How to Throw an Arizona-Style Tailgate Party

The Fiesta Bowl is, of course, more than just a footballing tilt. It's all about the tailgate, baby. And here's how to throw it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Disposable Dishes
• Blankets
• Card Tables
• Grill Utensils
• Grills
• Portable Chairs
• Groceries
• Plastic Utensils
• chips
• salsa
• guacamole
• seven-layer dip
• cold fried chicken
• soda
• grilling meats

1. Figure out how many people you want to invite to your tailgate. Will you welcome drop-ins? Consider the size of not only your car but also the space you'll have available. Most spots at Sun Devil Stadium are bound by concrete. Think about how many chairs you'll need to be comfortable. If your tailgate will resume after the game, make sure to bring along blankets in case it cools down. Also consider tables, dishes and utensils you'll need.
2. Decide whether you want to ask people to bring prepared dishes to the tailgate or whether you want to do the bulk of the cooking at the site. It never hurts to have a healthy amount of prepared foods, such as chips, salsa, guacamole, seven-layer dip and cold fried chicken, available for noshing before any hot food is ready. Also remember condiments such as ketchup, mustard and relish.
3. If you want to keep with a Southwestern theme, as a nod to the great state of Arizona, consider foods such as roasted tomatillo salsa.
4. If you'll be grilling at the site, be sure you have a large enough grill for everything you're planning to make. Will you need to cook in batches? Can you bring two grills? If you have a gas grill, make sure you have enough propane. If you'll be using coals, consider buying the kind that don't require lighter fluid.
5. Provide nonalcoholic options for designated drivers, children or anyone else who doesn't want to imbibe at the tailgate.
6. Realize that part of the tailgate isn't just eating; it's cleaning up, too. Make sure to bring heavy-duty plastic bags for garbage. If you're conscientious about recycling, have receptacles available for each kind of recyclable (paper, aluminum, glass and plastic). Paper towels and glass cleaner are handy for any spills, and premoistened towelettes are great grease busters when hands get goopy from finger foods.

Tips & Warnings

• People generally expect chips, dips, assorted raw vegetables, hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken at tailgates. Cookies make a great, simple dessert food.

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