Photo Credit: Thinkstock
It’s the week of the big game, and almost time for the last football tailgate of the season. Unfortunately, most of us can’t make it to New Orleans for the festivities. But many people will be tailgating and taking in the action from bars and living rooms around the country.
So what do we need to host the year’s biggest football party, that is, beyond the obvious? We know it’s all about the food, the drinks and the good time. But a little planning and a few key purchases will heighten your enjoyment come game time.
Tailgate Fan has some home-tailgating essentials for this Sunday’s game. Because let’s be honest, no one wants to miss out on the biggest football game and drinking event of the year.
Photo Credit: NFootball
2012 Conference Champion Pint Glasses ($10/$30)
Only San Francisco and Baltimore made it this far, so you’ll have to root for (or against) one of them. Why not raise a glass to the conference champion? (After all, one of these teams will be taking home the trophy.) These attractive commemorative pint glasses will make your game-day beverages taste that much better. Be sure to get plenty, so no one at your party gets left out.
Photo Credit: ViewSonic
ViewSonic 300-Inch 720i Front Projector ($679)
With a BIG TV, everyone can see the game, or at least the commercials. This is for the title, after all. The front projector lets you adjust the screen size to make a 60 or 70-inch TV seem positively puny. Place it across from a screen or facing a wall; it’s easy to set up and put away (weighing just over five pounds). Plug the cable box or satellite into its HDMI input and let your guests revel in the high-definition picture. There’s even a built-in speaker… bonus!
Photo Credit: Boston Warehouse
Touchdown Serving Bowl Set ($29)
Nobody wants to eat their chips out of the bag or their dip out of a jar. This is the biggest game of the season, so shouldn’t you be throwing the biggest tailgate? And that includes the presentation (and beer and food, of course). So take your snack food game up a notch with the Touchdown Serving Bowl Set. These hand-painted earthenware bowls come in three sizes, and can be tossed in the dishwasher during post-game press conferences. They’ll get you through the big game and last for many seasons to come.
Photo Credit: BrewTender
BrewTender Tabletop Beer & Beverage Dispenser ($60)
Don’t make your guests go to the bar; they might miss a touchdown, turnover or some other game-changing play. Instead put this handy beverage dispenser someplace central and accessible, and bring a little bit of the sports bar to your tailgate. Better yet, get two or three to position around the room, making sure everyone is within a few steps of a tasty beverage. The BrewTender rotates for easy self-service and lights up for minimal mishaps. (As you know, spilling alcohol is a serious tailgating foul.) This thing holds up to 80 ounces of your favorite beverage, with an ice-filled inner acrylic chamber to keep it cold without diluting it. With easy access to alcohol, everyone will enjoy the game a little more.
Buy the BrewTender Tabletop Beer & Beverage Dispenser.
Happy tailgating!
Marshal M. Rosenthal is a technology, gadget and lifestyle writer based on the West Coast.
