Tailgating Like a Pro with Toyota

We recently went to a game in Fort Worth and had ourselves a little Toyota Tailgate in the new 2019 Toyota Sequoia! I am a huge fan of tailgating- my dad has taken me to games since I was a little girl (but those games were in Manhattan KS!)- so I figured it was about time I share how to tailgate like a pro. Whether it’s for the Dallas Cowboys, K-State, you name it, enjoy the tailgate!

PS- if you make use of any of these tailgate tips, tag me on Instagram so I can see: @StreetsBeatsEats.

Favorite Tailgate Snacks and Drinks

So I am the girl who loves to cook and make things for events… so we’re going to dive into some of my favorite go-to recipes. BUT, not everything can be made, so we’ll also talk where to buy!

Football Brownies are easy to make and a fun, festive treat for the table! I also can’t get enough of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (always a crowd favorite!). My go to dip is Crack Corn Dip— I wish I could give you a bite through the internet so you know what I’m talking about. But my second favorite dip is cheese dip (it’s super simple: cut up chunks of Velveta Cheese blocks and add in some Rotel, then melt it all in a crockpot). I love cutting up sausage and cheese to pair with Ritz Crackers. Speaking of cutting, I love a good veggie tray! Oh, and little smokies! You can’t go wrong with a crockpot of BBQ sauce and smokies.

Here are a some other great football appetizer recipes in case you need more variety!

Now let’s talk what to buy… We stopped by Philly Pretzel Factory on Lovers Lane in Dallas (they are all over the US!) and picked up an assortment for the tailgate. Everything we tried… DELICIOUS, including the dips. We will certainly pick up game day bites from there again in the near future! And another easy thing to buy… Austin Eastciders!

Tailgating Essentials

Let’s break this down by categories, shall we? Also, wanted to note that some of the essentials weren’t part of our Toyota Tailgate, but I still recommend them!

Paper and plastic goods like paper towels, plates, napkins, cups, straws (these reusable ones are great!), silverware and serving spoons/tongs. Also throwing it in this category… TRASH BAGS!!!

Serving dishes for all the food you’re making! Whether it’s plastic platters, veggie trays, or chip bowls, make sure you have something for each item you make.

Coolers! Notice that’s plural… I suggest having coolers for different things: water, soda, beer, liquor, meat, condiments, etc. A combination of soft coolers (like this one from FOCO) and hard shell is the way we do it. Big coolers also double as great extra seating.

Tables are a must have! Whether it’s one table for food, or tables for both food and beer pong, don’t overlook this detail. Even if it’s a small tailgate (like our Toyota Tailgate), you’ll want somewhere to set everything up.

Seating and protection can be easily overlooked, but make sure it makes your list! You might want a tent to protect you from the elements (or to simply look cool). Maybe you need lots of chairs for people to sit on, or just one for you.

Entertainment is key! From music (speakers + great tailgate playlist), to tailgate games like corn hole, have some fun ready for your tailgate.

Tailgating Tips

1. Prepare the night before! Cut up your veggies, sausage and cheese, then place everything into Ziploc bags or Tupperware. I love these reusable bags! The less you have to do the day you’re packing up the car to head to the game- or at the game itself- the better.
2. When it comes to ice, keep the ice cubes for your drinks. I like to use a combination of frozen water bottles (they turn into water that you can drink later) and these “Icy Cools Reusable Ice Cubes” from Container Store. We seriously use these anytime we have a cooler.
3. Don’t forget the decor! Whether it’s pompoms, signage or even face tattoos spread on the tables, add some school spirit to your set up.
4. Bring all the power: jumper cables (because you never know when your car battery might end up dead after a game), portable charging blocks, a generator and a car power inverter.
5. If space in your vehicle allows, pack some extras. Additional chairs, paper towels, koozies, even blankets if it’s cold weather! You can never be too prepared.
6. Over communicate with everyone! Tell your friends where the tailgate will be, whether it’s landmarks or the name of a lot and parking spot number. Let people bring things to help- don’t be afraid to tell them what you need help with. Most importantly, be there to set up when you tell people you will be there. You’re the host, take it seriously!

Our Toyota Tailgate

We went to the TCU vs Baylor game in Fort Worth for a little Toyota Tailgate. It was a small tailgate, but fun hosting none the less! PS- this sweatshirt is from KickoffCouture.com!

2019 Toyota Sequoia

I was a little intimidated by the size of the Toyota Sequoia at first, but once I drove around the block my worries went away. Yes, it is a large vehicle, but it’s so easy to drive! Plus it’s an extremely safe vehicle. I love that the 2019 Toyota Sequoia has Toyota Safety Sense, including my favorites Lane Tracking Assist and Lane Departure Alert, as well as so much more. There is also a backup camera– and special help with blind spots on your side mirrors.

Beyond the safety, it was truly easy to drive and park. And we all know parking in tight tailgate lots can be tricky, but the Toyota Sequoia parks with ease.

I loved having all of the room to pack our tailgate goods. We could easily fit 4 people and all of our necessities without feeling squished.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: TCU Concessions, 10 Things You Need To Survive Cold Football Games, 8 Adorable Stadium Approved Bags for TCU Games, College Football Game Day Outfits for Purple Teams, 11 Must Haves for Hot AF Football Games, Ultimate Tailgate Playlist for This Fall, Football Fridays Kicking Off with College Colors Day or follow my on Instagram at @StreetsBeatsEats.

Shop My Tailgate Essentials

Thank you to Toyota for loaning me the 2019 Toyota Sequoia to test drive and tailgate with. All opinions (and tips!) are my own.