1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Football

By James Alder, About.com

Top 10 Tailgate Party Accessories and Equipment

Guide Picks

A tailgate party is a uniquely American tradition that brings together sports fans interested in consuming massive quantities of sizzling slabs of meat along with ice cold beverages. It's also a social event that can be enjoyed by anyone with as little as a styrofoam cooler full of bologna sandwiches. Want to join all the tailgate fun? Here are the top items every tailgating football fan needs.

1) Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Gold Grill

You can't be sizzling burgers and brats with your buddies if you don't have a grill. And with space at a premium for most tailgaters, the Smokey Joe by Weber makes a lot of sense for a little money. The Gold model, which fits easily in any trunk, features a porcelain-enameled bowl and the lid lock makes for easy transportation without the usual mess.
Compare Prices

2) Coleman 40 Quart Thermoelectric PowerChill Cooler III

Every tailgate party must have a place to keep beverages and condiments cold, and the Coleman Thermoelectric PowerChill cooler is the perfect place. Powered by your vehicle for up to four hours, this cooler eliminates the need for ice, and the auto thermostat prevents freezing. The PowerChill can be used either vertically or horizontally, and it also has an internal light.
Compare Prices

3) MacCabee Bazaar Captain Chair w/ Cup Holder

While your flippin' burgers on your Smokey Joe, you'll need a nice comfortable spot to sit and relax, and the MacCabee Bazaar Captain Chair is just what you need. The MacCabee is made of durable 600-denier weather-resistant polyester and when folded, it fits in its own compact carrying bag. There is also a convenient cup holder to help you keep track of your favorite beverage.
Compare Prices

4) Quick Shade Lawn & Garden Canopy

Protect yourself from nasty weather or just provide a shady spot for all your friends to hang out. The Quick Shade Canopy goes up in minutes and shades six to eight tailgaters. It also folds small enough to fit in most trunks.
Compare Prices

5) StowAway 2

If space becomes a concern, an item like the StowAway 2 could give you the extra storage you need. The hitch-mounted cargo carrier is like a second trunk, providing an extra 12.5 cubic feet for your tailgate supplies.
Manufacturer's Site

6) Ozark Trail Compact Table

The Ozark Trail Compact Table is a versatile table that stores well in compact places. It is quick and easy to set up and provides a place to set your beverages and other tailgate goodies while discussing your favorite team's latest news.
Compare Prices

7) Garmin eMap Handheld GPS Receiver Plus MetroGuide

This is an item no serious traveling tailgater should be without. Garmin's compact, light weight, portable, navigation and information system provides mapping of all of North and South America, and also supplies exit information for the federal interstate highway system in the U.S.. The MetroGuide includes detailed city maps with street addresses, restaurants, service stations, and more.
Compare Prices

8) Waring Tailgate Blender

For fans of mixed drinks, the Waring Tailgate Blender is a must for tailgate parties. Equipped with a 15 foot AC adapter that plugs right into your vehicle's cigarette lighter, the Waring is great for mixing drinks or just crushing ice.
Compare Prices

9) Rico NFL Car Flag

Mark your territory with the flag of your favorite NFL team. The 11"x14" flag mounts easily on any of your vehicles' windows, and its 19" pole makes it easy for parking lot traffic to see.
Compare Prices

10) Passport Potty Portable Toilet

If you like to set up in the parking lot hours before the game, you know what a long walk it can be to the nearest restroom. But if you come prepared with the Passport Potty, relief can be as close as your vehicle or temporary shelter.
Compare Prices

Important product disclaimer information about this About site.

Explore Football

About.com Special Features

Learn to Pitch

Strike out the competition with these step-by-step pictorials. More >

Introduction to Pilates

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Football

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.