How to have the perfect tailgate at The University of Alabama

Imagine sitting in an area with thousands of Alabama fans prepping up for the game. It is hot yet breezy and your with your family and friends, enjoying a meal along with many finger foods before the big game. Tailgating has been a tradition at The University of Alabama for many years. It is crucial you can put on the perfect tailgate on a hot fall Saturday before the crimson tide football game. How can you have the perfect tailgate?

Step one: You must make a list of items you need a couple weeks in advance so you can later add items as they come across your mind. Items that are a must include trash bags, utensils, paper towels, napkins, plastic plates and cups, band aids, a couple tables to serve food and drinks on, table clothes, bowls and plates to serve food, bottle opener, and a portable grill. The grill is not a necessity but it is a big hit at a tailgate. Remind friends to bring lots of chairs.

Step two: Deicide what foods you would like to serve at your tailgate. Some recommendations for your main meal are hamburgers and hotdogs, or a chicken nugget plate from Chick-Fila if you lack a grill. You will also want to have lots of finger foods out during the entire tailgate; not everyone goes to the game and they will get hungry while cheering for their team. Make sure you include some fruits and vegetables, I enjoy having, berries, carrots and celery with ranch dressing, different kinds of sandwiches cut in fourths so they are easy to eat, pretzels, chips, cookies and brownies. Be creative with your foods!

Step three: If you are over the legal drinking age plan on the alcoholic beverages you need. Try to stick with beer, it is easiest and cheaper. Also use aluminum cans instead of glass bottles to prevent injury incase one brakes. A keg is probably easiest depending on the amount of people attending. If it is a morning game and it is not a large group of people try a mimosa or a bloody Mary, both are very popular drinks especially for early in the day.

Step four: Find a large tent to put the food under incase of rain, this will also provide shade for some people.

Step five: Plan to have your tailgate set up hours before the game and then stay a couple hours after depending on the time and weather. Everyone is going to be having a great time so do not have a set time to leave or rush them out, estimate when the tailgate should be taken down by when people are starting to leave.

Step six: Go one day early to the tailgating spot and switch off with friends sitting there until tailgate time. The quad, located on University Blvd., is the most popular place to tailgate and there is a big screen to watch the game, incase you do not plan on going to the game. The quad gets packed very quickly so go as soon as possible. Find a spot with lots of grass so you can leisure about your own activity.

Step seven: Make sure on game day you are decked out in crimson and white. You will get looks if you’re not wearing the team colors. I would also advise you to bring lots of shakers, flags, and crimson decorations. If you are in college it is popular for girls to wear dresses and if this is the case team color does not matter. Boys and the older girls, team colors are a necessity.

Step eight: When you get there have the finger foods set up on the table and a radio playing other popular games that are playing on that same Saturday. Meet your tailgating neighbors! The kids can throw the football or kick the soccer ball and the adults can mingle. Your tailgating neighbors can grow to be your good friends!

Step nine: Have the main meal ready about an hour and a half before kick off. This gives those that are going to the game time to eat and get to the game to find their seat.

Step ten: When the game starts make sure people know the TV is in the quad and they can find a seat near the TV. Also make sure your radio is turned to the Alabama game for those who want to relax at the tailgate.

Step eleven: After the game do NOT rush people to leave. Let everyone have fun talking about the game and hopefully the big win. The men will also want to discuss the scores to the other college football games.

Step twelve: When people are starting to leave ask them to take food, you do not want the rest of that food sitting in your kitchen.

Step thirteen: Once the food is gone, begin taking down tables and throwing all trash away. Next take down the tent.

Step fourteen: Once everything is in the car, make sure all trash is picked up around your area. Leave it just as you got it.

Now that you have had your first perfect tailgate, begin planning for the next big game. Mix up the food and beverages next time or invite new people. Have fun with it and be creative!