s Country by Blake Shelton.
  8. It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere by Alan Jackson.
  9. Knee Deep by Zac Brown Band.
  10. Money by Blake Shelton.
  11. Parking Lot Party by Lee Brice (my personal fav).
  12. Party People by Florida Georgia Line.
  13. Pass a Beer by Jake Owen.
  14. Red Solo Cup by Toby Keith.
  15. Rum by Brothers Osborne.
  16. Sangria by Blake Shelton.
  17. Some Beach by Blake Shelton.
  18. Tailgate by Colt Ford.
  19. Tall Glass of Something by Jake Owen.
  20. This is How We Roll by Florida Georgia Line.

You will need the proper vehicle to transport everything on your tailgate packing list.

As you know, the tailgate party originated from an actual truck bed. However, the big ole SUVs are even better. When traveling you may need to divide up some goods amongst your friends in order to manage it all.

Power Up.

If you are the one bringing the TV and satellite dish, you will need to power up. Find a generator that is quiet, and will last the entire party. You will also need enough fuel for the day.

Create a dedicated tailgate box with the following essentials.

Expert Tip: If you plan on becoming a tailgate warrior, then create a dedicated space for your items at home. Next, pack similar items in stackable bins and organize them on your tailgate shelves. Then when you are ready to roll on gameday, they are grab-and-go prepared.

Now, print this tailgate packing list for reference and store it with all of your tailgate items.

  • TICKETS! These days most tickets are touch-free. Make sure you upload your tickets before you get to the venue as sometimes the wifi isn’t that great and you will have trouble.
  • Clear Bag ~ Many sports venues now have a clear bag policy. Check each venue for the rules and regulations regarding what type of bags are permitted.
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Ponchos
  • Hoodie
  • Gloves
  • Scarf
  • Warm Hat or Cap
  • Pepcid/Motrin/Tylenol
  • Camera

Don’t forget the shotski.⬇

Tailgate Party Packing Checklist
ShotSki
Tequila Shots

Let’s Talk Weather.

Always check the forecast before you head out to the stadium.

If it’s hot, dress for the occasion. Pack more water than you think you will need. Bring a fan; if you don’t have access to an outlet, invest in a battery-operated fan. Pack sunscreen, and wear a cap to protect your scalp from the sun. Wear bug spray. And maybe even use a personal mister.

If it’s cold, dress for the occasion. Bring a scarf, gloves, and a hat — pack lap blankets for your tailgate chair. And wear chapstick.

For a rainy day, as tailgating is rain or shine, pack your poncho.

Top 5 Tips for Cold Weather Tailgating.

We are lucky enough to live in Florida, where cold weather tailgating is not an issue. So, my friend Melissa is here to help you with her top five cold weather tailgating tips.  

Melissa Berry is the founder of EverydaySpokane.com, where she shares the best things to experience in the Pacific and Inland Northwest. EverydaySpokane.com is a resource for those looking to make the Inland and Pacific Northwest their home, with everything from becoming a Washington state resident to finding the best local-favorite coffee shops

Not all of us are lucky enough to tailgate in warm parts of the country! If you’re tailgating in the fall and winter months in cold climates, there are a few different things to be aware of.

Below, I’ll cover my top tips for tailgating when it’s cold outside, with the knowledge I’ve earned through my cold fingers!

Essential Warm Weather Gear.

As Jenny mentions above, you’ll want a warm hat or cap, hoodie, gloves, and scarf for your tailgate if it’s cooler outside.

At my first cold-weather tailgate, I brought all of this and thought I was good! Think again, my friends. If it’s anywhere below 45 degrees, you’ll want more, especially if you’ll be outside for more than an hour.

Cold weather tailgating essentials include:

  • Layers! Jeans will not cut it. Wear thermals under your thick jeans, and wear layers under your hoodie. Think lightweight layers, ones you can peel off but also hug close to your body to keep you warm. 
  • Hand warmers – Put them in your sweater/hoodie, put them in your mittens, keep them around for friends. These hand warmers are life-savers.
  • Padded seat! Jenny mentioned chairs, which are great, but if you’re not sure where you’ll be sitting OR if you’ll be moving to hard, cold stadium seats, consider bringing a seat like this Coleman or another packable seat. It will keep your butt warmer, which helps (even when you are wearing layers!)

Up Your Game with a Tailgate Heater.

The real cold-weather tailgating pros all have one thing in common under their canopies… a tailgating heater! This type is the one I’ve experienced the most, although there are cheaper options out there.

You might want to splurge for the best heater, especially if you do plan on being an outdoor tailgater in cold weather. And yes, I said, “if you plan”… I’ve seen plenty of cold weather tailgating fans simply bring RVs to tailgate inside because it’s too cold out.

Be careful with little ones or clumsy adults around the heater – I did have a friend fall on one, and her glove melted quickly onto the heater, so be careful.

With that in mind, the heater is a great way to warm up quickly, enjoy food in the warmth, and chat with your tailgating buddies while warming up.

Don’t Forget to Move Around.

In between eating, cheering, chatting, playing games, and enjoying the music, don’t forget to get around. Once the game starts, everything at stadiums (no matter how big or small) gets busy. 

If you’re in the cold, it makes even more sense to walk around, grab some hot chocolate or coffee, find the bathrooms, and get a sense of where everything is. Of course, after a while, you’ll learn where everything is, but if you’re new to tailgating, this is super helpful… and comes in handy for the next tip.

Get In and Get Out.

There is truly, absolutely nothing worse than a game-ending (especially a game your team lost) and having to wait in lines behind people moving slowly to leave the stadium/area while it’s cold outside. You’re likely tired, maybe thirsty, maybe sad about the game, and you’re even colder because the heater was packed up.

Maybe this advice is because our team usually loses, but even if you’re all excited about a win, you’re still going to be cold and a little tired!

As much as possible, pack up ahead of time and know where all the exits are in your stadium. For safety’s sake, there are usually at least two. Make sure you know where the closest one is to you ahead of time so you can minimize how much time you spend outside in the cold.

Make Friends!

One of the best parts I’ve found about tailgating is meeting other people in the area, especially in the cold weather. They’ve always had the best food, the best heater options, the best tips on staying warm and enjoying the game – and pretty good drinks, too.

For the most part, many tailgaters are excited to be there, and many of them are pros at it. If it’s one of your first times tailgating, walk around and casually chat with friendly tailgaters. If this is one of your first times cold weather tailgating, compliment the people who are staying warm and ask them for their tips.

We did this the first time we were freezing while tailgating and learned a ton (that heater I mentioned above! Wearing layers!) You’ll get the best expert advice – and get to warm up near their heaters before heading back to your tailgating spot.

After all, remember that tailgating is an experience, whether your team wins or loses. You’re there for the camaraderie and food – and hopefully a win, too! So pack your chapstick and follow these excellent instructions, and one day you’ll be the one giving advice to newbie tailgaters.

13 Final Top Tips for the Perfect Tailgate.

  1. Be kind. Make new friends. Befriend your neighbor as they may have some top tips or recipes that you need.
  2. Use this tailgate packing list so you don’t forget anything.
  3. Bring hand sanitizer, more critical now than ever.  
  4. And don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray.
  5. Make tailgate food that is easy to grab and go and doesn’t make a big mess.
  6. Prep everything possible the night before, even the SUV or truck.
  7. Learn how to pack a cooler properly — this is of utmost importance when you are ready for an ice-cold beer. A warm beer is disappointing.
  8. Consider labeling your cooler for kids and adults. Our guests know that adult beverages are on the right and kid’s on the left. We mark the Sangria, so the kids don’t mistake it as fruit juice.
  9. Pack a first aid kit, just in case.
  10. Bring more trash bags than you think you will need.
  11. Pack spirit accessories for your friends — beads, temporary tattoos, pom-poms.
  12. And add your team logo to everything possible.
  13. Clean up after yourself. Never leave a mess for others.
Tailgate Party Packing Checklist
Friends at Florida Gator Game
#idratherbetailgating

  Bring together your friends and family. Relax, eat, drink, and cheer on your team.  

Safe Travels, Cheers, and Go Gators from Traveling Party of Four!

Tailgate Party Planning Checklist.
Traveling Party of Four Signature