Tailgating 101

These products are just to give you an idea of what your favorite hog fan might want on game day. Use all of these or just a few and be sure to add something you thought of to make a unique gift for that Bengal fanatic on your shopping list. Most of these items are inexpensive so putting a tailgate or game day kit together won't break the bank.

1) Portable/Tabletop Grill
If that special fan on your list is into tailgating, a grill is a must have. Remember to get one that is small and easy to transport. If you are creative, you can fill the grill with other tailgating goodies and make a unique gift "basket."

2) Binoculars
Unless you have good seats, you'll need these. Personally, I like the compact ones you can fit in your pocket but be sure to take into account where the person is sitting. You may need a little more magnification. These see clearly up to 1000 yards.

3) Sun Block
Even during football season, you need sun block. You can never have too much at a game. Be sure to get the sweat proof kind.

4) Rain Gear/Ponchos
Be prepared for anything. It often rains at the games. A sporty red poncho makes a nice addition to a game day "kit."

5) Coolers
Another must for tailgaters is coolers. These would also make great "baskets" to present gifts in. Go for the smallest you think is needed. Most 10 quart coolers will hold a six pack. A 16 quart will hold 20 cans.

6) Beer
You have to have something to go into the cooler, don't you? Don't forget to get some beer to bring to drink while you want for the game. Don't like beer? Try bottled water or coke.

7) Blankets
Blankets are a must when football season gets cooler. You can buy blankets that double as ponchos, seat cushions and tote bags. However, a normal camping blanket would be just as good.

8) Tailgate Music
Every great party needs great music and Bengal games are a great party. Before the game, rev yourself up with some tailgating tunes. I love "Drew's Famous Sports Jams" although some say it's cheesy. It has songs like "Wooly Bully," "Dance to The Music," "We Will Rock You"...it's just an awesome CD for sporting events! There are 26 tracks in all.

9) Folding Chairs
These are great to bring just about anywhere. They fold up, are easy to carry and you have a comfortable seat for tailgating or even something like Riverfest.

10) Umbrellas
In the same vein as a poncho, you might consider getting an umbrella for your favorite tailgater. The little folding ones are very portable and very nice (and they come in orange). However, the Campus Bookstore has great looking golf umbrellas with the logo on them.

Even on the brightest of sunny days, that wind will blow the warmth right off of your body on the Ohio River which flows right next to Paul Brown Stadium the home of the Cincinnati Bengals.  It can make your Cincinnati Bengals tailgating experience one you’d rather forget. Over the years, we’ve come up with some tricks to help survive even the coldest Cincinnati days. Some are quite simple and very inexpensive; others may cost you a few bucks. But if you want to avoid a bone-chilling December Bengals tailgate, think smart and plan ahead:

1.   Keep warm – don’t allow yourself to become chilled. It sounds stupid and simple enough, but you’d be amazed how many people we see in the parking lot and in the stadium wearing thin, tight jeans and a short jacket.  Once your body is chilled, it is very difficult to warm up again.

2.   Dress in layers of Cincinnati Bengals Merchandice – Just like mommy told you. We’ve experimented with this quite a bit and have found this to be an effective way to maintain body heat with as little bulk as possible. If you’re looking for the best in high-tech wicking clothing, we suggest you check out winter-sports gear like hiking, skiing and running clothing:

  a.  Upper Body: The best base layer is a synthetic, preferably brush or fleece lined, form-fitted top. It’s best if the material has some “wicking” qualities, which means it pulls moisture away from your skin to help keep you dry and warm. Nike, Under Armour and Reebok are some popular manufacturers. Follow this layer with a moderately thick wool or cotton blend long-sleeve shirt, or better, turtleneck. I suggest DuoFold! I tend to follow this layer with another, slightly heavier running shirt, then a nice wool sweater or hooded sweatshirt. If the wind is really bad, a jacket with some wind blocking properties, like Windstopper by Gore., will help keep the wind off of your body.

  b.  Head: I’m sure you heard your mother say “wear your hat” as a kid. Well, mom was smart. More than 50% of body heat is lost through the top of your head, so anything that’s going to protect it will help immensely! In addition – you want to protect your ears. Keeping your ears warm will keep you warm, and will protect their fragile tissues from frostbite. If it’s really cold, you can consider covering your face and neck with a balaclava or other hood type hat.

  c.   Hands: Gloves are key – unless you’re barbequing. If you’re lucky enough to have someone cooking for you, we suggest a light synthetic liner under heavy, windstopping mittens or gloves. If you must handle cooking utensils, and don’t want to see your gloves on fire, check out your local bike shop and peruse the cold weather gear section. Many bike shops have gloves made of very thin and flexible materials which will help keep your hands warm, but won’t be so bulky that you can’t cook. We also suggest that you invest in a can or bottle coozie. If you enjoy cold beer (um, who doesn’t!), you want to keep your cold bottle of beer off of your hands! I’m not sure where the coozie fits in man-law, but that can be discussed by your individual tailgating crew!

  d.  Lower Body: Much like the upper body – think in layers. DuoFold also makes a terrific pair of tights. And, all of their clothes are graded based upon the intended temperature. You can slip these tights on under any other pants. What has worked for Kathy is putting warm fleecy tights on under fleece-lined khakis. This provided insulation and protection from the wind. Other folks will wear ski pants or even a unionsuit to prevent as much heat loss as possible. Sounds great…until you have to use the bathroom!

  e.  Feet: As a general rule, I’m comfortable until my feet get cold. Once my feet are cold, that’s it. So I begin my day with a light, thin pair of synthetic running socks. They will wick the sweat away from my feet & keep the dry. Next, and don’t laugh…grab a plastic sandwich bag – the old school ones, not the ones with the zipper closure – and stick your foot in it. It may only cover your toes & the first part of your foot, but that’s ok. Next, get a warm sock, like a wool blend and put it on over the bag. Then stick your foot in your shoe and tie loose enough to allow your toes to wiggle. You want good circulation down there. The bag will hold heat in and help to insulate your foot. I wouldn’t recommend doing this with one of those foot warmers because the bag prevents the sweat from your feet from escaping. If you’re going to use the warmers, skip the bag.

3.   Pack an insulated thermos filled with a hot liquid. If you feel yourself getting chilled, drink the warm beverage. It will help warm you inside. Another suggestion is to put a metal teapot onto your grill & boil water. You can then make hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

4.  When the Ohio River Paul Brown Stadium winds start howling, it would be really easy to hide in the car. But that’s the sissy way of Bengals tailgating. Instant portable tents like EZ Up with sidewalls will help to cut the wind and provide you and your tailgating brethren an escape from the cold. Just remember, the more walls, the more surface area for the wind. Make sure the tent is well secured. We use 3-25 lb weights on 3 of the legs, and secure the last leg to the cooler. You could also tether one leg to you car, just make sure you secure the other legs as well.

5.  Invest in a portable heater. We use Mr. Buddy, a small, portable heater that runs on camping gas. Mr. Buddy is not sufficient on his own; he needs to be in a reasonable enclosed area, like a tent or the back of an SUV. Always remember to read the instructions on your particular heater and be aware of fire and other safety hazards. Never put a charcoal grill into an enclosed space for heat! And, don’t get too close to Mr. Buddy – he tends to burn jerseys! ;-)

6.  Go Old Skool and build a fire! Bring or make a fire pit, fill it with wood & there ya go. We’ve seen folks just pile the wood in the middle of the lot & huddle around it. In any event, be safe & don’t build your fire too close to your car, or anyone elses – and make sure the fire is out before leaving it.

The key to a successful tailgate is to keep oneself comfortable, and staying warm is the number one concern this time of year. By following some of these tips, hopefully your next cold weather tailgate will be an enjoyable and memorable one.

1.  Make sure everyone can find you at the Cincinnati Bengals Game. Hang pennants or Mylar balloons from your car. Consider a life sized cutout or custom photo ops to mark the location. Not only will your guests find you, but other tailgaters will join the fun. Make sure everyone can find you. A custom made Cincinnati Bengals banner will also work.

2.  Pack key items that everyone forgets. Bengals Chairs, Bengals corkscrews, Bengals bottle openers, tons of paper towels, and garbage bags are some things that are easy to forget and are very helpful. 

3.  Pack toys: Cincinnati Bnegals cornhole game, A football to toss around, a Frisbee or even a whiffle ball and bat can all be great fun.

4.  Select food that can either be cooked ahead and transported to the event or cooked there on a grill. You can be fancy (one of our friends deep fried a turkey last year and it was fabulous!) but I wouldn't go to all that trouble. Finger foods, sandwiches or anything you can eat standing up is good. If you want steak, think about shish-kebobs. They're delicious, and people don't have to mess with knives and finding a solid spot to cut. 

5.  If you plan to bring alcoholic beverages, check with the stadium first to make sure it's permitted. The City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Bengals allow you to drink while tailgating before the game.

6.  The food table will be the focal point of your Cincinnati Bengals tailgating extravaganza so add some nice touches.  Something simple like football platters and snack bowls. Or go all out and get a Cincinnati Bengals Tailgate Party Pack which of course would include either Skyline Chilli, Larosas Pizza, or Montgomery Inn ribs.

7.  I'm big on using recyclables whenever possible, but this is one time you should use disposable paper goods.

8.  Clean up after yourself. Throw away your trash in available trashcans or bags that you've brought along, and safely dispose of any hot coals from your grill. Don't leave a hot grill unattended if you're heading in to the event. 

And then walk over to Paul Brown Stadium and root home a Cincinnati Bengals win!!  And, did I mention, you can have a Cincinnati Bengals tailgating party even if you're NOT going to the game. Set up in the front of your house and just head inside for the game.  It's a fun twist on "come over and watch the game"!