Football Tailgating with Jeep

Football season is finally here! And that means five months filled with touchdowns and tailgates. Much like football itself, tailgating is an art that is only enhanced by more practice and helpful tips.

Jeep offers two of the best tailgating vehicles on the market and knows a thing or two about throwing a proper pregame party in the parking lot.

To help get your football season started off with a bang, 1800 Auto Land provides several ways that Jeep owners can improve their tailgate experience.

First thing’s first: We got to make sure you’re in the right type of vehicle for tailgating. If you don’t already drive a Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Patriot, get to a Jeep dealership near you. The Wrangler and Patriot are Jeep’s two highest-rated tailgate vehicles according to consumer reports. Here’s what make each so perfect you a pregame party.

Jeep Wrangler

A Jeep Wrangler allows you to rip the roof and doors off for those warm-weathered early season games. What really sets the Wrangler apart from other tailgate vehicles is its ability to go off-road with ease. If parking lots are full and you can’t find a spot, create your own with a Wrangler. Just make sure you’re doing it in a spot that is safe and legal. Other modifications can also be made to the Wrangler to make it the ultimate tailgate vehicle. For example, speakers can be mounted to the overhead bar and a trailer can be attached to the hitch.

Jeep Patriot

This crossover SUV is perfect for tailgating because of its high-quality audio system. The Patriot gives drivers the option to upgrade to a Boston Acoustics speaker package that will have the music bumping at your tailgate. As opposed to the Wrangler, the Patriot might be the better option for late-season, winter games that could bring snow because of its four-wheel-drive system. That can come in handy when it comes to getting out of parking lots in bad weather at the end of games.

Now that you have the right vehicle for tailgating, it’s time to sure up the little details that can be the difference between your pregame party being a touchdown or three-and-out.

Plan your menu: It’s important to have the food for your tailgate planned and prepared ahead of time so that you can spend more time eating and less time cooking while tailgating. Sure, some grilling will be done at most tailgates, but have your sides and snacks all ready to go.

Arrive early: Be prepared to arrive early and stay late. Tailgating is a ton of fun, so what’s the rush to leave and why wouldn’t you want to maximize your time? Show up about 3-4 hours before kickoff, and let the traffic work itself out after the game as you hang for another hour or two and reminisce on that week’s game.

Meet you neighbors: As long as they’re wearing your team’s gear too, introduce yourself to your tailgating neighbors and perhaps two tailgates will turn into one massive football fiesta.

Fly a flag: Not only is flying a flag a good way to show your team spirit, it can also be a landmark that helps friends and family meeting you at the game find your tailgate. Fly it high and fly it proud.

Cleanup your area: Be respectful. Leave your tailgate area as clean as you found it. Be sure to bring plenty of trash bags with you, and if you can, use aluminum cans instead of glass bottles to avoid broken glass that can become hazardous.