Winter Garden Magazine November 2017 | Page 17

1 0 Winning Hacks for a Stress- Free Tailgate If there’s one thing fans look forward to more than the game itself, it’s tailgating. This pregame ritual is essential, but it can also involve a lot of planning and organization. This season, if you’re looking for less stress and more fun at your tailgate, it’s time to bring in a fresh playbook. 7th Play: Stay Connected The modern tailgater needs to stay connected. Bring a car phone charger so you don’t drain your battery by continuously checking the out-of-town scoreboard. What’s more, bring multiple extension cords to keep your entire crew charged up. 8th Play: Game On As you get closer to kickoff, why not have some friendly competition of your own? Classic tailgate games like cornhole, ring toss and ladder ball will get everyone in the mood to cheer their favorite team to victory. With the right plays and a few smart hacks, you can streamline your tailgating experience to earn rave reviews without breaking a sweat. To be tailgate MVP, consider revising your pregame plan with these winning plays: 9th Play: Keep Clean To make sure a win is the only thing you bring home from the stadium, create a portable hand-washing station. Fill an empty laundry detergent dispenser with water, place a bottle of liquid hand soap beside it and hang paper towels 1st Play: Know the Rules with a bungee cord. You’ll keep hands clean for cheering Every tailgate location has its own rules. Know what’s and keep cold and flu bugs at bay. allowed so you’re not caught off guard. Info on food, drink, music, even electronics and generators is widely 10th Play: Pack the night before available on stadium websites. If you’re packing in the morning, you’re wasting valuable time while someone else is taking the best tailgating spot. 2nd Play: Plan the Menu Pack as much as you can the evening prior, leaving only Forget manning the flames. Create a hassle-free spread by the last-minute essentials for game day. ordering catering from favorite restaurants. Made-to-order burgers, sandwiches, wraps and chips with a bounty of fresh toppings and mouth-watering condiments to create customized burgers to everyone’s tastes. 3rd Play: Hydrate Just like your team needs stamina to win, you’ll need it to last an entire day of tailgating. Feel your best by staying hydrated. In addition to your favorite drinks, freeze water bottles to use as ice. As they melt, you’re left with chilled water to quench your thirst. 4th Play: Keep Organized When your team is flustered, it can cost them the game. Similarly, when you’re disorganized, it can cause your tailgate to fumble. Stay organized by packing essentials like bottle openers, sunscreen, duct tape, permanent markers and first-aid supplies in a toolbox or craft container. 5th Play: Magnets are Magical Heavy-duty or industrial magnets are a lifesaver when surface area is scarce. Stock up so you can adhere banners and garbage bags safely to your car or nearby light posts. 6th Play: Stand Out Your tailgate buddies will have a hard time finding you in a sea of vehicles. To stand out, go high. Fly a flag or inflate helium balloons with long strings to help direct friends to your location. NOVEMBER 2017  |   WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE   |   17