Football season is finally here, and in the Texas Forest Country, that means one thing—it’s time to tailgate! Whether you’re a die-hard high school football fan or gathering with friends and family for a big college or NFL game, tailgating is an essential part of the football experience in Texas. From grilling to games, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to make your tailgate party a touchdown.
1. Tailgating Essentials: What to Pack
Tailgating in Texas is serious business, and you need to make sure you’re well-prepared for an epic game day. Here’s a checklist of must-have items for any tailgate in the Texas Forest Country region:
- Coolers: Pack a large cooler with plenty of ice to keep your drinks cold throughout the day.
- Chairs: Comfortable folding chairs for relaxing between plays.
- Canopy Tent: Protect your crew from the Texas sun with a sturdy tent or canopy.
- Portable Grill: A good-quality portable grill is a tailgating staple for all your BBQ needs.
- Tables: Foldable tables are great for serving food and drinks or playing games.
- Plates, Cups, and Utensils: Opt for eco-friendly disposables or bring reusable sets to cut down on waste.
- Trash Bags: Keep your tailgating area clean and respectful with plenty of trash bags.
- Speakers: Set the mood with music before the game starts.
- First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, so it’s always good to have a first aid kit handy.
2. The Texas Tailgate Menu: Southern Classics
In Texas, the food is as much a part of tailgating as the game itself. From BBQ to finger foods, here are some tailgating menu ideas that are sure to score points with your guests:
Grill Favorites
- Brisket Sliders: Smoked brisket on mini buns, served with pickles and BBQ sauce.
- Jalapeño Poppers: Stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon, these are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Texas-Style Ribs: Slather on your favorite BBQ sauce and grill to perfection.
- Sausage Links: Easy to grill and perfect for sandwiches or on their own with mustard.
- Chicken Wings: Marinate in a variety of flavors—buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic—and grill them up crispy.
Side Dishes
- Potato Salad: A Southern staple, make it loaded with bacon, cheese, and green onions.
- Coleslaw: Fresh and crunchy, the perfect complement to smoky BBQ.
- Texas Caviar: A mix of black beans, corn, peppers, and onions, served with tortilla chips.
- Mac and Cheese: Go extra cheesy for a dish that everyone will love.
Finger Foods
- Chips and Queso: You can’t go wrong with this Texas classic.
- Pig in a Blanket: An easy and portable favorite.
- Deviled Eggs: A classic appetizer with a little Texas twist—add some smoked paprika or jalapeño.
Desserts
- Pecan Pie Bars: Portable, sweet, and filled with Texas pecans.
- Brownies: Everyone loves chocolate, and they’re easy to grab and eat.
Drinks
- Sweet Tea: A Texas must.
- Lemonade: Refreshing and pairs well with BBQ.
- Beer & Cocktails: For the adults, stock up on local Texas craft beers, and for a Southern twist, mix up a batch of bourbon lemonade or margaritas.
3. Game Day Setup: Make Your Tailgate Stand Out
Set up your tailgate area like a pro with these tips:
- Decorate in Your Team’s Colors: Show your support with team banners, flags, and tablecloths.
- Set Up a Snack Station: Keep a table loaded with snacks and drinks so people can graze throughout the day.
- Create a Seating Area: Arrange chairs around a central table for easy conversation and comfort.
- Bring Lawn Games: Cornhole, ladder toss, or washers are perfect games to play while waiting for kickoff.
4. Tailgating Games: Keep the Fun Going
Tailgating isn’t just about food—it’s about fun! Keep your guests entertained with these classic tailgating games:
- Cornhole: A tailgating favorite, set up a cornhole board and see who has the best aim.
- Ladder Toss: Simple but competitive, this game is great for adults and kids alike.
- Football Toss: Bring a couple of footballs and challenge your friends to a friendly throwing competition.
- Giant Jenga: Set up a life-size Jenga set and let the competition begin.
5. Tailgating Safety: Stay Smart on Game Day
While tailgating is all about fun, it’s also important to keep safety in mind. Here are a few tips to ensure everyone has a great time:
- Grill Safety: Keep your grill away from the tent and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Stay Hydrated: It can get hot, so make sure to drink plenty of water along with those game day beverages.
- Don’t Drink and Drive: Always designate a driver or plan for transportation if you’re consuming alcohol.
- Weather Prep: Texas weather can change in an instant. Be prepared with sunscreen, hats, rain gear, and even blankets for those cooler evenings.
6. Top Tailgating Spots in Texas Forest Country
Tailgating is all about location. Whether you’re gathering in your backyard, at a high school football game, or in a stadium parking lot, here are some top spots to tailgate in Texas Forest Country:
- Lufkin High School Abe Martin Football Stadium: The home of the Panthers, this is a prime spot for Friday night football tailgating.
- Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches): If you’re cheering on the Lumberjacks, the tailgating scene here is always lively.
- Sam Houston State University (Huntsville): Bearkat fans know how to tailgate—join the crowd for some serious game-day festivities.
- Lake Livingston State Park: Tailgate by the water and enjoy fishing or camping before or after the game.
7. Tailgating Etiquette: Be a Good Neighbor
Make sure your tailgate is fun for everyone by following some simple etiquette rules:
- Be Considerate: Keep the noise at a reasonable level and be mindful of your neighbors.
- Share the Grill: If you have extra space on the grill, offer to cook for others.
- Clean Up: Always leave your tailgating spot cleaner than you found it. Bring plenty of trash bags and recycling bins.
8. Post-Game Party: Keep the Fun Going
The game might be over, but the fun doesn’t have to end. If you’re not ready to call it a day, keep the celebration going with:
- Post-Game Feast: Bring out the leftovers and let everyone enjoy the food one more time.
- Campfire Hangout: If you’re tailgating at a park or campground, light a fire and toast marshmallows.
- Game Recap: Gather around to talk about the game’s highlights and share your favorite moments.
Tailgating in Texas Forest Country is more than just a pre-game activity—it’s a tradition that brings people together to celebrate football, food, and community. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a local game, this guide has everything you need to make your tailgate a winning event. So fire up the grill, grab your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable football season.
For more tips and ideas, follow us at Texas Forest Country Living and share your favorite tailgating moments with the hashtag #TFCLivingTailgate.
