Autumn brings football, and football brings standing around in parking lots, snacking on chips and dip with familiar faces — and new ones too.
We wanted tips for tailgating smarter and cheaper this season, so we turned to an authority on the subject: Joe Cahn, nicknamed “The Commissioner of Tailgating.”
Cahn runs Tailgating.com, a site full of tailgate pointers, recipes, photos and more. Two decades ago he sold his house, bought an RVandtraveled the country tailgating.
Cahn, who once owned the New Orleans School of Cooking before setting off on his road trips,
shows up to tailgates at football games, NASCAR events and anywhere he can park his “JoeMobile.”
All of “The Commissioner’s” advice for tailgating smarter and more affordably centers on a simple mantra: Keep it simple.
Thrift Stores Are Tailgate Gold
Cahn admits he once purchased costly jerseys for every team he cheered for. But in leagues like the NFL, those jerseys quickly became obsolete when players moved teams.
Now, he shopsthrift storesto rep his teams. Rather than jerseys, he buys plain shirts in his teams’ hues.
“I just started buying colored shirts,” he said. “It’s going to a Goodwill or Salvation Army. You’d be surprised at the different colored shirts you can get very, very inexpensively and still have the same feeling.”
While browsing thrift stores, keep an eye out for a twin-size fitted sheet — Cahn uses one in team colors as a table cover that won’t fly away. Brilliant!
Scout Campus Surplus Sales
College football followers: did you know you can score cheap team swag by checking your university’s surplus property sales?
All public colleges and many private ones must dispose of excess items through a surplus property office. Some schools sell items online, some run on-campus stores and others host auctions.
Athletic departments often have surplus gear from time to time. For example, the University of Wisconsin, home of the Badgers, holding big sales in August and moving football jerseys for as little as $20!
Sharing Lowers the Cost
The secret to keeping tailgating affordable is to invite pals and have them pitch in. Use a convenient money-transfer app so no one can claim they can’t pay you back.
Parking fees at stadiums are tough to avoid, but if your group consolidates into one car and splits the parking cost, it becomes much more manageable.
Pro tip: Park one vehicle at the stadium and have everyone else park further away for free. Then carpool, walk or use a shuttle on game day.
Alternatively, avoid parking fees entirely by tailgating in a friend’s driveway or backyard before (responsibly!) heading to the game.
Cahn says his favored cost-saving potluck plan is to divide food, beverages and supplies into categories. Make a season-long list and rotate who brings what, so nobody is always stuck with the priciest items — alcohol and meat.
“This person does drinks on week one and week 10,” he said. “Someone’s going to bring the meat, someone’s going to bring the side dishes.”
It’s More Than Just Grub
Stick to your budget by remembering that tailgating isn’t primarily about the food. It’s about friends, the vibe and the occasion, Cahn notes.
“It’s not a culinary contest,” he said. “It’s not a Martha Stewart moment. Rachael Ray’s not coming out. Your friends are coming out. I refer to tailgating as the original Facebook. Being around your friends, food tastes better with friends no matter what food it is.”
Cahn added: “Sharing hot dogs or peanut butter and jelly with friends is a far better time than a 10-course meal with people you really don’t like.”
On his journeys to all 31 current NFL venues and over 126 college stadiums, Cahn has sampled everything from steak and lobster to canned beans and frankfurters.
“Anything goes at a tailgate,” he said.
Money-Saving Food Hacks
Still, there are practical strategies to cut costs on tailgate eats.
This collection of tailgating dishes costing under $1 per serving features options like zesty black bean dip and caramel popcorn with peanuts.
Consider becoming a mystery shopper and you might score some tailgate provisions for free!
Don’t overlook coupons and rebate apps — they can reduce your grocery bill. Or use a credit card that gives cash back on groceries and other purchases to buy supplies.
Your slow cooker is a tailgate MVP. Use it to prepare chicken wings or, to cut meat costs, make vegetarian spinach dip.
For an 11 a.m. kickoff, swing by the grocery store that morning and check the day-old bread and pastry section. Many stores discount donuts and muffins — your crowd probably won’t notice.
Skip expensive coffee runs and brew coffee at home, then transport it in a thermos.
Also remember portion sizes don’t have to be large.
“Think of tailgating as a reception,” Cahn says. “At a reception we walk around with small bites.”
Cutting Costs on Alcohol
There’s a place for pricey wine, bubbly or elaborate cocktails, but remember Cahn’s advice: Simpler wins, even with drinks.
It’s perfectly fine to buy inexpensive beer or only purchase beers that are on sale at your liquor store (I often find craft brews discounted $2–$5).
Opt for generic or store-brand spirits, like Costco’s Kirkland line, and you can save $5 to $20 per bottle depending on the spirit. (Most people can’t tell Kirkland from name brands; see this BuzzFeed clip.)
Of course, the easiest way to trim booze costs at your tailgate is to… drink less.
“The brewery is not going out of business,” Cahn said. “You don’t have to drink everything today.”
And don’t forget: stay hydrated and arrange a designated driver or a safe ride home — an Uber is far cheaper than a DUI. (Cahn also suggests naming a designated griller.)
Other Helpful Tips
Cahn shared a few additional pointers to make your tailgate a hit this season.
First, be sure you’re not encroaching on a regular tailgater’s spot. Cahn likens tailgating to a neighborhood block party: be courteous to your neighbors.
“If this is the first time where you’ve been out to a new stadium, what you want to do is ask, ‘Is this somebody’s spot?’ so you’re not intruding on someone’s traditional spot,” he said.
Bring name tags to help new and old friends mingle.
Carry a sturdy trash bag or double-bag refuse — no one wants a half-mile trek to the dumpster only to have potato salad and beer spill. Hand sanitizer is another smart addition, Cahn recommends.
If grilling, discard charcoal safely. Don’t leave hot coals on the pavement where someone might park later. It’s also wise to tote a basic first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
Your Turn: What are your favorite ways to stay on budget while tailgating?
