Whether it's football season, college basketball season, or any time of the year - we always look to have a tailgate. We'll tailgate for a concert, a minor-league game, whatever the reason we'll find an excuse to break out the mini grill and have a party. Here's everything you need to throw the most impressive, game-changing tailgate ever!

1. THE
ULTIMATE GUIDE to the
tailgate

2. Nothing enhances the experience of going to a football or
basketball game like a great tailgate. Gather some friends,
throw some food on the grill, pop open a few cold ones
and get excited for your favorite team to march into the
stadium and beat their rivals.
But you’ve likely been tailgating and seen a man across
the parking lot who looks like he’s having just a little bit
more fun than you, like his hamburger tastes better than
yours. But don’t worry, because Chalmers Automotive
is here to help you assemble the ultimate tailgate
that will put the other man’s party to shame.

3. First, you need the
right atmosphere.
It’sundoubtedlyfuntotailgateatanygame,butifyourschool
isfacingitsbloodrival,thenthestakesfeeljustalittlebithigher,
thetensionisgreaterandtheexcitementismorepalpable.
Herearesomeexamples.

4. South Carolina vs. Clemson texas vs. oklahoma
vs.vs.
The two South Carolina schools have one
of the more intense rivalries in the South.
Clemson quarterback Tahj Boyd told SB
Nation simply, “You don’t have to go out
there and tell these guys how important
this game is. We all know.”
Texas and Oklahoma have been fighting in the
Red River Rivalry for decades, and the rivalry
has grown so intense that the winning team
takes home three trophies. The oldest is a
bronzed ten-gallon hat known as the Golden
Hat, which goes to the athletic department
of the winning school. The Red River Rivalry
Trophy, created in 2003, goes to the student
government of the winner. Finally, the
governors of each state exchange the
Governors’ Trophy.
top collegiate rivalries
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE PERFECT TAILGATE

5. michigan vs ohio state
vs.vs.
alabama vs lsu
This is one of the most intense and storied
rivalries in all of college athletics. The feud
runs so deeply that the late Woody Hayes,
a former OSU head coach, refused to call
Michigan by name and instead referred to
it as “That School Up North.”
Current Michigan head coach Brady Hoke
has taken up this same habit and only refers
to Ohio State as “Ohio.” Ohio governor John
Kasich banned the use of the letter “M”
in the state in November 2013 during the
week of a Michigan-Ohio State game. That’s
dedication right there.
These two SEC powerhouses have
engaged in some wars over the years,
and the intensity can be felt all the way
up in New York City. “It’s just a fist fight
every single year,” former LSU guard
Josh Dworaczyk told USA Today.
“And our fans hate them. So for us,
it’s the biggest game of the year.”
top collegiate rivalries
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE PERFECT TAILGATE

6. -
duke vs. north carolina
vs.
UNC and Duke individually have the third and fourth most wins in college
basketball history, respectively, and the two schools have waged war
on Tobacco Road for almost a century.
“Our games against North Carolina over the decades have proven
to stand that test of greatness and time and excellence,”
said Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski during an
interview on the ACC Network.
top collegiate rivalries
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE PERFECT TAILGATE

7. MUST-HAVE
SUPPLIES
Nowthatwe’vesetthemood,you’llneedtogearup
foryourtailgate.Remembertheseessentialitems
tomaximizeyourexperience.

8.  Beer coozie of your favorite team
 Ice
A healthy supply of ice is absolutely crucial for your
tailgate. You’ll need it for everything from drinks to
food storage and it's also the hardest item to acquire
once you're in the parking lot.
 Cooler
 Camping chairs
 Music
FYI: your Chalmers Automotive comes fully equipped
 Car chargers for your electronic devices
 A power inverter
 Solo cups
 Disposable plates and utensils
 Food (much more on this shortly)
 Folding table
 Games (cards, beer pong, flip cup, corn hole, etc.)
 Umbrellas (the party doesn’t stop if it rains)
 Water bottles
 Your game tickets
 Cash
 Fold-up canopy
This item is excellent in all weather conditions,
particularly at the beginning of football season
when the sun is still strong. It also invites other
tailgaters to join you.
 Football
must-have supplies
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE PERFECT TAILGATE

9.  Grill
 Grill scraper
 Grill spray or oil
 Fire extinguisher (better safe than sorry)
 Charcoal (if necessary for your grill)
 Lighter fluid
 Matches or lighter
 Extension cords
 Pots and pans
 Basting brush and pan
 Carving knives
 Bungee cords (to tie down items in case it gets windy)
 Spatulas
 Tongs
 Meat thermometers
 Large cooking spoons
 Oven mitts & apron
 Plastic wrap and foil
 Cutting board
 Tupperware
 Trash bags
 First aid kit
 Skewers
 Mixing bowls
 Can/bottle opener
must-have supplies
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE PERFECT TAILGATE

10. MUST-HAVE
food and drinks
Notailgateiscompletewithouttheproperfeast,
sohere’swhatyou’llneedtohaveonhandtosatisfy
everyone’sfoodanddrinkcravings.

11. food
 Steaks
 Chicken
 Roast Beef
 Turkey Breast
 Hamburger
 Hot Dogs
 Sausages (pork, bratwurst, Italian, etc.)
 Bacon
 Ham
 Deli Meats/Cold Cuts
 Eggs
 Vegetables (your preference)
 Potato Salad
 Macaroni Salad
 Coleslaw
 Condiments
 Hot dog/Hamburger rolls
 Bread/Sandwich Rolls
 Ketchup
 Barbecue Sauce
 Mayonnaise
 Mustard
 Relish
 Horseradish
 Hot Sauce
 Chili
(for chili dogs, burgers
or even as a side dish)
must-have food and drinks
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE PERFECT TAILGATE

12. food
 Baked beans
 Lettuce
 Cheese
 Tomatoes
 Onions
 Pickles
 Sweet and hot peppers
 Butter
 Salt and Pepper
Drinks
 Bottled Water
 Beer
The right beer could make all the difference,
so choose wisely or go with your favorite to
ensure you enjoy it.
 Sodas
 Juices
Other
 Potato chips and dip
 Pretzels
 Tortilla chips, salsa and nacho cheese
 Nuts
 Popcorn
 Beef Jerky
must-have food and drinks
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE PERFECT TAILGATE

13. music suggestions
Therightatmosphere,suppliesandfoodarecrucial,
ith
themusicdependingonthetastesofyouandyourfriends,
butherearesomegeneralguidelines.
music suggestions
Therightatmosphere,suppliesandfoodarecrucial,
butthewholetailgateisgoingtobeprettyboringwithoutthe
rightsoundtrack.Youcouldgoinalotofdifferentdirectionswith
themusicdependingonthetastesofyouandyourfriends,
butherearesomegeneralguidelines.

14. THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE PERFECT TAILGATE
can’t go wrong
Any song by Queen is guaranteed
to be a crowd pleaser, so start
there. Add in some Bob Marley
and Stevie Wonder and you’re in
good shape. “Don’t Stop Believin’”
by Journey is also wildly popular,
as anyone who has ever been
outside would tell you.
current hits
Look through the top songs of
today and pluck out some winners.
The key to a great playlist is to take
listeners on a trip through the
different eras and switch it up to
keep it fresh from song to song.
‘80s Hits
The 1980s produced some
classics, so stick to those.
Van Halen, Journey, Def
Leppard, Guns N’ Roses
and Motley Crue are some
good starting points.
your own
personal
playlist
If you happen to have a
tried and true playlist
that you bust out for
occasions like this, then
by all means fire it up for
your tailgate. You know
your audience best, so
stick with what works.
‘90s Hits
The 90s had plenty to
offer for party music, so
look through your old CDs
and see what you have.
Some suggestions include
Run DMC, House of Pain,
Destiny’s Child, MC
Hammer, Sir Mix-A-Lot,
Fatboy Slim, Sublime
and Will Smith.
music suggestions

15. vehicle suggestions
For the best tailgate possible (and to haul all this equipment),
you’ll need a truck or van with either a back or side door.
Be sure to take proper care of it by changing the oil, checking your
fluid levels and checking your tire pressure. The last thing you
want is to get all ready to go only for your vehicle to give
out on you before you even pull out of your driveway.

16. Show your support for the team by investing
in a few flags, stickers, emblems or license plate frames.
You’re working hard on this tailgate, so decorate the
vehicle and show what kind of fan you are!
Finally, check online to find out what time the stadium opens and to
familiarize yourself with the rules of the stadium. Plan to get there as early
as possible by calling your friends and agreeing on when and how to get
there. It might be wise for you all to ride together in a caravan
to make sure you get enough spots next to each other.

17. Chalmers Automotive has the right vehicle for all your tailgating needs.
The luxury conversion vans offer the best experience to help you cheer
for your favorite team. The custom tailgating vans have the power of a
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van and offer high ceilings with plenty
of space to help you bring your party indoors.

18. You can customize almost every detail of your van from floor to ceiling and bumper to
bumper. Some of the more popular choices include big screen TVs, drink service stations
with coolers, and expansive booth seats. Chalmers Automotive will design all aspects
of your Sprinter van conversion to your specifications and will use the highest quality
parts for each job. The company carefully selects the hardwoods for accents and
drink service stations, along with high quality leather and suede for comfort and
durability inside the vehicle. And Chalmers only chooses the best mechanical
components under the hood to keep the party running smoothly.
You can contact Chalmers at 816-472-5050 or
www.chalmersautomotive.com