Tailgating checklist

time for it to get hot and to cool down after grilling, and still leave enough time to clean up and find your spots in the stadium.

If you plan on drinking alcoholic beverages, you need to make sure there are some designated drivers to help keep everyone safe.

Along with beer and other beverages, pack plenty of water to help people stay hydrated. You should also try to avoid any glass containers.

FOOD

If you are planning on having others bring food, it would be a good idea to specify what you’d like them bring. If you don’t, you may end up with nothing but chips and dip!

When you plan the menu, think simple: finger foods, burgers, sausages and other easy to eat foods.

It’s not a bad idea to rely on reusable plastic plates and cutlery, along with plastic containers and thermoses, to cut down on trash.

Handling your food safely is important during tailgating, especially if the weather is warm. You need to keep raw meats cold. You should also keep meats separated and packed tightly to avoid contamination.

Keep an eye on how long your cooked food sits out and only grill what will be eaten quickly, since food that sits out too long might be unsafe to eat.

Most importantly, enjoy the cameraderie, the party and the game with your friends.

It’s too late to run home and grab things you might have forgotten once you’re at the stadium, so here’s a list of items you might need: EXTRA ICE. Extra ice is always a necessity, especially when it’s hot outside. SUNSCREEN. No matter the weather, sunscreen is important to avoid sunburn. BUG SPRAY. Evening games in the fall can bring out the insects, so don’t come empty handed. GARBAGE AND RECYCLING BAGS. You’ll need to clean up your trash after the party, so bring bags for both trash and recycling. NAPKINS. Drips and spills are inevitable. Make sure to have plenty on hand. HAND SANITIZER. Give everyone a chance to clean up. COLLAPSIBLE SEATING. Bring extra camp chairs – someone always forgets theirs! BLANKETS. Days might be warm, but the evenings can get chilly. SEPARATE COOLER FOR RAW MEAT. No one wants raw meat bags in with their drinks! PLASTIC CUPS. Be prepared in case glass containers aren’t allowed. FROZEN WATER BOTTLES. These do double duty as ice for your cooler as well as water for drinking. A TUB FOR USED DISHES. Help keep your mess contained. A METAL BUCKET FOR LEFTOVER COALS. Just in case the grill’s still a little hot by the time you have to get to your seats.