With the football season underway and the World Series on the horizon, tailgate parties are in full swing. According to one study, 80% of Americans tailgate annually. But whether you’re a rookie or a veteran tailgater, it’s important to prep your rig and brush up on the do’s and don’ts at the stadium.
Tailgate Party Car Accessory Must-Haves
Some must-haves for a successful tailgate party include bed extenders, cargo organizers, car speakers, tonneau cover, portable table, and a tent.
Bed Extenders
Truck bed extenders are racks that increase your truck bed’s loading area to provide stability and carry more cargo. This makes them perfect for tailgate parties, as you’ll have more room for your cooler, grill, and speakers.
Bed extenders are also easy to install and remove. You only need to assemble the extender and bolt it in to install it. After removal, you can store it in your garage for the next party.
You can get one for your vehicle for around $300. While this may seem a lot, you’ll be able to get your money’s worth since you can use bed extenders for years.
Cargo Organizer
Cargo organizers are an example of accessories you can use even outside of tailgate parties. As the name suggests, these organize your items to prevent clutters inside the cabin and out back in the trunk.
As for tailgate parties, having a cargo organizer means you have a safe and secure place to store your snacks and beer. You can also use it to keep first-aid kits in case of emergencies.
Another good thing about cargo organizers is how cheap they are. You can get a small one for as low as $80, while bigger ones that store more can cost up to $650.
Speakers
Traditionally, tailgate parties used radios to listen to the game while drinking a cold one with family and friends. Over time, these events have become an actual party, with music blaring in the background while watching or listening to the game.
As such, having a high-quality car speaker is crucial to keep up with the trend. While they can be expensive, it’s worth investing in speakers because they make long drives more enjoyable and memorable.
You can get new car speakers for as low as $30, while splurging means paying up to $250 for an upgraded sound system.
Tonneau Cover
Tonneau covers protect the truck bed against theft and the elements. It’s a must-have accessory during tailgate parties since they’re filled with people you don’t know, while the weather is always unpredictable.
Portable Table
You can attach a portable table to the truck bed to act as a makeshift table, such as the DV8 OffRoad Portable Table. This is helpful for outdoor events like camping, barbecues, and, of course, tailgating.
You’re also getting your money’s worth with this purchase, as you’re likely to use it even after the football and baseball season. Family gatherings will be more convenient, as you can eat almost anywhere.
Tent
Like tonneau covers, car tents are useful against the elements. Under the snow, the rain, or even the harsh heat, having a car tent lets you take a break from the party to get comfortable.
You can also use car tents when camping, which could save you money in the long run as you won’t need to buy a separate tent. Car tents can cost up to $1,000.
Other Things You Can Bring to a Tailgate Party
Some other essentials you can bring to a tailgate party are coolers, camping chairs, and a trash can.
Cooler
A cooler can go a long way, especially during baseball season when it’s scorching hot. Bringing one during a tailgate party can help keep your drinks cold, as well as have ice on hand to beat the heat.
Camping Chair
Sporting events take a long time, especially the World Series, where everything is slowed down. As such, it’s best to keep yourself comfortable by bringing a camping chair. Some even have cup holders for you to place your beer or food.
Trash Can
Lastly, you should still be responsible and keep everything clean. Bring a trash bag or can to throw away beer cans and other junk you may have left. Besides being thoughtful, cleaning your mess after a tailgate party may also prevent you from getting fined since all states have a form of litter law.
Tailgate Party Dos and Don’ts
Most NFL and MLB stadiums have different policies regarding tailgate parties. However, there are some that overlap including the banning of flying objects, forbiddance of open fires, and consideration for parking.
Tethered Flying Objects Are Banned
One of the most important policies you should be aware of is that tethered flying objects are banned around NFL and MLB stadiums. It’s because they pose a significant security risk that may lead to federal charges.
Open Fires Aren’t Allowed
Not all cities and towns allow open bonfires, so it’s important to be aware of your local rules. And even if your stadium/city allows them, it’s still better to avoid fires entirely since they could lead to accidents and injuries because of the presence of alcohol.
Be Considerate When Parking
Since tailgate parties are in parking lots, it’s best to be considerate of fellow guests who are attending the actual game. Some stadiums have different guidelines regarding parking. For example, Metlife Stadium limits tailgate parties to the lined parking space and the area directly behind or in front of vehicles.
If you plan on tailgating with a group, it’s better to meet in advance and arrive together. Saving parking spaces is not permitted in some stadiums and is heavily frowned upon.
Consume Alcohol Responsibly
Lastly, consume alcohol responsibly. Tailgate parties are fun and are part of the country’s culture. Avoid making a mess of it by only drinking the amount you can handle. Having too much can result in disturbing the peace, which could violate public order.
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