Planning the Perfect Tailgate: Party Ideas Powered by Fetch

Need a tailgate party idea? We recommend starting with your menu and guest list, saving any big plans for once you get into a routine for game day. 

Check out our tips for how to host a tailgate party below, and remember to snap every receipt for your tailgate party supplies in the Fetch app. Pretty soon, you’ll be paying for some of your tailgate party with the points from the last one.

Turn your tailgate party into a points party with Fetch

You know you should be snapping each receipt in the Fetch app, right? That’s just step one on your path to points and rewards. Each tailgate party idea piles up the points stocking snacks and drinks, but there are so many more ways to earn points:

• Fetch Offers: From new brands to old favorites, you’ll find offers in the Fetch app that earn you extra points just for shopping particular products or at specific locations. Tap that “favorite” button and you’re building a shopping list of points boosters.
• Boosted Brands: Speaking of boosters, you’ll find some brands with a flame icon next to them in the app. Each of these brands’ products will bring you extra points, and the bigger the flame, the bigger the boost.
• Fetch Shop: Need food? Drinks? A grill? Just tap the shopping cart icon to the left of your camera icon in the Fetch app to open Fetch Shop. Order from your favorite retailers and earn points on nearly every dollar.

History of tailgating

Believe it or not, the modern tailgate parties can trace their roots back to ancient harvest celebrations in Greece and Rome.

• Food, drink, music and community would be on display for one final feast before winter set in. They may not have been watching Football, but the spirit is the same.
• Just a few thousand years later, Americans traveled to the first Battle of Bull Run to observe and have a picnic. 
• By the early 1900s, college football was dominated by top tier schools who often had rich alumni, some of the first to buy cars and bring family and friends to the game.
• The tailgating ritual grew immensely as car ownership grew, followed soon by mass production of plastic coolers and portable grills.

You’ll certainly find tailgating parties for all kinds of sports, but it’s also most common for college and professional football. 

Fetch’s top 7 tips for hosting a great tailgate party

In the history of tailgating, there are some pretty consistent winning plans. Here are 7 of our tips for hosting a great tailgate party:

1. Portable is best. From chairs and tables to transport-friendly food storage and decorations, portability and durability should be top priorities for party supplies.
2. Stake out a spot. You’ll usually find tailgate parties going on outside the venue, in the parking lot. If you’re not traveling far, scope out the area ahead of time and be sure to arrive early to hold the spot until more guests come by.
3. Bring furniture. Some fans have their own chairs that are as much a part of the ritual as their jerseys, but the last thing you want is to leave a guest with nowhere to sit. 
4. Label food. It’s important for food allergies, vegetarians and vegans, but it also makes it easier so that you aren’t fielding questions all day about the spread at your party.
5. Bring games. Cornhole is a staple of most tailgate parties, as are beer pong and bocce ball. It’s smart to have something to fill the time.
6. Stay charged up. Backup batteries for your phone, a rechargeable Bluetooth speaker for music, extra AA and AAA batteries just in case. You should also have a power strip or two and some extra phone chargers.
7. Pick a theme. If you want yours to stand out from other tailgate party ideas, pick a theme for the party. Find party favors for your guests in Fetch Shop (or make some by hand) so they know where to go when the next tailgate party hits.

Easy tailgate food and drink ideas

The best tailgate food and drink ideas are usually the easiest. If you make easy tailgate snack and drink plans, you won’t have to worry about how to host a tailgate party. Here are some food and drink plans to make your next event run smoothly

• Finger foods and dippables like Tostitos tortilla chips and salsa, Stacy’s pita chips with Sabra hummus, Cheetos and Chex Mix. Just tear open a bag or twist the lid off a jar of salsa, and you’re done.
• Put that slow cooker to work. Pulled pork sandwiches, chili cheese dip, smoked sausages or meatballs. Set it, forget it and just keep it on “warm” for the game.
• Cook pre-made burgers. Fresh or frozen, your life is easier if you just need to open a container and toss patties onto a grill. You’ll find plenty of frozen choices, but your deli probably has a thicker burger.
• Pitcher cocktails. Even if you love making drinks, you’re going to get tired of it on game day. Do something simple, like André champagne and Simply Orange Juice for mimosas. Make it once and pour all day.
• Self-serve. Have mixers and alcohol out, then just let your guests make their own drinks.
• Canned drinks. Your guests will expect to find canned soda and beer, but you can also grab a pack of Bulleit Crafted Cocktails to make tending bar even simpler.

Fetch gift cards to fund your next tailgate party

Whatever tailgate party idea(s) you have, there’s a gift card to help you fund it. Trade in your points for a gift card to one of these retailers and go the extra mile for your next party:

• Albertsons
• Amazon
• Kroger
• Meijer
• Sam’s Club
• Target
• Walmart

Plan your party with the Fetch App

Open the Fetch app to start on your tailgate party plan today. Tap into the offers to start making your list, check how many points you need for your next gift card and think about who you’ll be inviting to game day.

We’re your tailgate party planners, with the best tailgate snack and drink ideas and one of the easiest ways to earn rewards every step of the way.