GMC LIFE

There’s a lot that goes into the perfect football tailgate. With the music, the food, chairs and supplies, it can be overwhelming to host a tailgate. Hosting your first tailgate? Have no fear — these 10 tips can help ease the pressure and make your tailgate the best in the lot.

This is a no-brainer. The earlier you show up the better. That way you’ll make sure you have the best spot on the lot and won’t have to walk far to the game so you have plenty of time to enjoy your tailgate.

Stash your grill tools like spatulas, brushes, tongs, etc., in your toolbox for easy access when the grill orders pick up.

Make setting up the easiest part of the day by packing so that larger items are the first things you unpack. Leave smaller, more fragile items to be unloaded last to avoid clutter. Optimize your cargo management capabilities with a host of cargo organization accessories and roof racks available from GMC Accessories.

Ensure your speakers, cell phones and anything else that requires charging won’t die in the middle of the game by ensuring you have all your charging cords (and batteries).

If you haven’t already, invest in a large tent to give people an escape from the heat or the elements as the game progresses. A variety of accessories^† are available from GMC Accessories to help provide shade during your tailgate.

Keep guests entertained with pregame shows or sporting events with a TV or projector connected to your vehicle’s built-in available Wi-Fi^®† hotspot (data plan required).

No tailgate is complete without the perfect tailgating playlist, so cater to your guests and bring plenty of speakers to avoid competing with surrounding tailgates. You can even simplify your experience with available SiriusXM^®† curated stations. Your compatible GMC Infotainment System^† is also equipped with in-vehicle apps^†, such as Pandora^®, Spotify^® and Fox Sports. Or elevate your DJ experience with tailgate speakers from the Sierra 1500’s MultiPro Audio System by KICKER^®†.

Think about how long it takes to get the grill started and to cool down. Keep your guests full and catch the coin toss by being mindful of your grill.

Keep the energy up and your guests engaged with games like cornhole. For folks who prefer card games, bring extra seats and a small table. If you’re crunched for storage, visit the GMC Accessories page to explore Cargo Boxes and other storage solutions.

Preparation is key for any tailgate. Extra trash bags, sunscreen, umbrellas, plastic bags for leftovers, wet wipes, paper towels and plastic tubs for storing supplies are key to a successful tailgating experience.