3 ways to prepare your NFL playoffs tailgate for winter

Enjoying Tailgating During Cold Weather

The weather may not always be great, but tailgating can still be a blast. As we approach the end of the NFL season, there’s still the postseason to look forward to, bringing more opportunities to tailgate.

Teams like the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots are set to host playoff games, but the January weather is anyone’s guess. With a bit of planning, you can make sure that your fellow fans enjoy a warm, fun time, even during the coldest days.

Prepare for the Elements

We can’t expect perfect weather for every game, so having some form of shelter is smart. Whether it’s raining or snowing—or just really cold—having a place to retreat to is essential.

Consider a tent in your team’s colors or a fully enclosed option. This shelter should be spacious enough for a few comfortable chairs, a table for food and decor, and maybe even a TV or two. If it’s freezing, you might want to bring along team-branded blankets and rechargeable hand warmers to share with everyone.

Warm Up Your Menu

When preparing food for a group, it’s wise to avoid overly spicy dishes—everyone has different tastes. In colder weather, though, dishes that provide some warmth are ideal.

Think about meals that store and serve well from clay pots, such as chili, pulled pork, or chicken dip. Walking tacos, which consist of seasoned ground beef served in single-serve bags of Fritos, are a crowd-pleaser and cut down on waste.

Typical tailgating classics like buffalo wings can pose challenges when it’s cold. Keeping a grill hot is tough in low temperatures, and taking off your gloves to eat might leave your hands cold and messy. Stick to foods you can eat with a spoon or on chips and crackers.

Bringing hot beverages like cocoa or apple cider can be a lifesaver on chilly days, so don’t forget that!

(Tailgate) Let the Fun Begin

While a shelter is nice, spending your whole tailgate inside can be a bit dull. To stay warm and have fun, consider bringing along some outdoor games.

Games like Cornhole, Horseshoes, or even larger versions of classics like Jenga and Connect 4 can keep spirits high. Tossing a soccer ball around with friends and family is another great way to stay active while waiting for the game to start. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, card games are a good backup option.