Tailgating equipment sure to score admiring glances
Football season is nearly upon us, which means it’s time to prepare to load up the trunk, ice down the coolers and spend weekend afternoons grilling, tossing bean bags and getting amped for kickoff.
But if you want to host the tailgate of the season, you’ll have put in a little more work. Because upgrading your tailgate from second-string to all-star isn’t about the must-haves. It’s about having items that are so cool — that make the other pregame partiers so jealous — that they’ll solidify your rightful place in the tailgate hall of fame.
Here are some ways to score big points in the parking lot — life-changing essentials you never knew you needed.
Count your beverages
This koozie does more than keep your beer cold. The Bevometer will keep track of your beers both “this time” and over its “lifetime.” The tech-savvy can cooler can help keep you on track for a safe tailgating experience, and it can also help you keep track of your season-long beer consumption. It’s a win-win. $14.99, www.bevometer.com.
Points for efficiency
Every tailgate worth its footballs has a grill and a cooler, so Char-Broil combined the two. Its Grill2Go ICE Tailgating Gas Grill allows you to knock out two must-haves while saving space in your trunk. The grill easily collapses for storage, but at full height fits two ice coolers for beverages and food. The wheels make it easy to maneuver, and the side shelves provide a handy workspace. $199.99, www.charbroil.com or call for availability at Sports Authority, Academy and Target stores.
Just chill
Be the coolest kids on the block with the MistyMate Cool Camper 6. The outdoor misting system easily clips to tents or other structures and needs no batteries to run. Just fill up the portable water tank, clip the hose to your canopy and keep your guests chill all afternoon. $69.99, www.mistymate.com or call to check availability at Academy stores.
Baby got back
The Tailgater Dual Tank Backpack Drink Dispenser from Home Wet Bar will get some spirited conversations started. You’re certain to make friends while toting your favorite beverages on your back like oxygen tanks on a scuba suit. Extra cool points for the Red Solo cups dangling from your waist. With a 210-ounce capacity and two taps, this contraption is as practical as it is preposterous. $39.95, www.homewetbar.com.
Pig on a gridiron
Burgers? Bleh. With the Mr. Bar-B-Q Nonstick Bacon Griller, you can smoke out the competition and make bacon cheeseburgers. The angled surface drains grease, and the handy tray beneath prevents grill flare-ups. Morning kickoff? It’s great for breakfast sandwiches, while everyone else’ll be stuck in line at Mickey D’s. $17.99, www.amazon.com or call for availability at your neighborhood Academy Sports and Outdoors stores.
Ice cap
Cooling off with a cold beer is always a good idea, but cooling off with a frozen beer is way cooler. Japan’s favorite brewer, Kirin Ichiban, manufactures the Frozen Beer Slushie Maker to allow such an indulgence. The machine adds a whipped, frozen foam cap to the top of your beer, which creates a layer of insulation to keep the rest of your drink super cold. And this proves, once and for all, that the Japanese are ahead of the rest of the world in every possible way — including happy hour innovation. $88, www.japantrendshop.com.
Portable TV
The only downside to going to the big game is missing the other ones on TV. Ease the blow by bringing a TV of your own, equipped with DISH’s King Tailgater 2, the satellite service’s newest portable antenna that allows you to watch the rest of the action while you pregame. It’s easy to set up, and the service plans allow you to pay as you go. $350, www.dishformyrv.com.
This story was originally published August 21, 2015 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Tailgating equipment sure to score admiring glances."