Tailgate Party Ultimate Guide: What Is A Tailgate Party [2023 Update]

The majority of Americans consider tailgate gatherings to be their favorite annual tradition. The tailgate party is a tradition comprised of the activities that Americans enjoy most: eating, imbibing, and attending a massive entertainment event.

The term "tailgate" refers to using a pickup truck's tailgate to transport food and beverages to an event; however, many people partake in tailgate parties without using a car with a tailgate. 

The best method to enjoy a pre-game celebration is with a tailgate party. This guide to tailgate parties explains everything you need to know in America, like how to prepare and throw a tailgate party. Jackery Solar Generators are the best essentials for powering your appliances and electronics with solar energy, so you'll never have to be concerned about the power supply at a tailgate party.      

Products	Image	Capacity	Rated / Peak Power	Cell Materials	Cycle Life
Solar Generator 3000 Pro		3024Wh	3000W Rated, 6000W Peak	Lithium-ion Battery	2000 cycles to 70%+ capacity
Solar Generator 1000 Plus		1-5kWh	2000W Rated, 4000W Peak	LiFePO4 Battery	4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity
Solar Generator 500		518Wh	500W Rated, 1000W Peak	Li-ion NMC	500 cycles to 80%+ capacity

What Is A Tailgate Party?

Tailgate parties are where sports, camaraderie, and good times come together like never before. Tailgating is the art of hosting a pre-game party in the parking lot, typically using the rear of a truck as part of your entertaining setup and transforming this unlikely location into a lively party atmosphere.

It's hosting a fun soirée on wheels, with sports fans gathering to support their favored teams and have an absolute blast before the big game. But don't let the term 'tailgate' mislead you; this celebration is for anyone who enjoys the magic of sports and good company!   

So, how did this magnificent custom originate? According to legend, tailgating began in the early 1900s at collegiate football games. Fans would appear early at the stadium with snacks and beverages to share with fellow sports fans. Since then, tailgating has evolved into a magnificent celebration and has become a beloved tradition at sporting events nationwide.    

Why Do People Love The Tailgate Party in America?

Tailgate parties typically occur several hours before the start of a sporting event, and strangers frequently become friends through casual conversation.

The tradition originated with American football games, which remain exceptionally popular due to the high cost of attending a game, which can exceed $100.

Before football games, tailgating is an excellent way to save money on food and beverages that can add up in the stadium. Burgers, hot dogs, nachos with dip, and chili cheese fries are pre-game tailgate food options.    

A tailgate party is an excellent method to spend time with friends and family before a football game in America. Tailgating provides an opportunity to reminisce, watch games on television, or appreciate good food and company.

What to Prepare for A Tailgate Party?

Tailgating is simply eating or socializing while sitting in the back hatch of your vehicle, SUV, or truck during football season. Once you know what to do, preparing for tailgating is surprisingly simple. Here are some recommendations for planning a tailgate party:

Have A Right Vehicle: Tailgating requires a vehicle with a hatch, which is a requirement. Sedans could be better for this situation. Instead, crossovers, SUVs, trucks, and even hatchback cars are all excellent options for tailgates. Consider riding with someone who has a hatchback if you have a sedan so that you can lift the door and sit in the rear.

Find A Tent: A tent is an excellent investment for tailgating. Depending on your tailgating time, you may need protection from the sun or the downpour. A tent is advantageous because you can pitch it against your vehicle and store your belongings underneath.

Take Food & Drink: If you are not tailgating with a group, you must bring all the snacks and drinks you anticipate consuming during the tailgate. You must determine who will get what if you tailgate with companions and divide the responsibilities.

Buy Some Towels: During the football season, it can get quite warm. The same holds for both derby season and baseball season. Tailgating typically occurs outdoors, so towels for sweating and sitting are always a good suggestion.

How to Throw A Successful Tailgate Party?

Successful tailgating requires careful planning and the proper equipment. You do not need to provide everything for the pre-game party, but you should verify that everyone understands what they are responsible for bringing.

Begin the planning process for a tailgate party by researching the regulations and permissions, then continue to the tailgating essentials, food and beverages, entertainment, and clean-up.        

Step 1: Make Sure Tailgating Regulations & Permissions

In the United States, tailgating in the context of hosting pre-game gatherings in parking lots is generally legal. Nonetheless, there are significant restrictions and regulations to consider:

Commonly, tailgating occurs on parking grounds, which may be on private or public property. Private property proprietors, such as sports stadiums, typically have their own tailgating rules and regulations. On public property, tailgating is frequently permitted unless expressly forbidden.

It is anticipated that tailgate parties adhere to safety and nuisance regulations. It means that boisterous music, disorderly conduct, and other activities that disturb the peace may result in penalties.

Researching and understanding the exact rules and restrictions of the venue or place where you plan to hold a tailgate party is vital because tailgating regulations might differ from area to location. To ensure an enjoyable and legal tailgating experience, safety and respect for others must always take precedence, and local laws must be observed.

Step 2: Prepare The Tailgate Essentials

When hosting a tailgate party at a sporting event, arriving prepared with all the necessary items is essential. Here is a list of things you should bring with you:  

- Table, Chair, & Tent: Your guests require comfortable seating.

- Decorations: Display your team pride with flags, banners, and other embellishments.

- Electronics: Bring a portable speaker, camera, or cell phone to record the finest moments.

- Food & Drink: A portable grill is typically the focal point of tailgating parties.

- Jackery Solar Generators: Use one to power your electronic devices with solar energy.  

- Game Things: Pay attention to the most crucial items: your game tickets and parking pass.

- Cleaning Items: Maintain cleanliness with hand sanitizer and damp wipes.

- First-Aid Kit: Keep a first-aid kit on board for minor injuries.  

- Clothes: Individuals typically wear team colors to demonstrate their allegiance.

Tailgate necessities are required for a memorable pre-game celebration. Your tailgating experience will only be optimal with the items on this list. Review this checklist before your next tailgate to ensure you pay attention to all essentials.

Remember to bring a solar generator to power tailgating electronics. You will always want your celebration continued due to a lack of electricity. The capacity, portability, and durability of Jackery Solar Generators make them the ideal tailgate party companion. Choose one from the list below for your tailgate celebration.

Step 3: Cook, Grill and Make Drinks

Grilling and dining at a tailgate is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the pre-game party. Since more than 90 percent of tailgaters prepare their meals at the event, grilling is vital to pre-gaming.

It's all about hearty, delicious, and easy-to-eat dishes that are ideal for outdoor gatherings and sporting events when it comes to traditional tailgate cuisine. For example, the most popular foods at a tailgate party are tortilla chips, crispy chicken wings, hot dogs, barbecue ribs, popcorn, and cookies.

A tailgate party might be synonymous with beer and soft drinks, but you can 100% also push the boat out and add a few spirits to the lineup.

Typically, tailgate gatherings provide enough delectable food for everyone, allowing you to avoid overpriced concessions inside the stadium or arena. There is something special about cooking out with friends before a significant event, whether grilling burgers or hot dogs or simply snacking on chips and dip.

Step 4: Game and Entertainment

The entertainment at a tailgate party is on another level, with large screens for movies, dance parties, and even hot tubs. With the proper family and friends, you may not require additional amusement.

Tailgate activities can be anything the host desires. A frisbee or football is sufficient for a fast back-and-forth toss. Or, if you have the space, engage more individuals with a game such as cornhole. A deck of cards is an excellent multipurpose game to maintain on hand.

The event organizers sometimes provide live music. Frequently, supporters bring elaborate sound systems with enormous speakers, allowing individuals to dance in the street. Expect various types of music.     

Step 5: Clean Up Your Mess

Fan-driven tailgates are typically informal and are not "commercial" affairs. The objective is to bring a large group together and ensure everyone has a good time.

Bring everything necessary to clear up a messed-up tailgating scene. It would be best to leave the area in better condition than you discovered. After the tailgate but before the main event, clean up. You will not want to deal with it when you return to your vehicle, so do yourself a favor and complete the cleansing before the event begins.

As you would when visiting someone's home, you should always offer to help clear up before entering the stadium.

Jackery Solar Generators for Tailgate Parties

Bring a portable power source for recharging TVs, Bluetooth speakers, a portable grill, mobile devices, etc. When you're tailgating to get ready for your team's game, it's always helpful if the tailgating location has a few televisions so you can keep up with other games being played that day.

Jackery is the top manufacturer of solar panels, portable power stations, and solar generators. Jackery Solar Generator is a tailgate party's most influential mobile solar power system. Jackery Solar Generators have a capacity of over 24 kWh, making it simple to charge all appliances.

Typically, Jackery Solar Panels convert sunlight to electricity. The solar cables and connectors enable the connection of solar panels to Jackery Portable Power Stations for optimal energy storage and utilization. You can replenish your portable power stations with solar energy using Jackery solar panels. 

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

Due to its increased capacity, extended battery life, safety, ultra-rapid solar charging, and sleek new design, the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is the finest solar generator available. It is marketed as the "SMART Power Master" due to its adaptability, portability, and 3024Wh power capacity. It comprises two SolarSaga 200W solar panels and the Explorer 3000 Pro power station.

The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro's minimal, ergonomic design includes an aluminum alloy draw rod and a non-slip silicone strip for simple maneuverability and storage. Enjoy exceptional charging efficacy with a simple setup. Connecting solar panels to the power station is simpler and more practicable than connecting conventional generators.

The Explorer 3000 Pro breaks new ground in the market by enhancing power capacity, intuitive APP control, and design. This power station has been upgraded to receive the pro designation, enabling it to power more than 99 percent of appliances with solar energy. For instance, Solar Generator 3000 Pro can charge a 300W refrigerator in approximately 8.1 hours for a tailgate party. 

*Learn more details from our product page. 

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the best option for comparable portable power stations due to its unparalleled output. With an expandable capacity of up to 5 kWh, the Explorer 1000 Plus is the perfect portable power solution for tailgating.

With a capacity of 1264 Wh and an output of 2000W, the Explorer 1000 Plus has the highest power output among products of a comparable level, supporting 99.9% of devices. Experience superior charging efficacy, with our advanced technology. Recharge your devices quickly and experience extended battery life. Stay charged and connected at all times. For example, you can use it to charge a Bluetooth speaker for over ten hours, allowing you to have a great tailgate party.

The Jackery 1000 Plus's Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery provides a constant voltage and pure sine wave, ensuring the safety of all your electrical appliances over its 10-year life cycle. Utilize the cutting-edge power of the advanced IBC technology to provide a solar charge in just 2 hours.

*Learn more details from our product page.

Jackery Solar Generator 500

Jackery Solar Generator 500 is a solar system comprised of an Explorer 500 portable power station and a SolarSaga 100W solar panel. It converts solar energy into electrical power using solar panels and stores it in a mobile power station for later use. This solar generator is a reliable and environmentally friendly tailgating power source.

With 3*USB terminals, 1*AC outlet, and 1*12V carport, the Jackery Solar Generator 500 converts solar energy into 518Wh of stable pure sine wave power for everyday electronic devices and small appliances. Solar Generator 500 is ideal for powering your electronics, including your phone (82.9 hours) and camera (20.7 hours).

The Explorer 500 is about the size of a basketball. It can be carried about easily because of its resilient handle, making it an excellent choice for tailgating and other outdoor events. The SolarSaga 100W solar panel is lightweight, foldable, and mobile with an easy-carry handle, weighing only 9.1 pounds.       

*Learn more details from our product page.

Tailgate Party FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the tailgate party:

1. What size of solar generator do I need for a tailgate party?

The Jackery Solar Generator is famous for its high output, portability, and versatility. Choose between 240Wh and 24kWh, depending on your tailgate party's energy requirements.       

Before purchasing a solar generator, it's beneficial to calculate the amount of electricity required for your tailgating. This formula can calculate how long the Jackery Solar Generator will remain operational.        

Working Time = Power Station Capacity*0.85 / Your Device's Operating Wattage

For instance, charging a 100W Bluetooth Speaker with the Solar Generator 3000 Pro (capacity: 3024Wh) will take approximately 24.2 hours (3024Wh*0.85/100W).

2. What are the do's and don'ts in a tailgate party?

With the beginning of the college football season, here are some dos and don'ts when packing the car to create foggy memories. Follow these guidelines for the best tailgating experience.

The following are the must-dos for a tailgate party:

Wear the right clothes: When standing in a parking lot all morning with fellow supporters, only a football jersey should be worn.

Do prepare the games: Similar to a backyard barbecue, a good tailgate will always have something for people to do to pass the time, such as drinking games or cornhole.

Do Follow Your Pace: Get a solid base by sipping a few drinks early, eating breakfast, and chatting with other people. You will learn over time when to "get turned" and take things to the next level.

Certain behaviors should be avoided at tailgate parties:

Don't Tuck In Your Jersey: Remember, when you wear your favorite team's jersey, you should never, under any circumstances, tuck it in.

Don't Leave Your Friend Alone: Whether to avoid getting lost, injured, or passing out in a drunken stupor, you should never leave your pack without at least two companions to ensure your safe return.

3. How long does a tailgate party last?

How long do tailgates typically last? It depends on the event you are tailgating for and how long you intend to tailgate. Tailgates are not necessarily required to be a certain length of time. It can be as lengthy or as short as the author desires.

There are tailgate gatherings for NFL games, concerts, NASCAR, and college football, among other events. The general rule of thumb for tailgating duration is four hours. You can tailgate for longer or shorter durations, but this is a decent average.   

Final Thoughts

Before the start of a football game, friends and family traditionally assemble for food, drink, music, games, and more at a tailgate party. While waiting for kickoff, tailgating allows you to participate in your team's enthusiasm.

The next time you head out with friends to witness a concert, football game, baseball game, or any other sport, ensure you have all the necessary supplies to attend or host a tailgate party. The Jackery Solar Generators combine solar panels and power stations, allowing you to choose from various power capacities to power your tailgating appliances efficiently.