
Key Takeaways
Is there anything better to do on a Saturday in Tennessee besides celebrating college football? Root for the Vols at Neyland Stadium, or host a backyard bash with your buddies. A successful tailgate requires planning, the right gear, and good company. It’s more than just grilling burgers before a game; because anyone can do that. It’s about a time-honored tradition filled with food, fun, and fanfare.
So are you ready for a Tennessee tailgating bash? Here are the tailgating essentials you need to throw the best football party of the season:
Before diving into the gear, you have to map out the details. The first is location. Are you tailgating at a stadium, a park or your driveway? Tailgating at stadiums like Neyland can get crowded, so claim your spot early.
Finalize the guest count. This determines the amount of food, drinks, seating, and equipment needed for your tailgating party. Don’t forget to watch the weather! Tennessee weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and plan for anything. Partner with local companies like Ultimate Party Rentals that offer tailgating rentals to save time and effort (plus storage space!).
What exactly do you need for a tailgate? It begins with a sturdy tent, the ultimate tailgating essential for shade from the Southern sun and shelter from surprise rain showers. Look for water-resistant fabric. Tent rentals are ideal for this since you can get easy set-up and retrieval.
And besides shade, you need comfort too. Folding chairs, benches, and portable tables make eating, and mingling a lot easier. Choose collapsible chairs, drink holders, and even side trays for convenience. Renting this will be easier since you may not have this stuff sitting around. Tailgating essentials are available as rentals as well; and this can make planning easier.
What’s Tennessee tailgating without barbeque? Think burgers, hot dogs, smoked ribs. A good grill is non-negotiable. Renting a professional-grade grill can upgrade your tailgate without the commitment. Explore grill rental options with Ultimate Party Rentals.
Keep your perishables cold, and your drinks even colder with coolers! Smaller coolers are great for drinks, and you can get insulated food carriers for hot dishes. You could even freeze water bottles and use them instead of ice to keep your refreshments nice and cool without dealing with melted ice.
And don’t forget to show your team spirit! Flags, tablecloths, banners, and more. Adding LED string lights to your tailgating equipment is essential for evening games while orange-and-white themed football decor is a requirement to set the mood for Vols fans.
Your electronics can’t be forgotten about either. Keep phones and the party going after dark with portable power banks, solar or battery-powered string lights, and generators (only if needed). Some tailgaters even bring projectors to stream the game, with serious dedication to the game.

The food is the heart of your tailgate. Make a list of essentials so you don’t forget, because it might be a lot and things can easily slip out of your mind. You can have pre-made sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. Handheld snacks like sliders and wings are great too. Beer, soda, water, and spiked seltzers are great coolers to go alongside the food.
You could even make it into a potluck. Assign each guest to bring a dish or order from local BBQ joints!
Don’t forget disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. Trash bags are a must to clean up afterward because you don’t want to leave a mess. And you’ll need these non-negotiable tailgating essentials: hand sanitizer and wet wipes for sticky BBQ fingers.
Keep everything organized with a central table or storage station. Use storage bins to separate cooking supplies, cleaning and first-aid, games and entertainment. Think about renting a fold-out bar or multi-tiered table for larger parties, since these are tailgating essentials for larger parties.
Waiting for kickoff with antsy guests? That’s where the games come in! Have staples like cornhole boards which are a Tennessee staple. Ladder toss, beer pong tables, or even footballs are a good idea to include. Keep bluetooth speakers on hand for the vibe because you can’t have the pregame commentary not playing.
Whether you’re at a football game or hosting at home, these dos and don’ts apply:
DO
DON’T
If you’re tailgating on-campus, you have to check local university rules about alcohol and grilling. Some spots might even offer tailgate concierge service where you can book areas in advance. Look into tailgating rentals in Nashville and surrounding areas that handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun.
Throwing an unforgettable tailgate in Tennessee is all about preparation, passion and the right gear. Whether you’re cheering for the Vols in Knoxville or hosting a watch party at home, these tailgating essentials are bound to make your football bash a hit.
Rent top-tier tailgating equipment to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. At Ultimate Party Rentals, your tailgate can be as laid-back or luxe as you want with our rentals. So stock up, invite your crew, and get ready to celebrate football season the Southern way!

Key Takeaways
Is there anything better to do on a Saturday in Tennessee besides celebrating college football? Root for the Vols at Neyland Stadium, or host a backyard bash with your buddies. A successful tailgate requires planning, the right gear, and good company. It’s more than just grilling burgers before a game; because anyone can do that. It’s about a time-honored tradition filled with food, fun, and fanfare.
So are you ready for a Tennessee tailgating bash? Here are the tailgating essentials you need to throw the best football party of the season:
Before diving into the gear, you have to map out the details. The first is location. Are you tailgating at a stadium, a park or your driveway? Tailgating at stadiums like Neyland can get crowded, so claim your spot early.
Finalize the guest count. This determines the amount of food, drinks, seating, and equipment needed for your tailgating party. Don’t forget to watch the weather! Tennessee weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and plan for anything. Partner with local companies like Ultimate Party Rentals that offer tailgating rentals to save time and effort (plus storage space!).
What exactly do you need for a tailgate? It begins with a sturdy tent, the ultimate tailgating essential for shade from the Southern sun and shelter from surprise rain showers. Look for water-resistant fabric. Tent rentals are ideal for this since you can get easy set-up and retrieval.
And besides shade, you need comfort too. Folding chairs, benches, and portable tables make eating, and mingling a lot easier. Choose collapsible chairs, drink holders, and even side trays for convenience. Renting this will be easier since you may not have this stuff sitting around. Tailgating essentials are available as rentals as well; and this can make planning easier.
What’s Tennessee tailgating without barbeque? Think burgers, hot dogs, smoked ribs. A good grill is non-negotiable. Renting a professional-grade grill can upgrade your tailgate without the commitment. Explore grill rental options with Ultimate Party Rentals.
Keep your perishables cold, and your drinks even colder with coolers! Smaller coolers are great for drinks, and you can get insulated food carriers for hot dishes. You could even freeze water bottles and use them instead of ice to keep your refreshments nice and cool without dealing with melted ice.
And don’t forget to show your team spirit! Flags, tablecloths, banners, and more. Adding LED string lights to your tailgating equipment is essential for evening games while orange-and-white themed football decor is a requirement to set the mood for Vols fans.
Your electronics can’t be forgotten about either. Keep phones and the party going after dark with portable power banks, solar or battery-powered string lights, and generators (only if needed). Some tailgaters even bring projectors to stream the game, with serious dedication to the game.

The food is the heart of your tailgate. Make a list of essentials so you don’t forget, because it might be a lot and things can easily slip out of your mind. You can have pre-made sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. Handheld snacks like sliders and wings are great too. Beer, soda, water, and spiked seltzers are great coolers to go alongside the food.
You could even make it into a potluck. Assign each guest to bring a dish or order from local BBQ joints!
Don’t forget disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. Trash bags are a must to clean up afterward because you don’t want to leave a mess. And you’ll need these non-negotiable tailgating essentials: hand sanitizer and wet wipes for sticky BBQ fingers.
Keep everything organized with a central table or storage station. Use storage bins to separate cooking supplies, cleaning and first-aid, games and entertainment. Think about renting a fold-out bar or multi-tiered table for larger parties, since these are tailgating essentials for larger parties.
Waiting for kickoff with antsy guests? That’s where the games come in! Have staples like cornhole boards which are a Tennessee staple. Ladder toss, beer pong tables, or even footballs are a good idea to include. Keep bluetooth speakers on hand for the vibe because you can’t have the pregame commentary not playing.
Whether you’re at a football game or hosting at home, these dos and don’ts apply:
DO
DON’T
If you’re tailgating on-campus, you have to check local university rules about alcohol and grilling. Some spots might even offer tailgate concierge service where you can book areas in advance. Look into tailgating rentals in Nashville and surrounding areas that handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun.
Throwing an unforgettable tailgate in Tennessee is all about preparation, passion and the right gear. Whether you’re cheering for the Vols in Knoxville or hosting a watch party at home, these tailgating essentials are bound to make your football bash a hit.
Rent top-tier tailgating equipment to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. At Ultimate Party Rentals, your tailgate can be as laid-back or luxe as you want with our rentals. So stock up, invite your crew, and get ready to celebrate football season the Southern way!
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Michelle has been in the event rentals business since 2008 when she started The Ultimate Party Store to provide affordable and high-quality party decorations for any event. After dabbling in providing table and chair rentals, Michelle opened Ultimate Party Tents and Events, fully committing to providing everything anyone would need for an event in the Nashville-Hendersonville area. As a local business owner, she gives back to her community by volunteering her time to local organizations and events.