It's Tailgating Season!

Team colors, friends, great food, are just a few things that make your tailgate event the best ever. Whether it is high school, college or professional football, tailgating has evolved into one of America’s most popular sports traditions.

The WOW! Factor of Atlanta has produced fun parking lot tailgating events for thousands. So we have compiled some helpful hints that will make your next tailgate a touchdown!

• Make it official and send out an invite. Be sure to include specific info on the location and a contact number in case guests can’t find you. A helium balloon on a long string tied to your tent can help people find you , or better yet download a GPS app on your smartphone and share that app with your guests on the invite. That way everyone can find your soiree!
• Make a check list so you don’t forget important items like phone chargers, sunscreen, bug spray, Ziploc bags for leftovers, sharpie markers to personalize red solo cups, trash bags for clean-up, and of course jumper cables so you never get stuck.
• Arrive at least 3-4 hours pre-game so that you have plenty of time for food and festivities.
• When packing your vehicle, keep in mind the order in which you will use your supplies. It’s much easier to set up if you don’t have to unpack everything to get to your tables. Like wise pack a smart cooler, check out the graphic at the top for a helpful diagram
  
• Re-purpose, Re-purpose! Plastic rolling drawers make it easy to keep everything organized and at hand. A short bungee cord across the tent frame top becomes an instant paper towel holder. Check out our Pinterest page for some more creative ideas and recipes.
  
• Remember to bring shade! Pop-up tents that are sold practically everywhere are wise investments if you plan to be out in a parking lot all afternoon. Don’t forget sand bags or filled water jugs make excellent weights to keep it in place.
• Check before hand and know the rules. Some lots do not allow unattended grills or alcohol. They may charge for prime spaces and limit the amount of time you can be there. Plan Accordingly.
• Don’t forget games! Sure a big part of tailgating is the food but games like corn hole and football toss make the day even more fun.
• At the end of the day make sure that you take back everything you brought with you. If you grilled with charcoal, make a plan to dispose of the hot coals. Reuse any aluminum serving pans to put the coals in for disposal and don’t forget to douse them with the melted ice water from your cooler to make sure that they are out.

We hope that these tips are helpful; just remember when you tailgate you never want to forget your patience, your common sense and your team spirit!

So who’s ready for some Football?