SHOW UP EARLY
This is a no-brainer. Stake your ground. Show up early and you will not only get the best spot for tailgating you won’t have far to walk to the game.

LISTEN TO PRE-GAME
Not only can you listen to music but also catch some pre-game hype. Don’t rely on your cell phone speaker; most won’t do in the outdoors with all of the background noise.

BRING FAN SWAG
Your guest will love sporting some favorite team items. Make sure and leave behind anything that can be thrown in the stadium though. If you do need to bring some items into the stadium, don’t forget a clear, small bag.

MUST HAVES!
You never know if the temperature will suddenly turn and things get a little chilly in certain parts of the country so be prepared by bringing a stadium blanket. Also, to truly hang out and tailgate, you should have plenty of seating like folding chairs and even folding or pop-up tables. If you are limited on space to transport items, ask guests to bring their own chairs.

KEEP FOOD COLD
Have the correct type of coolers and plenty of ice to keep drinks, meat items, and sides cold until ready to cook and/or serve. Separate food items from other items like drinks in different coolers. You don’t want someone reaching in for cold one and pulling out a sausage. Also make sure that all meat items and sides are sealed properly when stored.

MAMA SAID WASH YOUR HANDS
Keep plenty of paper towels, antibacterial hand wipes, and hand sanitizer around to keep hands clean in the cooking process and for those who are eating.

FIRE UP THAT GRILL
Bring a small, portable grill and fire it up – you can search online for the right grill for you depending on reviews, size, and other features. Make sure you buy self-lighting charcoal or bring along a portable propane grill. Don’t make the mistake of using lighter fluid at this type of event. Keep your hot grill a safe distance away from cars and flammable objects such as tents. Cooking with fire requires a watchful eye, so make sure that the designated grill master stays at his or her post. Do not leave a fire unattended.

BRING HOFMANN ALONG
Hofmann products are already fully cooked so you can’t undercook them. Remember a medium heat is recommended for grilling hot dogs and sausages. Since you will want to have some fun too and not be grilling the entire time, once grilled you can individually wrap hot dogs and sausages in buns with small, individual sheets of aluminum foil to help keep them warm and place them in a disposable foil pan for individual grab-n-go. Once you are done grilling, you are done grilling.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR TRASH
Pop up trash cans are a great invention and perfect for tailgating. Encourage others to throw their trash away so it doesn’t blow all over the parking lot. Consider bringing an extra trash receptacle for recycling items such as cans and water bottles. Avoid serving glass, bottled drinks because glass is difficult to clean up in a parking lot and an obvious tire hazard.