Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Tailgate

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE to the

tailgate

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.

First, you need the right atmosphere.

It’s undoubtedly fun to tailgate at any game, but if your school is facing its blood rival, then the stakes feel just a little bit higher,

the tension is greater and the excitement is more palpable. Here are some examples.

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

michigan vs ohio state

vs.vs.

alabama vs lsuThis 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 toit 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.”



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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.



MUST-HAVE SUPPLIES

Now that we’ve set the mood, you’ll need to gear up for your tailgate. Remember these essential items

to maximize your experience.

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

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


MUST-HAVE food and drinks

No tailgate is complete without the proper feast, so here’s what you’ll need to have on hand to satisfy

everyone’s food and drink cravings.

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)

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


music suggestions

The right atmosphere, supplies and food are crucial,

ith the music depending on the tastes of you and your friends,

but here are some general guidelines.

music suggestions

The right atmosphere, supplies and food are crucial, but the whole tailgate is going to be pretty boring without the

right soundtrack. You could go in a lot of different directions with the music depending on the tastes of you and your friends,



can’t go wrongAny 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 hitsLook 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 HitsThe 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 playlistIf 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 HitsThe 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

The right atmosphere, supplies and food are crucial, but the whole tailgate is going to be pretty boring without the

right soundtrack. You could go in a lot of different directions with the music depending on the tastes of you and your friends,


music suggestions

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 �uid 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.

Show your support for the team by investing in a few �ags, 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 �nd 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.

Chalmers Automotive has the right vehicle for all your tailgating needs. The luxury conversion vans o�er 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 o�er high ceilings with plenty of space to help you bring your party indoors.

You can customize almost every detail of your van from �oor 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 speci�cations 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

Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Tailgate

Automotive

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