(BPT) – Tailgates down! Portable grills are full of mascot-stamped brats ready to be washed down by the contents of ice cold coolers. The scene includes enough family and friends to leave no leftovers behind. Rivalry-fueled rhetoric, bag toss tournaments and face painting mark one of the most anticipated traditions of the year.
The fall brings out the best of the weekend tailgating warriors! From the most serious of fans to the folks that don’t quite manage to get in the gates, generations merge in an unparalleled congregation that spans from college communities to the biggest cities in America. And these fans can now watch the game from that very tailgate.
Gridiron battles and ballpark miracles generate cherished memories. From the days of listening to the score updates of conference rivals already in action via AM radio, to trying desperately to get that connection on a smartphone to follow live streaming, the interest in the status of the games you’re not at has always been there.
Holding the key to that game may make you the most popular member of your tailgating party. With a few tips, your tailgating party can become the most popular ‘hotspot,’ where your friends and family can connect and enjoy the pregame or even the game, if they don’t have tickets. Here are five tailgating scenarios and tips to keep you connected, safe and ready to enjoy your tailgating experience!
1. Collapsible kitchen kits, retractable cutting boards and disinfecting wipes provide a simple prepping and serving system for tailgating on the go. After the big game when it’s time to retrieve your gear, you’ve got a clean and secure tote ready for action the next weekend.
2. ‘The Grove’ is where Ole Miss fans have tailgated in its breathtaking, tree-lined, 10-acre field for generations. But this beautiful tailgating spot also has all types of cellular and WiFi signal disruptions, and north of 100,000 people vying for a WiFi connection. Winegard(R) Company’s ConnecT(TM) 2.0 WiFi/4G LTE extender improves exclusive connectivity for your party. Waterproof and backed by a warranty, this device is less than two feet in diameter but gets the signals you need to be the quarterback of your tailgating team.
3. The Washington Huskies boast another unique tailgating scene. On the shores of Washington Lake, many fans ‘tailgate’ in the multiple harbors. Often folks hop from one boat slip to the next. However, the most crowded of slips will be those that have a portable HDTV system to watch the best games live. The DISH(R) Playmaker(TM) portable satellite TV antenna powered by Winegard enables you to follow every team, from the Huskies in the Northwest, to the Maryland Terrapins in the Northeast, and never miss a moment of all the conference action on Saturdays. And setting up is easy, with several mounting options for your convenience, from a tripod for easy positioning on the dock, to a window attachment for your vehicle or placement on your RV. Bring your DISH(R) Wally receiver from home if you already have DISH, or sign up for Pay As You Go programming and only pay for TV during football season.
4. Aboard any tailgating vessel, fire extinguishers are a requirement, and first aid kits are also a great idea. Having these things on hand, water or land, will save the day of a loved one or a fellow fan.
5. What about night games? A waterproof flashlight or lantern can provide even the weariest of fans an opportunity to pack up camp after the big game safely and efficiently. Using lights with clamps leaves both hands available to avoid an amateur one-handed acrobatic packing effort. Don’t forget a set of extra batteries to ensure your light shines and you all can depart safely.
The season is upon us! Given these tips, fans will stay safe and connected. With cherished memories engraved forever, your tailgating experience will now be the ‘hotspot.’ Good luck to your team, and have a great season!
