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10 must-haves for game day tailgating
The fine art of college football tailgating can take seasons to master — quickly finding the perfect parking spot with room for lawn chairs and yard games, as well as setting up tents and tables with both the efficiency and ease of a NASCAR pit crew.
And for tailgating pros, it's easy to pack all the necessities so you're not left without a spatula to flip the burgers or enough snacks to last through the postgame traffic jam wait.
But for those casual football fans or first-time tailgaters, The Gazette put together a list of game-day essentials to make sure you have good food, cold drinks and plenty of fun.
It'll come in handy before tonight's Miami (Ohio) game against Iowa at Kinnick Stadium.
1. Bottle openers
There's nothing worse than getting all set up, pulling out a beer and realizing the cheap one you thought you had on your keychain actually fell off long ago.
2. Propane or charcoal
We didn't start the fire for your portable grill, so you'll have to.
3. Red Solo cups
Vital for drinking and games, only the two most important tailgate activities.
4. Speaker
To drown out the terrible music taste of the tailgate next to you.
5. Jumper cables
Someone inevitably drains a car battery while listening to earlier college football games on radio or TV.
6. Koozies
These seem self explanatory.
7. Garbage bags
Don't be that fan who leaves the lot looking like a real cyclone come through.
8. Sunglasses
Your team's future is so bright, you'll need to wear shades. Or you might just have early Big Ten kickoffs.
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9. Water
Please be sure to hydrate because you probably won't be doused in Gatorade like the coach.
10. Games
You can't fight with visiting fans passing by about how it's definitely not called 'cornhole' without a bags set.
Comments: (319) 339-3172; maddy.arnold@thegazette.com
Mason jars aren't just for canning — use them for easy access to cutlery, napkins and more next to your tailgate spread. They also help hold down your tablecloth if it gets windy. An insulated picnic basket is a a major upgrade from the classic basket — keep things cool, and carry them in style. Plus it's collapsable for storing. (Liz Kennedy/The Gazette)
Top right: This Iowa State-themed ice pack has six spots to slide in cans of soda or beer for easy carrying and cooling -- no ice needed! Other tailgate essentials: Red Solo cups (or any brand will do), a sturdy spatula for flipping burgers (or to really make a challenging game of flip-cup), and, of course, a football for imitating your favorite QB. (Liz Kennedy/The Gazette)
Jumper cables for the tailgate party? If you happen to run your battery down listening to the radio (or charging everyone's smartphone) you'll be thankful you remembered them! (Liz Kennedy/The Gazette)
Don't forget the disinfecting wipes. You'll be thankful you brought these to the tailgate. (Liz Kennedy/The Gazette)
A folding chair is always handy at a tailgate — and it's even better if it comes with a built-in cupholder. (Liz Kennedy/The Gazette)
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