How to BBQ at an NFL Tailgate Party

It wouldn't be a proper NFL tailgate party without a BBQ. Tailgate BBQ parties, however, are quite different from a BBQ you would organize in your own backyard. Because of the unique setting and the restrictions imposed by time and your surroundings, there are special considerations you need to keep in mind in order to make the BBQ a success.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Food
• Dishes
• Condiments and sauces for the BBQ
• Grill
• Garbage Bags

BBQ at an NFL Tailgate Party

1. Shop for the right grill. You need one that is small enough to fit into the trunk or back of your car yet carries enough power to cook quickly and effectively. Some stadiums don't allow charcoal grills during tailgate parties, so you need to check regulations before you decide between charcoal and gas.
2. Choose thin cuts of meat or food that cooks faster, such as sausages and hot dogs, especially if you are holding an NFL tailgate party before the game. Since you will need to leave enough time after the BBQ for the grill to cool down, you want to make sure the actual cooking time doesn't take that long.
3. Choose food that travels well in a cooler. If the meat is frozen, allow it to thaw inside the cooler (not in the sun) or thaw it the night before. If you bring fresh meat to the NFL BBQ, make sure you place it inside sealed bags, preventing it from contaminating other food and drink you're carrying in the cooler.
4. Carry along sauces that are already mixed or choose bottled ones, and pick condiments that can be easily applied from a container.
5. Make it a kebab BBQ. Not only is the cooking time greatly reduced this way, but it also makes clean up much easier. With a kebab BBQ, you can even skip the dishes and serving-ware, concentrating on bringing only paper towels for easy cleanup after.

Tips & Warnings

• Use garbage bags to carry everything back home and then clean up there. This is especially important if you are in a place with few public trashcans.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Set the grill away from the path of moving vehicles, and make sure you stay far away from other people so that the smoke doesn't bother them.