Tailgating may seem like a self-explanatory event, but there are many small details that could ruin your whole tailgating experience.

Beer, boots and barfing are all things that can make or break this day. So this guide is how to not be the Dave who ruins this event for everyone.

1.Charge your phone

This is crucial. Do not be the person who gets lost because your phone isn’t alive. This is true for everyone.

If you get lost prior to going in and your friends can not find you then they have to wait for you to go in. Your friends will hate you for the rest of the day if they choose to wait.

‘And if they bite their pride and go in without you then you are left drunk, stranded and alone the rest of the day.

2. Enough beer for you and your friends

Do not assume that your crappy six-pack is going to be enough to keep you and your friends happy. Especially do not assume that this amount of beer allows you to have rights to your friends Whiskey.

You already spent 300 on this game day ticket, you can afford the 25 dollars it takes to get you and all your friends drunk.

3. Eat

A breakfast full of carbs is not to be skipped today. If you do not eat enough then the alcohol will destroy you and you will not be able to make it throughout the whole day.

Eating mid-drink binge is also not a bad idea. There will most likely be food at this event so be sure to chow down on whatever is being offered off of the BBQ.

4. Snacks

Speaking of food, it is also important that you bring things that you can contribute to throwing on the grill. Remember no one at this event cares if you are gluten-free or vegan. So be sure to bring something that suits your dietary needs.

This being said, make sure you don’t bring something embarrassing like kale or gluten-free pretzels that you want to be thrown on there. No one else will eat it, you will look lame for bringing it and will be too embarrassed to whip it out anyway.

5. Watch your consumption

Remember this is an all-day event and you are going to be drinking for many hours and will look extremely lame if you pass out at the pregame.

This can be avoided by not only eating but ensuring that you are not trying to show off how much you can drink right off of the bat.

Remember tailgating is a marathon, not a race.

Some may think tailgating is a forgotten celebration, only resurrected when the super bowl comes around.

In reality, there are plenty of stadiums and parks that offer fun tailgating scenarios all year along. After close examination of the most fun tailgating areas, we have come up with a list of 5 of our favorite ones.

1.Bars of all kind before the Super Bowl

In 2003 there was a ban put on stadium homes that held the super bowl that issued no more tailgating prior to the event.

This was due to the rowdiness, violence and fights that broke out prior to the biggest TV event of the year.

In 2011 the ban was revisited, in hopes that we could bring back the tailgate party but nothing has budged since.

So the alternative is a little bit tamer but arguably more fun. Bars tend to hold huge parties that rack in a lot of cash for this huge event. Find out what local bars around you are having parties and get there a few hours before the event actually starts.

Make sure to bring plenty of tailgating beer or snacks because the bar may not be providing prior to the event.

2. USC

Although when thinking college tailgating you may picture a more south setting in the U.S. Contrary to popular belief this Southern California school sure knows how to party.

The kids at this place tend to have money and a can-do attitude. This means loud music, good food, lots of beer and lots of party games. Be sure you have enough energy to keep up with these wealthy party animals if this is where you are choosing to tailgate.

3. Boulder, Colorado

If you search Boulder tailgating on Instagram, your search will instantly become swarmed with pictures of frat guys and sorority girls having the times of their lives. If you attend one of these events then you will see why it is all smiles.

The beautiful Rockies are surrounding you while the sweet smell of legal marijuana lingers in the air. Although these students may not be as outgoing as those at a Southern California event, they are sure to raise your spirits.

If you are attending one of these events, be sure to bring a laid back attitude and some quality IPA brews.

4. Ole’ Miss

Here is the stereotypical, tailgate that pops into your head when you hear the tailgate party.

The University of Missouri is known for its southern touch on everything that they do. So bring on the 30 racks and the cornhole.

Here you will be sure to find a variety of bbq food and be surrounded by Magnolia trees, some even say that is the most beautiful spot to tailgate in America. The stadium is called the grove and fits all your southern fantasies.

The only catch about this one is that people wear fancy clothes other than shorts and a sports tee.

5. University of Alabama

This is where you go if you are looking for some true school spirit. If you have never heard or seen the word ‘rolltide’ be prepared to be screaming it alongside students in these stands.

For many football fans, a game is not a game unless a tailgate precedes it. This is true if you have a “Mobile Dawg Pound” or “Emergency Tailgating Response Unit”, or if your tailgate is just a few beers and a bucket of chicken.

Here are some simple tailgating tips to remember for any tailgate:

There is nothing worse than running out of food at a tailgate, except for running out of beer. It is worth the extra money to have too much food; you can bring extra food home, but you can’t eat what’s not there. This is true at least ten times over for a beer.

Make a list of what you need to bring; this will ensure nothing is left at home. Put your game tickets on the list too.

Bring your food in zip-lock bags whenever possible.  This way you can just throw the bags out, instead of trying to clean a bunch of Tupperware containers. 

When you need a pan, invest in a tinfoil pan that can be thrown away afterward instead of cleaned.

Buy good rolls for your food; nothing can ruin great burgers, chicken, or brats like a bad roll.  Spend a few extra cents on good rolls.

Bring chairs. Rookie tailgaters never have them.

Choose a parking lot that has a view of the stadium if on-site parking is not available.  A tailgate that is not within the site of the stadium just doesn’t feel right.

Choose a parking lot (and space) that allows you to interact with other tailgaters. If you’re going to tailgate alone, just drink beer in your driveway at home instead.

Bring water; you will need it to put out the fire, and it comes in handy for general cleanup too. Not bringing water is another rookie mistake.

Have a theme for your tailgate. If it’s Thanksgiving, bring a turkey. If its Christmas, bring a tree. 

Or choose a theme based on the opponent; have Cajun food against the Saints, Philly cheesesteaks against the Eagles, and fish against the Dolphins. 

Wear team colors and fly team flags. Show a little team spirit!!

Things that are needed but are often forgotten:

• Water
• Trash bags
• Paper towels/napkins/wet naps
• A good kitchen knife (but don’t bring it into the stadium!)
• Bottle opener/can opener