How to tailgate like you’re a pro

It’s football season in the Triangle! The Duke Blue Devils, UNC Tarheels, and NC State Wolfpack give locals a reason to don their favorite jerseys and get pumped up for the game. Whether you’re a die-hard Blue Blood or painting your body red, Raleigh-Durham is the place to be for game-day activities. And one of the best ways to spend it is with a specific football pastime: tailgating.

What does it take for an incredible tailgate? All you need is great food, friends, and a reason to celebrate. We’ve already got great football here in the Triangle. Here’s what else you need to make your tailgate experience unforgettable.

It’s not a tailgate without great food. Many people opt to bring a grill to the game to serve up hot hamburgers, hotdogs, brats, and even ribs and chicken. Don’t forget the extras that go along with those foods, like buns, mustard, and ketchup. You don’t want to forget the finger foods, either. Snack mixes, chips and dips, nachos, cookies, and even wings can be great additions to your party. Choose easy recipes for your menu and make sure to bring plenty for your entire group. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, too.

If you’ll be out tailgating all day, make sure you’ve got everything you need for a full day. Paper plates, cups, eating utensils, paper towels, and wipes are necessities for the day. So are camping chairs, grilling accessories, and trash containers to keep the area clean. If you’re heading into the game, you want to leave your tailgate spot as clean as you found it. If you’ve brought coolers with beverages, make sure you clean up any cans or glasses before you leave.

Tailgate fans love their outdoor lawn games and music. There’s nothing better than getting in the mood with a few games of cornhole, tossing around a football, or throwing around a frisbee. Be sure to bring a wireless speaker to play some music before the game starts. These are great ways to get people in the mood for the game.

If you want to take your tailgating experience to the next level, there are Raleigh companies that offer high-level tailgating packages that will wow your friends and family. RevelXP and Tailgate Group provide you with the opportunity to rent everything from media packages, food, and coolers to entire trailers capable of hosting a full party.

If you’re attending the game, bring a clear bag if you’re taking anything inside the stadium. Stadiums are now requiring attendees to only bring items that can be stored inside of a clear bag for safety purposes. Don’t forget yours if you’re bringing anything into the stadium.

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