There are four seasons in the south: winter, spring, summer, and football. When that first chill hits the air (a slight chill, around 6 a.m., before the humidity sets in – we’re still in Georgia, after all), you know it’s time to tee it up and get your tailgating game in order. Not unlike defending the triple option, pulling off a movable spread requires thought, planning and strategy. Pre-game like a pro with these unique tailgating items that we’re totally DiGging.
GCI OUTDOOR PICO ARMCHAIR
First thing’s first: you’ve got to have a great tailgating chair. And no, they are not all created equal, especially when your campus of choice has gone pedestrian-friendly and you have to hike a mile carrying all of your supplies. The GCI Outdoor Pico Armchair packs down to about 1/16 of its size, quickly making it your tailgating MVP.
$100 – AMAZON
GOPONG PORTABLE BEER PONG TABLE
Tailgating traditionally doesn’t need an activity, but if you’re going to have one, it’s best that it involves beer. Enter the GoPong Portable Beer Pong Table: this table has a sturdy aluminum frame and waterproof MDF surface, customizable with your team’s logo or classic football design. Also, we’re told that this table is full regulation, tournament size, which we totally didn’t know was a thing. With six ping pong balls and a foam holder, this table comes with almost everything you need for a raging beer pong tournament – just add beer.
$86 – WAYFAIR
SPINCHILL PORTABLE DRINK CHILLER
When your tailgate turns into an EPIC tailgate, sometimes you have to restock the cooler. But what’s worse than reaching in a cooler and pulling out a lukewarm can that was haphazardly thrown in 10 minutes ago? The SpinChill takes advantage of a physics quirk: rapidly spinning cans in ice water cool 20 times faster than sedentary cans, chilling your drink in less than a minute. (Don’t worry, it won’t make your Coke explode.) Physics nerds FTW.
$25 – SPINCHILL.COM
GO PLATE
How many times have you put your drink down to fix a plate of food, only to either 1) forget where you put it or 2) find it surrounded by identical drinks. It’s 2017; you just shouldn’t have to choose between drinking an ice cold beverage and holding a hot plate of food. The Go Plate attempts to end this tragedy forever: these genius plates fit right over a bottle neck, cup, or can. But please do not attempt to take a swig while the plate is still on (it may seem like a good idea; it is not).
$10/PACK OF TEN AT WALMART
DISH NETWORK TAILGATER
The FOMO is real in the era of the SEC Network and RedZone. Listening to your rivals get demolished on the radio is simply unacceptable, and being outside is no excuse. The ultimate in trunk-based media, this portable (it’s only 10 lbs!) satellite antenna automatically locates the correct satellite, making set-up easier than the other team’s cheerleaders. The Tailgater will set you back a bit, but DISH’s pay-as-you-go model means you’re not still getting bills when the spring game rolls around.
$499 WITH A RECEIVER AT DISH.COM
BEVOMETER
Koozies that simply keep your beer cold are so last season; insist on an insulator that works harder. The Bevometer provides an extremely valuable public service: a sensor detects each time a new drink is inserted, automatically keeping track of your consumption. The LCD display features a Daily counter, which is easily reset if you want to ignore your self-imposed limits, and Lifetime counter, which is a little more difficult to reset so that you don’t accidentally erase your lifetime achievement.
$14.99 AT BEVOMETER.COM