One of the best parts about fall is the pre-game tailgate party where you can celebrate and cheer on your favorite sports team. It’s a long-standing tradition that keeps growing in popularity. Following these safety tips can help keep your celebration fun and safe.
Tailgate accessories for the perfect party
Having the right set up and accessories on hand makes tailgating easy on the host and comfortable and enjoyable for the guests. Be sure you’re planning for a shelter with chairs, grilling accessories, and any paper and/or plastic items as you’re getting ready to celebrate the big game.
- Start your tailgate plan with the setup. Bring a portable tent or canopy, fold-out camping chairs and a folding table to hold all the food.
- Will you be grilling? If so, you’ll need a small, transportable grill and accessories such as tongs, a spatula and a meat thermometer.
- Stock up on paper or plastic plates, napkins, cups and utensils. Don’t forget serving spoons if you’re planning to serve salads, dips, etc. You’ll get bonus points for using items with team colors or logos!
- Consider a collapsible, portable trash can. This keeps a trash bag secure so it won’t blow away on windy days. [1]
Best tailgate recipes and food
The best part of the tailgate is the food, right? Some guests may want to eat a full meal while others will graze, so it’s great to have both options available. Consider a combination of sweet and savory, dips and finger foods along with heartier fare such as sandwiches, burgers or wraps. Also be sure to provide some vegetarian options.
- Buffalo chicken dip is always a hit at tailgates. Most recipes are easy to make, and you can serve them with tortilla chips, pretzels and celery sticks.
- Slider sandwiches are becoming popular and can be prepped ahead of time. Options are endless and can include turkey and cheese, shredded barbecue chicken or even hummus and veggies.
- Themed food boards are a great way to serve up tasty options while cheering on the team. Consider a classic charcuterie board, a veggie and dip board, a breakfast board or a dessert board.
- An easy way to please guests who have a sweet tooth is by serving a tray of assorted cookies. Start with sugar cookies decorated with the team colors, then include a classic chocolate chip variety, and finish with a cookie recipe that’s special to your family and friends. [2]
Tailgating safety tips
Tailgating can be fun, but it’s important to stay safe during the party. Be sure to adhere to food safety guidelines, stay hydrated and avoid too much time in the sun. Read on for 8 key tips for tailgating safety.
1. Drive slowly.
When you drive into the stadium, be alert to the other tailgate parties that may be set up very close to the driving lanes. It’s important to drive cautiously and slowly when finding a spot to park. Watch out for kids, adults or pets running into the road. As you leave, be on the lookout for trash, debris or glass so you can avoid driving over these items and possibly damaging your tires or vehicle.
2. Don’t drink and drive.
It’s important to limit the amount of alcohol you consume at a tailgate party to prevent alcohol poisoning. Because alcohol can impair driving, assign someone to be the designated driver to ensure that guests get home safely if they’ve been drinking. Keep in mind that even a small amount of alcohol can be deadly. In 2022, 2,377 people died in car accidents in which the driver was impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of less than .08 g/dL. [3] [5]
3. Avoid cross-contamination.
Avoid food cross-contamination by bringing several sets of utensils. Use a separate spatula or tongs for cooking raw meat, then use a clean set of utensils for serving the cooked food. This helps reduce the chance of foodborne illness by preventing the transfer of bacteria from raw meats to other foods. In addition, if your guests have food allergies, use a third set of serving utensils to avoid possible health issues. [4]
4. Wash your hands.
Whether you’re the cook or a guest, make sure you clean your hands multiple times during the day. If there is a restroom on-site, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If there isn’t a bathroom nearby, use hand sanitizer. It reduces the risk of cross-contamination and helps protect everyone from many viruses and bacteria. [4]
5. Throw away spoiled food.
Food safety is key, especially when you’re hosting a party outdoors in warm weather. Perishable foods have a short shelf life before bacteria that could cause food poisoning begins to grow. Keep foods below 40 degrees Fahrenheit by putting them in a cooler with ice. Throw away foods that have been sitting out for longer than 2 hours. [4]
6. Stay hydrated.
Tailgating is usually an all-day event. When you’re outside having fun, you may forget how important it is to stay hydrated. The best way to avoid dehydration is to drink water throughout the day. Bring a refillable bottle with you and have extra bottled waters on hand for guests. Know the dehydration symptoms to watch out for, including increased thirst, lightheadedness, muscle cramps and nausea. Head to the ER immediately if anyone in your group has these symptoms. [5]
7. Avoid sun poisoning.
If the weather is hot, sun poisoning can happen quickly, but if you prepare ahead of time, you and your guests can stay safe. Always bring sunscreen to an outdoor event and reapply every 2 hours or less. Be sure to stay hydrated. Try to find a shady spot and wear protective clothing such as a hat and sunglasses. Symptoms of sun poisoning include skin that’s red or blistered, chills, nausea or dizziness. [5]
8. Follow grilling safety practices.
Safe grilling practices and food prep are paramount at an outdoor tailgate. Grilling accidents and fires can happen, so it’s crucial to be prepared. Always pack a fire extinguisher; even if it’s never needed, it’s good to have just in case. Bring a meat thermometer to make sure the raw meat is cooked to the correct temperature. Chicken needs to be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 145 degrees Fahrenheit cooks meat to medium rare. Always separate raw food from cooked food — during the prep process, during serving and when you’re packing up leftovers. [4] [5]
Safety items to bring to a tailgate party
Here’s a quick list of safety items to always have on hand at a tailgate:
- Carry a first aid kit with band-aids, ointment, etc., to manage cuts and burns.
- Don’t forget the ice and coolers to help keep food at the right temperature and keep beverages chilled.
- Water is key to staying hydrated. Bring bottled water to share and have refillable containers on hand.
- Protect yourself from splatters and burns while grilling by wearing an apron and using heat-resistant gloves.
- Cleanup is a breeze with antibacterial cleaning wipes, and they will sanitize the area, too. [5]
Enjoy game day safety
Tailgating can be a fun way to spend time with family and friends. As you’re planning the day, be sure to take some extra time to plan for safety. It will make the event that much more enjoyable.
Sources:
[1] “18 Tailgating Essentials to Score for Football Season,” Maria Conti, hgtv.com/lifestyle/entertaining/tailgating-essentials (Accessed May 2024).
[2] “51 Tasty Tailgate Recipes to Make for Game Day,” Jenna Sims, southernliving.com/food/entertaining/tailgate-party-recipe-ideas (Accessed May 2024).
[3] “Drunk Driving,” nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Accessed May 2024).
[4] “10 Tips for a Safe and Healthy Tailgating Party,” Franciscan Health, franciscanhealth.org/community/blog/10-tips-for-a-safe-and-healthy-tailgating-party (Accessed May 2024).
[5] “Tailgating Safety Tips,” CompleteCare, visitcompletecare.com/blog/tailgating-safety-tips (Accessed May 2024).
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