Tailgating season is officially underway and in order to make sure you're ready for the first home game pre-party, we’ve assembled the following list of 8 “must-have” items on behalf of Omaha Steaks' SteakBytes.com.

EIGHT MUST HAVE ITEMS FOR THE ULTIMATE TAILGATING EVENT

EZ-Up Canopy

Don’t let the elements spoil your party.  Instead, invest in a pop up canopy (available at all major sporting goods stores) which will provide shade for you and your guests as well as protection should it rain.
   

Compact Expandable Tables

Tables are a must-have at any outdoor bash, not only providing a place to prep and serve your pre-game spread.  Consider 1 or 2 of these compact expandable tables that are not only functional but also take up very little space when transporting them to and from the big game.

A Portable Grill

It wouldn’t be a tailgate without a little live fire cooking.  Home grills can be a bit too big for transporting to and from the game so consider a smaller portable grill such as Weber’s 18.5 inch Jumbo Joe. And don’t forget to bring plenty of charcoal!

Aluminum Bucket

Once the grilling is done and it’s time to head in to the game, use an aluminum bucket to dump coals and extinguish with water. 

Small Fire Extinguisher

Any time you are cooking with fire, it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand in case the flames get out of control.  Tailgating is no different so be sure to bring along a small one just in case!

Plastic Modular Drawers 

Available in the storage department of your local home improvement store or big box retailer, these multi-drawer units can be packed with all of your smaller essentials, ensuring that you won’t have to hunt all over for a set of tongs, a torch lighter or other equipment.  A sampling of items that can be packed in the unit include:

• BBQ sauce and dry rub seasonings
• Zip top bags for marinating
• Wooden skewers for kebabs
• A disposable torch lighters
• Can opener and bottle opener
• Tongs and spatula
• Bleach wipes for easy cleanup
• Trash bags
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Aluminum half pans for prepping and/or serving food
• Instant read thermometer
• Tin foil and plastic wrap
• Bungy cords for strapping down the EZ Up canopy in high winds

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Beer and liquor are always in abundance at any tailgating event but also be sure to pack your cooler full of ice cold water or sports drinks in order to combat the affects of the sun.

Pre-Prepped Food

Nobody wants to spend his or her entire tailgating adventure cooking food.  Do as much prep work ahead of time including pre-making certain dishes and reheating on site, doing any chopping and dicing and storing the items in small zip top bags, pre-skewering kebabs, and utilizing Omaha Steaks wide array of prepared foods including appetizers, oven roasted chicken breasts, gourmet desserts, and more. 

- Post by Clint Cantwell, courtesy of Omaha Steaks