Tailgating - Part Two - Throwing your OWN tailgate party

New to throwing a tailgate party?  This is the place for you.  While this focuses on Iowa Hawkeye Tailgating, the rules tend to be pretty much the same around all college football stadiums.  If in doubt, check out your teams "beer and alcohol regulations". 

The HawkFans Tailgating Crew has a combined experience of well over 100 seasons and with an average of 6 home games a year that is around 600 tailgate parties (that's a lot of football, friends and beer!)

We know how to enjoy the college football experience: good food, great friends and the Hawks.

Veteran Hawkeye football fans each prepare for the season differently. Yes, believe it or not there is actual preparation needed for tailgating if done the correct way.   On second thought, if you are enjoying the atmosphere of Kinnick Stadium and there is some sort of a picnic going on you are tailgating the correct way. If you're a first-timer and attending someone else's tailgate party, you'll want to check out Tailgating - Part One.

Throwing a tailgate party takes some know-how though.  The following are instructions on planning an effective if not the perfect tailgate party.

Over the years, we have participated in many different types of tailgates. We have settled on a style that works for us, but, wow, there are about as many ways to celebrate football Saturday as there are Hawkeye fans. We will review a few suggestions, but first the basics.

The Basics of a Tailgating Party

Tailgating is really simple. In its purest form it is just a barbeque in a parking lot before and after a football game. In its rowdiest form, however, a tailgate personifies the fire burning in the heart of Hawkeye fans for their sport, their athletes, and their school. Go Hawks!

Basic needs: food, beverages, grill and fuel, shelter, chairs, and entertainment.

Now, there are few rules as to how to throw a tailgate.

The rawest tailgate that I have thrown was with a travel grill (without the legs assembled), brats, a case of Bud Light, the radio and a football to toss around. I wouldn’t have missed that party for much.

You do need to follow the laws of the land and the University though.

What follows are the rules handed down by the University regarding use of alcohol. If you choose to tailgate without alcohol, feel free to skip this section. For the rest of us, it is important that we know the rules.

The Alcohol Rules:

• No beer trucks, kegs, or open bars are permitted in UI parking lots and ramps.
  
• On game days only, beer and wine are allowed on UI property, including parking lots and ramps. The exception is Parking Lot 14, at the corner of Melrose and South Grand avenues, which is an alcohol-free area.
  
• No one under the age of 21, nor anyone of legal age who is obviously intoxicated, is allowed to consume alcoholic beverages.
  
• No alcoholic beverages may be sold. Likewise, no donations may be solicited to pay for alcoholic beverages.
  
• Inebriated people will not be admitted to Kinnick Stadium for the game. Alcohol and its consumption are not allowed in the stadium. Those in violation face ejection and possible criminal prosecution and/or student disciplinary actions.

Tailgating Pointers

You might have a pass to get into one of the parking lots or you might just be one of those folks who just come in each game day and try to get the best spot possible.

For those with passes!  You'll need to get your vehicle in the Friday night before the game if you want your spot.  For those who park anywhere on game day, you MUST get there very early in order to secure a decent spot.  I mean like 6:30 - 7:00 in the morning and this is even sometimes late (yes, really).

PLUS and this is VERY important - if you have friends who will be joining you and they drive their own vehicle, be absolutely certain that you arrive one right after the other.  Otherwise you'll be pointed into a spot that could be very far away from your friends and that is no fun at all.  Especially when you're friends have half of the tailgating items.

Your Tailgating Checklist - Most of the items listed below are for the "perfect" tailgate party.  We know (from experience (see above)) that you don't need all of these things below - but boy, it sure makes for a great party if you do.

1. YOUR TICKETS!
2. A Grill - Charcoal or Propane.  Ideally, propane is easier to handle and easier to clean up.
3. Lighter fluid or a propane tank.
4. A Lighter - preferably the long-handled type.
5. A meat thermometer
6. Spatulas (although we have used the cardboard from a 12-pack of beer in a pinch)
7. Tongs
8. A Knife
9. Potholders or something to keep you from burning your hand
10. Trash bags
11. Tables & Chairs (note that ideally each person will bring their own chair, you'll want to have a few extra for stragglers and for those who forgot).
12. Tent or Awning
13. Coolers
14. Water to put the coals out if using charcoal grills
15. Handy wipes
16. Towels
17. A generator
18. 1. While this isn't necessary it is nice to have around if you'll be microwaving food or watching television
19. Paper Plates
20. Forks, Knives & Spoons
21. Foil
22. Baggies
23. Can Opener
24. Skillets or pans needed for your style of food
25. Salt & Pepper
26. Napkins/Paper Towels
27. Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, bbq sauce, etc.)
28. A television (if you'll be watching the game from the tailgate)
29. A satellite (if you'll be bringing a television)
30. Radio
31. Football to play around with
32. Digital camera
33. Binoculars (depending upon where you sit)
34. Extension Cords
35. AC Adaptor
36. Beer
37. Any kind of food you'll need for the meal that day
38. Ice
39. Soda (for the non-beer drinkers (aka: children))
40. Water
41. Coozies
42. Sunglasses
43. Sunscreen
44. Rain Poncho
45. Seat Cushions
46. Jumper Cables (trust us on this one)
47. YOUR TICKETS

Now while this looks like a HUGE list, keep in mind, many of these items can be packed up at the beginning of the season in the same vehicle you'll be taking to each tailgate.  The only thing you'll need to supply each week are the consumables (food, beer, soda, ice, etc.)

Here's a huge tip:  For the past few years, we've got a system worked out with the HawkFans tailgating crew where each person who will be coming that week brings an item with them.  This way one person isn't solely responsible for all of the items each and every week.  (You'd get pretty burnt out I'm sure).