Football season means more than what happens on the field. For many fans, the tailgate is just as much a part of game day as kickoff itself.
A great tailgate does not have to be complicated, but a little preparation can make the day much easier. From checking parking rules to packing food safely and creating a comfortable setup, planning ahead gives you more time to relax and enjoy the game with your group.
If a bus is part of your game-day setup, it can also give you extra room for passengers, supplies, and everything you need to make the tailgate memorable.
1) Check the Venue Rules Before Game Day
Before loading coolers and decorations, look at the tailgating policies for the stadium or event venue you are visiting.
Rules can vary significantly from one location to another. Some venues limit the size of vehicles allowed in certain parking areas, require oversized vehicle permits, restrict grills or open flames, or establish specific hours when tailgating is permitted.
If you are arriving in a bus, RV, or another large vehicle, confirm where it can be parked before you leave. Planning this ahead of time can prevent an unexpected parking problem when you arrive.
It is also a good idea to decide who will drive home before the celebration begins and make sure the driver remains able to operate the vehicle safely.
2) Pack and Prep as Much as Possible Ahead of Time
Trying to prepare everything on game day can quickly turn an enjoyable morning into a stressful one.
Make a checklist a day or two beforehand and pack anything that does not need refrigeration. Folding tables, chairs, serving utensils, paper products, team decorations, games, trash bags, sunscreen, and other essentials can all be organized ahead of time.
Food preparation can also start early. Chop vegetables, portion snacks, prepare dips, season meat, and organize condiments before game day so there is less work to do once you arrive.
If you are tailgating with your bus, the additional storage and passenger space can make it easier to organize supplies and keep your group together throughout the event.
3) Make Food Safety Part of Your Plan
Great food is a tailgating tradition, but outdoor cooking requires some extra attention to safe storage and preparation.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends keeping cold perishable foods at 40°F or below in a well-insulated cooler. Raw meat and poultry should also be securely wrapped and kept separate from ready-to-eat foods.
A separate cooler for drinks can help because guests are likely to open it frequently, while the food cooler can remain closed and colder for longer.
Bring a food thermometer if you are grilling, along with clean utensils and serving dishes. Once the meal is over, return perishable foods to the cooler promptly rather than leaving them outside throughout the game.
4) Create a Comfortable Game-Day Setup
Food may bring everyone to the table, but the overall setup can make a tailgate much more enjoyable.
Bring enough seating for your group along with folding tables for food and supplies. Depending on the weather, a canopy or other source of shade can make a big difference. Portable speakers, a radio, or a television setup can help everyone keep up with other games before kickoff.
Games like cornhole, ladder toss, or simply throwing a football around can give guests something to do while they wait.
For fans who want to take things further, a bus conversion can create a unique game-day home base. Converted buses can provide additional seating, storage, shelter, and room for entertainment equipment.
5) Leave Your Tailgate Spot the Way You Found It
Cleanup is easier when you plan for it from the beginning.
Set up clearly marked trash and recycling bags so guests know where everything goes. Clean cooking utensils and pack away supplies as you finish using them rather than leaving every task until the end.
Before heading into the stadium or leaving the parking area, walk around your entire space and make sure food, cans, decorations, charcoal, and other waste have been properly collected.
A few extra minutes of cleanup helps keep the area enjoyable for everyone and makes packing up much less stressful.
Take Your Game-Day Setup to the Next Level
For dedicated football fans, a bus can become much more than transportation. With the right vehicle and setup, it can give your group room to travel together, carry tailgating equipment, store supplies, and create a game-day tradition of your own.
Las Vegas Bus Sales carries a wide selection of new and used buses for sale that can serve as the starting point for tailgating setups, recreational projects, and other custom conversions. Our inventory includes school buses, shuttle buses, and coach buses in a variety of sizes and configurations.
Whether you are looking for a bus to turn into the ultimate tailgating setup or have another conversion project in mind, browse our current inventory to compare available vehicles. Our team can help you consider passenger capacity, storage, vehicle size, budget, and other features so you can start with a bus that fits your plans.
