Tailgating is the best way to gather with family and friends while celebrating your favorite team. But, planning any event can be costly. Here’s how to throw a tailgate that won’t hurt your wallet.
- Plan Your Parking: If you’re planning a classic tailgate in your stadium’s parking lot, check the cost of parking before you go. Stadium parking can be expensive, and most offer season parking passes or different parking lots for tailgaters. Season passes offer more value than purchasing a single-use pass every time. Research your stadium’s parking offerings ahead of time to avoid high costs.
- Potluck: Have your guests bring their own food and drinks. It’s much cheaper than paying for everything yourself, and everyone will be able to bring whatever they like. If you and your guests need ideas, research budget-friendly gameday recipes to try.
- Bring Yard Games: Yard games like cornhole and horseshoes are a great way to keep guests entertained. If you don’t own any yard games, look around your home for supplies to make your own. Bringing a simple activity is an easy way to engage guests, and using something you already have is more budget-friendly than buying something new.
- Rent a Tent: If you’re looking to go all-out at your tailgate with a tent, but you don’t own one, consider renting instead of buying. This can be a more cost-effective option than buying something you may only use once. Compare event rental companies in your area to get the best price.
- Secondhand Supplies: If you don’t have supplies like a grill or a cooler, ask a friend to borrow theirs. Additionally, you can ask guests to contribute essentials such as lawn chairs or tables. If you’re looking to stock up on tailgate gear, consider buying secondhand. Many thrift stores carry team merchandise and things you may need.
We hope you have fun cheering on your team with these tips!
