As you find your fall Sundays dedicated to cheering on your favorite team, are you stuck in a rut of watching the game in a crowded bar, or not
leaving your couch? Not everyone can afford seats to the game, or lives close enough to tailgate so what is a homeowner to do? Don’t worry if you don’t have tickets; take advantage of the crisp fall weather and recreate an affordable tailgate party at home, right in your own garage!
- 1.) A 72” flat screen for only $19.99!: Buy, rent or borrow a projector to hook up to your TV. A simple and inexpensive way to set up a screen is to hang a white king-size bed sheet on an empty wall. You can also close your garage door and project the game directly onto the blank surface.
- 2.) Create a mini-stadium: Set up rows of metal folding chairs that face the screen. As the weather gets chillier, provide stacks of blankets so your guests feel like they are really at the stadium rooting for your team.
- 3.) Serving station: Ask a friend to borrow their flatbed truck for the day of your tailgate. Back the bed of the truck into your garage and use the flatbed surface to set up your food spread, just as you would when tailgating at the stadium.
- 4.) Switch up the theme: Have fun with your menu! Is your team playing the Chicago Bears? Create a Chicago-style hot dog bar. If your team is playing the New York Giants, offer a New-York style pizza selection. Is this week’s rival the Dallas Cowboys? Create a make-your-own chili buffet. Get creative! If you’re grilling, use your driveway to set up a portable charcoal grill – the smell of the food on the grill will get your guests in the tailgating spirit!
- 5.) Strike up the band: Create a pre-game soundtrack that incorporates songs about your city/state to invoke that hometown pride. Before the game starts, show highlight reels from previous games to get everyone in the game day mindset!
- 6.) Stadium lighting: If your garage is not well lit, string lights across the ceiling to serve as an at-home version of stadium lighting.
- 7.) Show your spirit: Go all out when decorating your garage with your team’s colors. Hang your team’s flag, jerseys and team paraphernalia across the garage walls. Make sure your plates, napkins, cups and signs are all in your team’s colors.
With a little advance planning for an at-home tailgate party, you won’t even notice that you don’t have tickets to the big game!