It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for — football season is back! LA locals are all looking forward to watching the Chargers and Rams make their mark out on the field this year. If you’re lucky enough to make it to a game in person, you’ll definitely want to plan an epic tailgate party. After all, the new SoFi stadium is the perfect tailgate destination for hardcore fans and families alike.
Want to make sure your stadium experience is unforgettable? Start with these six must-haves for an unforgettable tailgate party!
1. Start with Tons of Great Food and Drinks
You can’t have a great tailgate party without tons of tasty food and plenty to drink. While a table full of snacks is great, it’s best if you can bring a grill so you can fire up some burgers and brats. You might even want to take things up a notch with chicken sliders or pulled pork sandwiches. Chips and dip and chicken wings are also popular options. Whatever you decide to bring, don’t make the rookie mistake of running out! It’s always better to have extra than to not have enough.
You’ll also want to have plenty of coolers full of your favorite drinks. Plan to have at least one filled with adult beverages and another one with soda and water if there are going to be kids at the party. Don’t forget to bring a third cooler to keep your food cold until you’re ready to serve it.
2. Add an Epic Playlist
If you want to host a truly memorable event, consider bringing a live DJ along. If this isn’t an option, at a minimum, you’ll want to make sure you have great speakers and a way to play a pre-created playlist. The best music for your party will depend on the crowd, but don’t be afraid to mix it up.
You might want to add some game-day chants and other classics as well as all of the crowd favorites. This is the best way to make sure everyone gets pumped up and stays that way all day long.
3. Set Up Your Gameday Command Center
When setting up your tailgate party, it’s important to make sure you have the right equipment and accessories. While you could just use the back of your truck, bigger events will require more planning. Make sure you have at least one long table to set up the food, and maybe a few others so your guests have a place to set their drinks or sit down to eat.
It’s also important to bring lots of chairs so everyone is comfortable. If possible, aim to have one chair per person on site. Add a pop-up tent or two to keep the area shaded and you’re good to go.
Pro Tip: If you’re not going into the game, consider renting an outdoor LED so you can watch it outside. When choosing your TV, remember that bigger is better. Ideally, you’ll want your guests to feel just like they’re on the 50-yard line.
4. Bring Plenty of Fun and Games
You can never have too many games at a tailgate party. Some of the most popular include beer pong, cornhole, and giant Jenga. Having plenty of games will help keep everyone entertained and pump up their competitive spirit.
Depending on where you’ll be partying and how many people will be there, you may also want to bring along a football or frisbee so you start a friendly game with a bit less structure.
5. Show Your Team Spirit
One of the best parts of going to a football game is having the chance to show your team spirit in big ways. If you’re setting up a tent, consider buying one in your team colors and hanging a flag on the inside. You’ll also want to dress the part. Whether you’re wearing your favorite jersey with matching socks or you’re getting creative with face paints, remember that the bolder your outfit is, the more fun you’ll have!
You can also carry the theme through to your food and drinks. Get creative with ideas like LA Rams-inspired blue margaritas or football-shaped sugar cookies decorated with the Bolts logo. Your options are truly only limited by your imagination!
6. Take Your Tailgate to the Next Level
Want to really take your tailgate party to the next level? Invite some local celebrities and super fans! Head out to official FanFest events to meet others who are as into the game as you are and invite them to join you. You may even want to add Seb as a follower, creator of the @laramsfans Instagram page! He’s sure to add an extra element of fun, and you might even become Insta-famous for a day.
Get Ready for Game Day!
Now that you know exactly what you need, you’re ready to throw the ultimate pregame party. Whether you’re enjoying the game in person or from the comfort of your home, we hope you have a blast this season cheering on your favorite team all the way to the Super Bowl!