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Some say that the uniquely American tradition of tailgating dates back to the very first collegiate football game between Princeton and Rutgers in 1869. Others say its roots are actually found at the 1861 American Civil War Battle of Bull Run.
Whichever theory you chose to believe, one thing is certain: Tailgating is one of the grandest and most enjoyable aspects of sports, for football in particular. To help keep you safe, try these six tailgating safety tips when heading for the stadium.
1. Arrive safely
Before you can enjoy the fun, you have to get to the stadium. That means driving in gameday traffic. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe on the road and in the parking lot.
When packing your vehicle, make sure all items are secured in place. Heavy items like coolers and grills can easily shift and cause damage to your car and/or passengers. Even small items like your favorite pigskin can present a hazard if allowed to roll around underfoot.
3. Fire safety
Grilling is an integral part of the tailgating experience. It can also be one of the most dangerous. When setting up your grill, make sure you are at least six feet from any vehicles or other sources of combustible fumes or materials. Always keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach. Don’t allow pets or children, regardless of age, to play close to your grill. Likewise, don’t put any grills close to your vehicle. Nor should you store them under your vehicle before you head into the game.
4. Practice food safety
There are two major areas of concern when it comes to food safety: storage and preparation. When packing your goodies for the game, be sure to keep anything that might spoil in a cooler with plenty of ice. Don’t pack meat with other food products they might cross-contaminate. “When in doubt, throw it out" is always a good thought to keep in mind.
The entire stadium might be clamoring for your ribs, but don’t let eager eaters rush the grill master. Make sure all food is thoroughly cooked with a food thermometer to prevent anyone from getting sick. Ground meats should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F, steaks 145°F, pork chops a minimum of 160°F, and chicken should reach at least 165°F at the bone, according to Foodsafety.gov.
5. Use a buddy system
Most tailgating crowds are a blast to be around. But anytime you combine large groups of people and alcohol there is the potential for things to go amiss. Never travel through the crowd alone ‒ and the larger your numbers, the better. If you must move about by yourself, be sure your friends know where you are going and how long you will be gone. Safety in numbers is a good principle to remember.
6. Stay hydrated
Alcoholic beverages can contribute to dehydration. When drinking outside (even in cooler weather) and being physically active, check your fluid intake. It is time to hit the water cooler if you are becoming increasingly thirsty, your eyes or lips feel dry, or your urine becomes yellow or has a strong scent.
There is something about the camaraderie of a tailgating crowd that has to be experienced to be understood. Remembering these tailgating safety tips before, during and after the game will have you well on your way to a great game day.
Whichever theory you chose to believe, one thing is certain: Tailgating is one of the grandest and most enjoyable aspects of sports, for football in particular. To help keep you safe, try these six tailgating safety tips when heading for the stadium.
1. Arrive safely
Before you can enjoy the fun, you have to get to the stadium. That means driving in gameday traffic. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe on the road and in the parking lot.
- Leave early. Major events draw major crowds. The earlier you are on the road, the less traffic you will face.
- Avoid distractions. Driving in heavy traffic or among dense crowds of people requires total concentration. Lower the radio and save the chatter for after you’re parked.
- Drive slowly. Gameday brings out the kid in people of all ages. Pedestrians may make unexpected moves at inopportune times. Ease along and be prepared.
- Drive in lower gear. Lower gear ratios are better for stop-and-go driving and will give you quicker, more controlled braking.
- Focus on driving. Ignore drivers trying to rush you by following close or blowing their horns.
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Never drink and drive. Studies have found that a blood alcohol content as low as .02 can seriously impair your reflexes, detract from your ability to make complex decisions and diminish your motor skills. Always have a designated driver before the driving to the tailgate party starts.
When packing your vehicle, make sure all items are secured in place. Heavy items like coolers and grills can easily shift and cause damage to your car and/or passengers. Even small items like your favorite pigskin can present a hazard if allowed to roll around underfoot.
3. Fire safety
Grilling is an integral part of the tailgating experience. It can also be one of the most dangerous. When setting up your grill, make sure you are at least six feet from any vehicles or other sources of combustible fumes or materials. Always keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach. Don’t allow pets or children, regardless of age, to play close to your grill. Likewise, don’t put any grills close to your vehicle. Nor should you store them under your vehicle before you head into the game.
4. Practice food safety
There are two major areas of concern when it comes to food safety: storage and preparation. When packing your goodies for the game, be sure to keep anything that might spoil in a cooler with plenty of ice. Don’t pack meat with other food products they might cross-contaminate. “When in doubt, throw it out" is always a good thought to keep in mind.
The entire stadium might be clamoring for your ribs, but don’t let eager eaters rush the grill master. Make sure all food is thoroughly cooked with a food thermometer to prevent anyone from getting sick. Ground meats should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F, steaks 145°F, pork chops a minimum of 160°F, and chicken should reach at least 165°F at the bone, according to Foodsafety.gov.
5. Use a buddy system
Most tailgating crowds are a blast to be around. But anytime you combine large groups of people and alcohol there is the potential for things to go amiss. Never travel through the crowd alone ‒ and the larger your numbers, the better. If you must move about by yourself, be sure your friends know where you are going and how long you will be gone. Safety in numbers is a good principle to remember.
6. Stay hydrated
Alcoholic beverages can contribute to dehydration. When drinking outside (even in cooler weather) and being physically active, check your fluid intake. It is time to hit the water cooler if you are becoming increasingly thirsty, your eyes or lips feel dry, or your urine becomes yellow or has a strong scent.
There is something about the camaraderie of a tailgating crowd that has to be experienced to be understood. Remembering these tailgating safety tips before, during and after the game will have you well on your way to a great game day.
