Elevate your tailgate with these 4 simple tips

September 04, 2025 at 08:01 AM EDT

(BPT) - National Tailgating Day is coming up! If you're a frequent tailgate host - whether you gather outside of the stadium or in your living room - you probably have your own game day traditions, but it may be time to call an audible and change your strategy.

This football season, be open to new ideas that can take your tailgate to the next level. With just a few adjustments, you can make your football parties so memorable that your friends, family and fellow football fans will be begging you to host a tailgate for The Big Game later this season.

Not sure where to start? Check out these four tips to help you turn your tailgate into a championship-winning touchdown.

1. Double down on decorations

Show your team spirit with team-themed decorations! You can, of course, find official merch with your team name and logo, but don't be afraid to get creative.

When shopping, look for tablecloths, cups, balloons and banners in your team's primary and secondary colors. Head to your local craft store and find stickers, permanent markers and paint to turn these seemingly plain items into bespoke party decorations. Short on time? Print out themed signage, menus and rally banners, turn boxes into party displays or get creative with food spreads that mirror footballs, fields and jerseys - all the small details will help set the scene and get your guests in the zone.

Table set with plateted chicken wings, cups, napkins and box of Bota Box wine.

2. Switch up your beverages

Beer and cocktails are traditional game day beverages, but they're not the only drink options. This year, add boxed wine to your football shopping list. Wine may seem a bit formal for a sports gathering, but a box of wine is a game-changing addition to any fan or tailgater's playbook.

Choose a high-quality boxed wine like Bota Box for your next game day. Its portable, durable and no-fuss packaging is shatterproof, doesn't require a corkscrew and is recyclable, making it perfect for any gathering at home or in the stadium parking lot. For large gatherings, each 3-liter box offers the same amount of wine as four bottles and a pourable spout makes it easy for guests to serve themselves a glass. Heading to a stadium tailgate? Toss a few Bota Box "Minis" in the cooler to add variety. Each 500ml "Mini" carton holds the equivalent of three glasses of wine in a lightweight, recyclable sipper that's just right for sharing with friends before kickoff.

3. Get everyone involved with football game predictions

It's always fun to try and guess how the game will play out. Make prediction sheets for your guests. This activity can foster team spirit, encourage social connections and ramp up the fun before the game starts.

There isn't one right way to make a prediction sheet. However, think about questions like who will score the first touchdown and what the final score will be. Don't forget to have a prize for the winner, like football memorabilia!

Pro tip: If you're strapped for time, you can even download prediction sheets online to use for your tailgate.

Small white plates with three varieties of chicken wings with dip, celery, and glasses of wine.

4. Serve up a selection of homemade wings

Switch up your usual burgers and hot dogs this tailgate season and try cheffin' up wings at home. You can stick to one flavor or provide a selection of sauces for a customizable tailgate experience. Make sure to offer a mix of beverages to bring out the saucy, savory flavors of your wings and take the tasting experience to the next level.

Pro tip: Do you have a wing recipe you're proud of? Consider entering the "Wing It with Bota" recipe contest for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Bay Area for a recipe cook-off at Guy Fieri's Flavortown Tailgate, and compete for the ultimate grand prize: two tickets to attend The Big Game. To learn more, visit BotaBox.com/Football.

Are you ready for kickoff?

Whether you're watching in person or at home, make your next tailgate one to remember. With these four tips, you'll be ready for game day, no matter if your team wins or loses.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at responsibility.org.

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Elevate your tailgate with these 4 simple tips

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