Football season has officially begun, and with it, we can look forward to games, crowded arenas, and best of all — tailgating. For the uninitiated, a tailgate party is a pre-game gathering that usually takes place in stadium parking lots, where football fans build community and celebrate their team with grilling, drinks, games, music and more.
If there is a tailgate on your calendar, I spoke to Rod Herrenbruck, aka Tailgating with Rod, a tailgate enthusiast with over 40 football seasons of tailgating under his belt, to learn the best tips, tricks and products of the trade.
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The best products for tailgating in 2025
This list includes tailgate must-haves across categories, including recommendations from Herrenbruck, NBC Select staff favorites, and top-rated, portable products from trusted retailers. Think grills, coolers, tables, tents and more — everything you need, whether you’re a newbie or seasoned pro.
Best cooler
This is Herrenbruck’s preferred cooler for transporting his tailgate drinks because it has dedicated space for ice and perishables, respectively. Its 45-quart capacity can hold up to 68 cans with no ice, or 40 cans with ice, according to the brand. Its durable, all-terrain wheels are puncture-resistant and designed for all-weather use, and the reinforced, telescoping handle makes the cooler easy to pull around. It has three inches of insulation to help prevent damage to your contents, and a dry zone drawer, which keeps food cold, dry and temperature safe for days at a time, according to the brand.
Best tent
Best portable power station
If you plan on running multiple electronics, like fridges, speakers, or even a TV, you’ll need a robust battery to power them all. Herrenbruck says Ryobi power stations are quiet and can run several appliances at once without gas. This model has multiple outlet types, including USB-C, USB-A, and AC ports, and four battery ports that are compatible with all Ryobi 40V lithium batteries, according to the brand. It also has an LCD screen that displays battery and load levels, and an external LED light for visibility in the dark. This power bank is also compatible with the GenControl app, where you can remotely monitor and shut off the battery from your phone, according to the brand.
Best table
You’ll also need a table to hold all of your snacks and supplies. Herrenbruck suggests folding tables for their ease and portability: this model from Modern Space folds in half, has an adjustable height of up to 29 inches, and is made from high-density plastic and a metal frame, making it strong enough to support up to 300 pounds, according to the brand. The legs are also easy to lock into place, and the table’s surface can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Best grill
Best chair
Camping chairs are a tailgating must-have, especially when settling in to watch the game. This chair has a seat with light cushioning and a beverage cooler pouch that can hold up to four 12-ounce cans, according to the brand. It has a durable steel frame and a carrying bag with a shoulder strap for easy portability and storage.
Best backpack cooler
Godio says this backpack is “easy and comfortable to wear on the go, which comes in handy for tailgates.” It can fit up to 36 cans or 22 pounds of ice, and is wine bottle-compatible, according to the brand. The bag has a wide mouth opening and a magnetic closure to keep your drinks secure, along with padded, reinforced straps for extra comfort. The cooler is also UV- and puncture-resistant, according to the brand.
Best fan
This versatile fan can be used in both standing and tabletop modes, making it ideal for keeping you cool on muggier tailgate days. It provides up to 70 feet of cooling and can go cordless for up to 24 hours, according to the brand. The fan has 180-degree, side-to-side oscillation, and 55 degrees of up and down tilting. It’s also designed to run silently even at the highest speed, so it won’t interrupt your game while running.
Best jacket
As the weather gets cooler, a jacket becomes a staple for tailgate activities. This parka from Uniqlo is lightweight and water-repellent, making it great for unpredictable weather days where you may get caught in a shower. It provides UV protection with a UPF rating of 50+, and has a roomy fit that allows for layering warmer sweaters and tops underneath, according to the brand. It also comes with a storage pouch attached so you can store it on the go if needed.
Best grill gloves
This pair can withstand heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. The gloves are made from a blend of cotton and aramid, which is a synthetic material known for resistance to heat and flammability, according to the brand. The material is also insulated and water-resistant, and stretches to contour to the shape of your hand (the gloves are only available in one size).
Best sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must for keeping the sun’s glare from interfering with your view of the game. These polarized sunglasses from Goodr are lightweight with a grip-coated frame, so they’ll stay in place on your face, according to the brand. They have scratch-resistant, polarized lenses that give protection up to UV400, and have a mirrored finish for a stylish touch. These glasses are also affordable and come in several color combos that you can match with your favorite jersey.
This hat has a simple, minimalistic design that makes it easy to pair with just about anything. It’s made from a thick, acrylic rib knit that’s designed to keep your head warm in colder weather, and although it’s only available in one size, it comes in 18 different colors — plenty of options to pair with your team’s logo.
Tips for tailgate beginners
According to Herrenbruck, there are a few tips every tailgating beginner should keep in mind:
- Plan out your food, dips, snacks and beverages ahead of time, so you can organize storage and be aware of exactly which coolers and cookware you’ll need to bring along.
- Use compartments on your equipment — they’re there for a reason. Compartments in coolers can help keep your food dry, while grill storage can be used for extra cookware or utensils. Utilizing compartments can also help to lighten your load.
- To keep up the energy of the tailgate, he also suggests organizing your music ahead of time. A music playlist or sportscast will keep your fellow tailgaters entertained, especially while cooking and cleaning within the space.
Frequently asked questions
When should you start tailgating?
According to Herrenbruck, the best time to start tailgating is as soon as the lots open. This allows you to get in a full tailgating experience before the game begins — for lot hours, check your local stadium’s website.
Where does tailgating usually happen?
Although traditional tailgating takes place in stadium and arena parking lots before football games, Herrenbruck says that “a tailgate can break out anywhere.” “For me, tailgating is a state of life,” he says. You can host a tailgate at any celebration, so long as you have the right equipment — “I poolgate, backyardgate, bargate, drivewaygate, and I just weddinggated for my daughter’s wedding,” says Herrenbruck.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Rod Herrenbruck, aka Tailgating with Rod is a tailgate enthusiast with over 40 football seasons of tailgating under his belt.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate SEO reporter covering skin care, wellness, apparel and lifestyle, including stories on the Tank Air Studio Tank and the best clear stadium bags. For this story, I spoke to a tailgate enthusiast to find out the best essentials for tailgating beginners this football season.
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