September 18, 2022 Colleen Callahan

It's Tailgate Season! Make Sure Yours Is A Touchdown

American football is an institution in and of itself. And we all know the tailgate party before the game is just the warm-up. How can you make sure your tailgate is a hit? Come find out!

football tailgate peaches thermos sandwiches blanket

American football is an institution in and of itself. And we all know the tailgate party before the game is just the warm-up. How can you make sure your tailgate is a hit? Come find out!

History of Tailgating

The tailgate party isn't really a by-product of college or professional football. Its roots go much further back to ancient times, possibly even having ties to the fall harvest festivals. And here in the US, what could be thought of as the first tailgate party was in anticipation of the First Battle of Bull Run, not a sporting event. Known as the Picnic Battle, spectators traveled over seven hours to watch the fight.

Less than 10 years later, the first football game was held, and it is believed that the fans ate from wagons while cheering on their teams. Another ten years saw reports of fans dressing up and sipping champagne from their horse-drawn coaches while watching the Yale-Princeton Thanksgiving game.

It might be a surprise to some that the automobile and football have a relationship beyond the tailgate. The National Football League (NFL) was founded in Ohio in the showroom of the owner of the Canton Bulldogs. The two grew up together and forged a bond that we keep alive today, more than 100 years later.

What to Serve

Tailgating may have started as a picnic, but it quickly grew. The advent of the portable grill, along with the widespread access to vehicles, had a tendency to make the pre-game tailgate parties the main attraction rather than the football games. Over time, tailgate food morphed from the simple yet delicious hamburger and hot dog to a full spread that tempts the taste buds at every turn.

Start the morning off right with sausage balls, bacon-wrapped cream cheese, sausage, and cream cheese pinwheels, mini breakfast burritos, and your favorite CoffeeAM cold brew coffee. For something a little healthier, add a fruit salad or a fruit smoothie made with one of our all-fruit smoothie mixes.

For later in the day, fire up the grill for grilled chicken, smoked brisket, sloppy joes, and pulled pork sliders. Serve these with your pre-made potato and pasta salads, veggie trays, smothered nachos, and a tall glass of refreshing CoffeeAM iced tea.

For a little something sweet, have a tray of chocolate and peanut butter crispy rice treats, fried fruit pies, and a cup of coffee to take the chill off. [fall coffees link]

Be Prepared

To ensure your tailgate is a success, make a list of everything you'll need to keep things hot, keep things cold, keep things contained, and keep things clean. Here is a brief checklist to get you started on your own.

Portable grill
Charcoal or propane
Grilling utensils
Chaffing dishes
Gel heat source (Sterno)
Folding table
Chairs
Cooler
Ice
Knives
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Serving platter(s)
Serving bowl(s)
Serving utensils
Eating utensils
Quick read thermometer
Plates
Bowls
Cups
Napkins
Paper towels
Aluminum foil
Baby wipes
Hand sanitizer
Water
Bottle opener
Can opener
Lighter
Fabric towels
Oven or grill mitts
Food (bonus points for preparing ahead of time)
Condiments
Sunscreen
Sunhat
Bug repellant
Chargers
Extra battery banks
First aid kit
Antacid
Aspirin