Tailgate experts will agree that the best tailgate experience takes at least a little planning. We aren’t suggesting you create an exact replica of Goodman Stadium filled with chips, dips, and veggies. But since we didn’t want to see you stuck without a chair in the parking lot, we threw together a quick guide to make your Rivalry tailgate stocked and stress free.
Tailgate Planning Checklist
We already know the why and when — game time at 12 noon!
Equip yourself with a checklist of what you want and need, and then decide where you’d like to park and make a driving plan. Once you figure out who will be part of your group, get your game tickets. Letting Lafayette fans party with you is a personal choice … no judgment.
But only feed the Mountain Hawks.
- Essentials: Chairs, tables, tent, cooler(s)
- Parking: Decide on a preferred spot and arrival time
- Group Invite List: Confirm attendees and decide if you’re inviting any rival fans
- Necessities: Game tickets and ID
What’s your vibe? Comfy cozy or basic and chill? Your answer will determine if you need a themed menu, signature drinks, or over-the-top decor. Either way, nailing the color scheme is a must. Stock up on brown and white banners, tablecloths, and paper goods. And if your vibe is next level, you might opt for string lights, pom-poms, and foam fingers!
- Vibe: Decide if it's comfy and cozy or simple and casual
- Decorations: Brown and white banners, tablecloths, and paper goods
- Extras: Consider string lights, pom-poms, foam fingers, and team flags for added spirit
Grill or crock pot? Potluck or catered? If your vibe is basic, you may choose to prep only by grabbing a six pack, a bag of Tostitos with a jar of salsa, and then just picking up some Wawa on the way to the game. On the flipside, maybe you have been inspired by your favorite Food Network chef tailgating on Instagram or Tiktok and want to go the extra mile.
With a home-cooked spread, make sure you remember to prep whatever you can ahead of time: Use segmented platters with a tight-fitting cover for charcuterie boards, toppings for chili, or veggie fruit trays. And don’t forget the plates, napkins, serving spoons, and condiments!
- Food Prep: If grilling: Bring propane/charcoal, utensils, lighter, grill brush. If opting for a potluck: Bring crock pots of prepared food, a power source, and serving utensils. If catering: Place your order and make sure you have tables and sternos for the spread.
- Apps and Snacks: Chips, dips, veggies, fruit trays, and premade charcuterie boards
- Serving Gear: Plates, napkins, utensils, serving spoons, and condiments
- Beverages: A selection of your favorite beverages, ice, and plenty of water. If you offer a signature cocktail, don’t forget the cups!
- Dietary Options: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free options
Fresh Snacks: Ensure fruit, veggies, and other palate-cleansing options are available.
You will need a few options to pass the time. Baggo (otherwise known as Cornhole) is a tailgate favorite, but there are plenty of other games in the same category, like ladder toss or washers. When in doubt, bring a pigskin for a good ol’ fashioned catch.
Also remember that every good party has music, so bring a decent wireless speaker and make a playlist that will appeal to the group. But make sure you bring backup power for your devices so they last until game time. And don’t forget to brush up on your Lehigh fight songs.
- Games: Baggo (Cornhole), ladder toss, washers, or a football for catch
- Music: Wireless speaker, a group-friendly playlist, and a power bank with phone charger
- School Spirit: Brush up on your Lehigh fight songs
Some parts of a tailgate aren’t exciting but always necessary. Plan for supplies for cleaning up, in case nature calls, and for getting home safe.
You will also need trash bags to be a courteous tailgater. Leave the place the way you found it. Make Asa proud.
- Leave No Trace: Trash bags, recycling bags, and disposable gloves for tidying up
- Just In Case: First aid kit, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and antibacterial wipes
- Safety First: Assign a designated driver if alcohol is being served.
Use this tailgate checklist to make the planning easier. Or you can just skip all the trouble, leave the planning to us, and join us at the alumni tailgate! Warm tent, clean bathrooms, and plenty of food and drink options at the ready. And best of all, no cleanup!
In This Image: You never know who might show up at the official Lehigh alumni tailgate!
In This Image: No matter how much planning you do for your tailgate, you can't compete with the options available under the official tent.
In This Image: Focus on what matters at tailgate: making memories with friends and family.
In This Image: Why take chances with the weather when the Development and Alumni Relations team has planned the perfect tailgate regardless of rain, wind, or cold — and the bathrooms are heated too!
In This Image: Cook, chop, prep, set up, and then clean up — or leave the cooking and cleanup to us.
In This Image: Besides great music, food, drinks, and games, the official Lehigh alumni tailgate also provides pep rally energy.
In This Image: Lug and set up your lawn games in the parking lot, or you can let us bring everything so you can just relax, eat, and play before heading off to the game.
