Tailgating in the South is practically a religion. We’ve got the grills going, the coolers filled, and everyone’s decked out in their team colors. But even in the land of perfect game-day traditions, there are some common mistakes that even the most experienced Southerners make. Here are a few things that tend to go a little sideways when it comes to tailgating in the South—and how to fix them so you can level up your tailgate game.
1. It’s Not All About the Barbecue
We love our BBQ in the South—don’t get us wrong. But when it comes to tailgating, making it all about ribs, brisket, and pulled pork can be overkill. Not everyone wants to load up on heavy barbecue before sitting through a long game. Think about mixing it up with lighter, easy-to-eat snacks like sliders, dips, or even a fresh fruit tray so that there’s variety and no one ends up in a pre-game food coma.
2. The Weather Can Ruin Everything If You’re Not Ready
Southern weather doesn’t care about your tailgate plans. One minute it’s sunny and hot; the next minute there’s a downpour. Sometimes we get so excited about food and drinks that we forget to prepare for the weather. Bring a portable fan if it’s going to be hot, pack extra sunscreen, and always have a rain plan with tents or tarps. The more you prep for the unpredictable, the more you’ll actually enjoy the day.
3. You Don’t Need a Mountain of Food
There’s a Southern tendency to go big or go home, especially with food. While it’s tempting to bring enough to feed an army, too much food can just cause stress and waste. You don’t need to set up an entire buffet—just a few crowd-pleasers will do the trick. It’s more about the experience than juggling 12 different dishes. Keep it simple, enjoy the company, and save yourself the trouble of dealing with leftovers.
4. It’s Time to Expand the Drink Menu Beyond Beer
Beer and tailgating go hand in hand, but not everyone wants to sip on a cold one all day. A batch of spiked punch, some fun cocktails, or even non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade or iced tea can make your tailgate feel more welcoming for everyone. It’s a small tweak that makes a big difference—plus, it gives you an excuse to show off your mixology skills.
5. Don’t Sleep on the Power of a Good Playlist
A lot of people treat the music as background noise, but having the right playlist can totally change the energy of your tailgate. Whether it’s a mix of country hits, Southern rock, or some classic pump-up jams, curating a killer playlist can take your tailgate from “just okay” to unforgettable.
6. Too Many Decorations Can Be a Bit Much
We love showing off our team pride, but let’s not go overboard. Some tailgates look more like a theme park than a pre-game party. You don’t need 20 flags, inflatable mascots, and custom tablecloths to show your support. Sometimes, less is more—a couple of well-placed decorations will do the job without making things too chaotic or over-the-top. Plus, it saves you time on setup and cleanup.
7. Tailgating Games Shouldn’t Take Over the Party
Cornhole and ladder toss are fun, but sometimes the games start to overshadow the tailgate itself. The point of tailgating is to relax, eat, drink, and build excitement for the game—not to turn the parking lot into a full-blown tournament. Keep the games as a fun side activity, but don’t let them take over the whole vibe.
8. Don’t Forget the Essentials
Everyone remembers to bring the grill and the cooler, but the little things often get forgotten. You’d be surprised how many people show up without paper towels, napkins, or even a bottle opener. Trust us, you don’t want to be the one asking around for a corkscrew. Pack some extra basics like trash bags, hand sanitizer, and a first aid kit, too—better safe than sorry when it comes to game day.
9. Arriving Late Is a Big No-No
Showing up late to a tailgate? Rookie move. Tailgating is part of the whole game-day experience, and if you arrive too late, you’ll miss out on prime parking spots, the best pre-game vibes, and time to actually enjoy the food and drinks you’ve brought. Aim to get there early, set up, and settle in. It’s all about soaking up the atmosphere and easing into the day, not rushing through it.
10. Cleaning Up Is Part of the Tailgate
No one wants to deal with cleanup after a day of partying, but leaving a mess behind isn’t just rude—it’s bad karma for your next tailgate. Pack plenty of trash bags and have a game plan for cleaning as you go. It’s way easier to manage than dealing with a huge mess all at once, and it’s also respectful.
11. Rivalries Are Fun, But Keep It Friendly
Southern football rivalries are fierce, and a little trash-talking is all part of the fun. But some people take it too far and turn the parking lot into a battlefield. Don’t let a friendly rivalry become an ugly argument. Keep the competition light and fun, and remember that the game should bring people together, not create drama.
12. Skipping Breakfast Is a Rookie Mistake
If you’re starting your tailgate early and plan to go all day, skipping breakfast is a terrible idea. It’s easy to get caught up in lunch and snack planning, but without breakfast, you’ll hit a wall by midday. Whip up some easy, grab-and-go breakfast options like breakfast burritos or pastries. It gives you a good foundation for a long day of craziness.
13. You Need Some Lighter Food Options
We all love to dig into some of our favorite comfort foods at a tailgate, but not everyone wants to spend the whole day eating greasy or heavy stuff. A fruit tray, veggie platter, or even some wraps can balance out the BBQ and wings. It’s always nice to have something lighter on hand, especially if you’re tailgating from morning till night.
14. You Don’t Need Every Gadget on the Market
Tailgating gear has gotten pretty advanced, but you really don’t need every fancy gadget out there to have a good time. Stick to the basics—your grill, a solid cooler, and some comfy chairs. All the extra stuff can end up making things more complicated than necessary. Focus on what matters: good food, good company, and plenty of fun.
15. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
With all the food and drinks going around, it’s easy to forget about staying hydrated. If you’re tailgating in the Southern heat, dehydration can sneak up fast. Make sure there’s plenty of water available, and remind your friends to sip on it throughout the day. Hydration is key to keeping the good times rolling without feeling wiped out before the game even starts.
