The crowds are gathering. All the local talk channels are placing their bets on who will win. You’re even wearing your lucky jersey. Everything is lining up perfectly; now, all left for you to do is grill your food, pound a few cold ones, and cheer on the local boys. Are you ready for tailgating season? Step up your pregaming game with these 18 absolute must-haves this fall.
1. Trailer Hitch Flag Mount
Show your support for the hometown boys and wave their flag high and proud. This flag base fits right into your 2-inch trailer hitch mount and supports up to a 20-foot flag pole. If you need a pole, too, Eder Flag has you covered with a collapsible flag post so you can bring your team spirit anywhere.
2. Milwaukee M18 Radio
Listen to the pregame talks or your favorite pump-up playlist in style with the Milwaukee M18 radio charger. The extensive controls are easy to use as you tune in to AM or FM stations or switch between up to 10 saved presets. You can connect your phone with Bluetooth or an aux cord to play music. The large speaker guarantees that everyone will be able to hear it loud and clear over whatever the crowd is chanting. It’s also water-sealed and protected from minor bumps and drops, so you’ll be sure it can handle a party.
3. ORCA 20 Qt Cooler
It’s not real tailgating without cold drinks, right? This cooler holds 18 cans or 15 bottles, so you won’t disappoint any guests. The roto-molded outside walls and lid are filled with solid foam insulation, and a rubber gasket stops any heat from sneaking in and warming it all up. Orca coolers are also so over-engineered that they could fall out of your truck on the freeway, and you wouldn’t lose even a single ice cube.
4. Weber 1-Touch Charcoal Grill
Trust us, all those cold drinks pair perfectly with fresh-grilled brats and burgers. Weber is the expert in making charcoal grills; you know you love that fresh, smokey taste. Everyone will be begging for food by the time the game starts. This grill is classic, easy to use, and has an unmatchable taste.
5. Yeti 30 oz. Rambler
Whether your drink is hot or cold, you want it to stay the same temperature. And you also want a cup strong enough to survive even the wildest rallies. Yeti ramblers are precisely what you want. The vacuum insulation is ridiculously good at keeping ice cold or coffee hot. It also won’t break if you accidentally drop it on the pavement. Whether preparing for the game or recovering afterward, you can count on this mug to be ready.
6. Heavy Duty Pop-Up Tent
Get some much-needed shelter from the sun, rain, or other weather. This Ergodyne pop-up tent folds small enough to easily toss in your truck bed and sets up in just minutes. Your parking spot has never felt more like home
7. Klein Bottle Opener
Don’t just open bottles. Crack it open with the most comfortable opener you’ve ever used. Klein tools are known for their ergonomic design, and they used the very same grip on this bottle opener. Whether it’s used for drinks or as a conversation piece is up to you.
8. DeWalt 5-Gallon Cooler
This cooler is great for dispensing water, flavored drinks, or anything else to add energy to your game day. The rugged molded plastic takes all the ill-advised hits of your pickup round of football. Solid, sturdy handles make carrying it easy, and the seals on the top prevent spilling. Like all your other DeWalt tools, this cooler lasts many seasons.
9. Ergodyne Hydration Pack
We hope you’re staying well-hydrated with all the fun activities this fall this fall. This backpack has a hydro bladder to hold 2 liters of water while leaving your hands free. Well, at least we hope you’re using it for water…
10. Champion Inverter Generator
You gotta have the pregame talks on TV going before the game. A small Champion inverter generator provides safe power to run your electronics, plus it’s quiet, so it won’t drown out the fun. A small handle on top makes it easy to load up after the party.
11. Trash Can
With any great party comes a great cleanup. Don’t litter, you’ll make not only yourself look bad, but the entire team you’re supporting. Keep a big, sturdy trash can to toss all your empties into. Rubbermaid Brute containers are strict; you could use them as tackle practice.
12. Spatula And Tongs
Just like you wouldn’t show up to a game without a ball, you’d never show up to the party without the right tools. Get your grill on and get those burgers flipping. Weber not only makes the grills, they provide you with all the grilling accessories you will ever need. For now, let’s just start with the basics, though.
13. Mr. Heater Portable Buddy
Football season is back, and that means fall is on its way. Stay warm with a portable propane heater while waiting for the stadium gates to open. It’s light enough to carry around but don’t let the size fool you. This little guy will make you feel nice and toasty. Mr. Heater also has a full line of small Buddy heaters, so you can find the perfect size for your goings-on.
14. CLC Emergency Poncho
Don’t let a little rain get in the way of a fun time. Keep a few light ponchos around if the weather looks iffy; it’s cheap insurance. The clear plastic lets you show your team spirit while keeping you dry. It’s not worth risking a cold afternoon.
15. Nite Ize LED Disc
Play a tremendous ultimate game while waiting for the actual game to start. It’s a great way to make friends with your parking lot neighbors without giving them your precious food. Plus, the LED lights let you toss it around even on the walk home at the end of the night without losing it in the dark.
16. Streamlight Trident Headlamp
Getting the closest spots to the Colosseum means getting up earlier than anyone else. For those dark mornings, wear a headlamp so you can set up safely before even the sun shows up to party. You’ll be glad you can see everything while keeping both hands free.
17. Cool-It Six-Pack Can Cooler
Advantages of a six-pack: good drinks, a good amount to share, easy to carry. The cons of a six-pack are that it has no insulation, wet cardboard rips easily, and no Acme Tools logo!
Keep your refreshment cold and satisfying, and show off your favorite tool store while you’re at it.
18. First Aid Kit
Like it or not, parties are a prime place to get hurt. Don’t let a minor scrape or bruise keep you from seeing your team win on the big day. Be ready for anything to happen. A small kit is probably enough for most groups, but ERB has a complete selection to be prepared for parties of any size.
