Tailgating tips for NFL games, college football and concerts

Tailgating is a rite of passage for many sports fans and concertgoers. Whether you’re firing up the grill before an NFL Sunday matchup, setting up in a college football parking lot at sunrise, or getting hyped before a big stadium concert, doing it right can make your event experience unforgettable. 

But great tailgating doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, gear, etiquette, and awareness of stadium policies.

In this guide, we’ll walk through practical tips for tailgating success at NFL games, college football matchups, and big‑ticket concerts. You’ll learn how to pick the right spot, what gear to bring, how to stay safe and compliant, and how to make it fun for everyone in your group, SeatGeek style!

Why tailgating adds to the live event experience

For many fans, the tailgate is as important as the event itself. It’s an opportunity to connect with friends, celebrate team traditions, meet fellow fans, and build anticipation before the main event. 

At big concerts, especially festivals and major arena shows, tailgating or pre‑show gatherings often become memories as strong as the performance itself.

A great tailgate can kick off your event day vibe, serve as a social hub before the game or show, and even make a cold kickoff or long concert line fun.

Tailgating tips for NFL games

NFL tailgating is practically a sport of its own. Parking lots open hours before kickoff, and fans bring full kitchens, games, and elaborate setups.

1. Know the rules before you go

Every NFL stadium has a different tailgating policy, from what time lots open to what you can burn on a grill, to whether open flames are allowed at all.

Some stadiums open tailgating lots up to 8 hours before kickoff, while others limit access until 4–5 hours before.

Many venues require parking passes or permits in advance, especially for premium lots.

Open flames, fireworks, and propane tanks may be restricted in some stadiums due to safety or local ordinances.

Always check the official venue tailgating guidelines before you show up. This ensures you’re not scrambling to comply when you arrive.

2. Arrive early for prime space

The early bird gets the prime parking spot. Legendary tailgates, like in Green Bay’s Lambeau Field lots or Philadelphia’s tailgating rows, fill up fast. 

Arrive early enough that you can stake out a good space, set up your canopy and grill, and start enjoying the day without rushing.

3. Pack smart: essentials checklist

A little preparation goes a long way. Some of the basics you’ll want include portable chairs, a canopy, coolers, ice, trash bags and food. We'll dive into a more specific checklist further down.

Also make sure to pack everything the night before. Tailgating mornings can be hectic.

4. Safety first

Tailgating is all about fun, but it’s important to keep safety top of mind so your celebration doesn’t take an unexpected turn.

• Fire safety: Never leave grills unattended and keep a fire extinguisher close.

• Hydration: Football weather varies widely. Stay hydrated, especially in hot climates.

• Food safety: Keep raw and cooked foods separate, and don’t let perishables sit out too long.

Safety keeps the fun going without unwanted stress.

5. Be neighborly

Tailgating lots are communal. 

Respect your neighbors by:

• Keeping your music at a reasonable level.

• Sharing tables or spaces where appropriate.

• Cleaning up your area completely before you leave.

Good etiquette builds a positive tailgating culture and prevents issues with event security or local enforcement.

Tailgating tips for college football

College tailgates are a social spectacle, often bigger than the game itself. Rivalries, traditions, and student culture create a unique atmosphere.

1. Understand campus policies

College stadiums and municipalities have diverse rules:

• Some schools allow alcohol in tailgating lots; others limit it or require IDs at tent check‑ins.

• Certain campuses restrict open fires or grilling.

• Early arrival rules vary. Some lots open up to 12 hours before kickoff.

Check your school’s official list of tailgating policies before bringing food or beverages.

2. Represent your colors

College tailgating is a sea of team colors. Whether it’s scarlet and gray, crimson and gold, or blue and orange, fans bring flags, face paint, and jerseys to show pride. 

Pack a flag or banner. It helps your group’s spot stand out.

3. Add tailgate traditions

College tailgates often have traditions that make them special:

• Alma mater singalongs

• Kickoff chants and rituals

• Throwing the pigskin around before the game

Ask seasoned fans or alumni about traditions. Joining in makes the experience richer.

4. Be weather‑ready

Fall games run from August to November. 

The weather can be hot, rainy, or chilly, so make sure to bring:

• Sun protection: hats, sunscreen, and shaded canopies for warm games.

• Rain gear: tarps, umbrellas, and waterproof coolers if rain is expected.

• Layers: for colder games later in the season, jackets and blankets are essential.

Check the forecast before you pack.

Tailgating tips for concerts

Concert tailgating isn’t always as structured as sports tailgating, but at major stadium shows and music festivals, it’s growing fast, especially where lots open early.

1. Know the venue’s protocol

Concert tailgating usually follows the stadium’s overall policy:

• Some stadiums allow tailgating only for specific shows.

• Music festivals often have designated zones for pre‑show gatherings.

• Alcohol rules can differ. Open beverages might be allowed in tailgating lots, but not inside the venue.

Visit the venue’s official policy page before you pack up the car.

2. Bring easy food and drinks

Concert tailgates tend to be more relaxed than sports ones; less grill‑centric, more snack and picnic style:

• Sandwiches and wraps (easy to pack and eat)

• Cooler with water/soft drinks

• Snack packs for quick munching before the show

Keep it simple; the show is the main event.

3. Set up for comfort

Concert‑style tailgating often involves:

• Portable speakers (respectful volume)

• Lightweight chairs

• Game gear (cornhole, frisbee)

You’re setting up to maximize fun without interfering with music fans or lot security.

General tailgating guidelines for any event

Whether you’re heading to a football game or a stadium concert, these universal tailgating best practices apply at nearly every venue and help ensure a safe, fun, and stress-free experience for everyone.

Tailgating accessories and gear suggestions

Here’s a list of tailgating gear worth investing in:

• Sturdy canopy or pop‑up tent – Provides shade and shelter.

• Foldable chairs – Comfortable and portable.

• Heavy‑duty cooler – Keeps ice longer.

• Portable grill – Choose propane or charcoal based on stadium policy.

• Charging station / Power bank – For phones and Bluetooth speakers.

• Trash and recycling bags – Clean up like a pro.

• Paper towels & wipes – For spills and quick cleanup.

• Pack a “tailgate box” the night before — then mornings are stress‑free.

Having these essentials on hand makes setup quicker, cleanup easier, and your tailgate experience far more enjoyable from start to finish.

Tailgating safety and courtesy

Great tailgates are safe tailgates. Being mindful of those around you helps keep the atmosphere welcoming and avoids unnecessary issues with security or venue staff. Designate a sober driver if alcohol is involved, keep music at a respectful volume, and make sure walkways and entrances stay clear. In crowded parking lots, staying aware of your surroundings goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe and comfortable.

Good etiquette not only improves your experience but also contributes to a positive tailgating culture for all fans.

Common tailgating mistakes to avoid

Even seasoned fans fall into habits that hurt the experience. 

Planning ahead eliminates these common pitfalls:

• Showing up right before kickoff: Prime spots fill early.

• Overpacking food that goes bad in heat: Keep perishables chilled.

• Ignoring stadium rules: Gets you shut down or turned away.

• Littering: Not only rude, it may result in fines or ejection.

• Leaving gear unattended: Tailgating is social, so keep valuables close.

From tickets to tailgates: Planning the full experience with SeatGeek

Tailgating is part of the experience, and SeatGeek helps fans plan more than just what happens inside the venue. From discovering the right game or concert to understanding venue policies, having your tickets locked in early makes it easier to focus on everything that comes before kickoff or curtain time.

SeatGeek’s event filters help you find games and concerts where tailgating is part of the culture, while venue pages often link to official stadium guides and parking information — including tailgating rules and lot details. Price alerts also give you flexibility, letting you track ticket trends and plan your event day without rushing.

With your tickets secured, the rest of the day falls into place. Build your tailgate checklist, arrive early, and enjoy the moments that make game days and concert nights memorable.

When it’s done right, tailgating sets the tone for the entire event. With smart preparation, good etiquette, and the right tools, you can turn pre-event time into an experience worth remembering — from the first grill flip to the final whistle or last encore.