5 Backyard Tailgating Ideas Heading Into the NFL Season

As the NFL season kicks off, the excitement isn’t just about the games. Sure, that’s a big part of it, but it’s not all. Tailgating has become a cherished tradition that brings people together to celebrate, enjoy good food, and share their passion for football.

While stadium tailgates are legendary, not everyone can make it to the big game. Tickets are expensive, and games are sold out quickly. That’s where backyard tailgating comes in. Hosting a tailgate in your backyard can be nearly as fun and exciting, especially if you add a little creativity to the mix.

To help you prepare for the kickoff this year, here are five backyard tailgating ideas that will make your game days memorable.

Set up a themed food station.

One of the best parts of tailgating is the food. Some may argue it’s the focal point of the tailgating party.

Instead of sticking to the usual burgers and hot dogs, think about setting up a themed food station that aligns with the teams playing that day.

For example, if you’re watching the Green Bay Packers on Friday night, you could create a "Cheesehead" station with a variety of cheeses, dips, and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. If the Kansas City Chiefs are on, go for a BBQ station featuring ribs, pulled pork, and coleslaw. You can leverage the teams to get more creative for your palate.

To take it up a notch, offer small bites or appetizers that represent the cities of the teams playing. Philly cheesesteak sliders for Eagles fans or some New Orleans-style gumbo if the Saints are on the screen. It’s a quick and simple way to add flair to your tailgate and get everyone in the spirit of the game, afterall, there’s a good chance everyone is rooting for the same team.

Create a backyard sports bar atmosphere.

Why not turn your backyard into a mini sports bar?

You don’t need a lot of space or a fancy setup, though you can take this as far as you’d like.

A large outdoor TV or projector screen is a great start, ensuring everyone has a good view of the game. Arrange seating in a way that mimics a bar or stadium setup, with high-top tables or benches. You can even add a portable bar cart stocked with drinks, mixers, and plenty of ice.

For an extra touch, decorate your backyard with team colors, flags, and banners. Consider adding some string lights or tiki torches for an evening game. This setup will make everyone feel like they’re at their favorite sports bar right in your backyard.

Organize a pre-game cornhole tournament.

What’s a tailgate without a little friendly competition? Cornhole is a tailgating classic that’s easy to set up and can be enjoyed by all ages. You can buy custom cornhole boards with your favorite team’s logo or make your own for a personal touch.

To make it more exciting, organize a mini-tournament before the game starts. Create brackets and have prizes for the winners, like team merchandise or a round of drinks. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and pumped up before kickoff.

If cornhole isn’t your thing, think about other backyard games like ladder toss, giant Jenga, or even a small football toss competition. These activities will keep the energy high and the fun rolling from pre-game through halftime.

Host a potluck tailgate.

Tailgating is all about community, so why not share the load? Hosting a potluck tailgate allows everyone to contribute their favorite game-day dishes, making it easier on the host and more diverse in terms of food options.

Create a sign-up sheet or group chat where guests can list what they’re bringing to avoid duplicates.

Encourage your guests to get creative with their dishes. You might discover a new favorite dip or appetizer. A potluck also adds a personal touch to your tailgate, with each dish having a story or tradition behind it.

To keep things organized, set up a buffet-style table where everyone can lay out their food. Make sure to have plenty of plates, napkins, and utensils. You can even create a “Best Dish” contest, where guests vote for their favorite food, and the winner gets a small prize or bragging rights until the next game.

Tailgate with a game-day playlist and entertainment.

Music is key to setting the mood for any event, and a backyard tailgate is no exception. Create a game-day playlist that features a mix of classic rock, pop hits, and, of course, your favorite team’s fight song. You can even tailor the playlist to the teams playing that day, including songs that are popular in those cities or associated with the teams.

To add another layer of entertainment, set up a small outdoor speaker system and maybe even a karaoke machine. Encourage guests to take turns performing their favorite pump-up songs or team chants. If you have kids at the tailgate, consider a separate playlist of family-friendly songs and a small area for games or crafts to keep them entertained.

Another fun idea is to create trivia games or quizzes about the teams playing, with small prizes for the winners. It’s a great way to keep everyone engaged, even during commercials or halftime.

Tailgating is whatever you make it!

Backyard tailgating is an excellent way to enjoy NFL games with friends and family without the hassle of heading to the stadium.

By adding these creative ideas to your tailgate, you can bring the excitement and camaraderie of game day right to your home. Whether you’re setting up a themed food station, hosting a cornhole tournament, or cranking up the tunes, these tips will ensure that your backyard tailgate is a touchdown.

However you go about it, have fun doing it and make memories with all of your friends.