Trust us when we say there’s no better place to tailgate sporting events than on the water. With more waterside stadiums popping up across the country, sailgating — also known as tailgating via sailboat — has taken gameday to a whole other level.
If you want in on the action, today’s blog post lists everything you’ll need to get started.
What Is Sailgating?
So, what exactly is sailgating? Well, as the name suggests, sailgating is tailgating via sailboat. It originated in the late 1960s when Tennessee football announcer George Mooney decided to skip the game-day traffic and commute to the stadium by boat. Fans and local newspapers quickly took notice, and it sparked a local tradition gaining popularity nationwide.
Several colleges — including the Baylor Bears and the University of Washington Huskies — have taken up the sailgating tradition and ran (er, sailed) with it. Every game day, students flock to the Brazos River and Husky Harbor to cheer on their teams from the water.
How to Throw a Sailgate Party
Want to throw a sailgate party before the next big game? Keep these tips in mind:
1. Pack the Essentials
Sailgating involves spending a few hours on the water – so come prepared! We recommend packing a cooler, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a change of dry clothes, waterproof bags for electronics, and a first aid kit.
2. Figure Out Where You’re Going to Drop Anchor
Some stadiums will rent boat slips for the entire season. Others offer slips on a first-come, first-serve basis.
3. Arrive Early
Plan to drop anchor several hours before the game. Not only does this ensure you get a good spot, but it’ll give you plenty of time to sailgate in style.
4. Pay Attention to ‘No Wake’ Zones
If you plan to sailgate the classic way (aka near a stadium), you’ll likely encounter ‘no wake’ zones. These sections of the waterway have a strict speed limit, and they require boaters to travel at as slow a speed as possible to maintain steerage. (Generally, that’s no faster than five miles per hour.) That way, you won’t disrupt fellow boaters who are anchored nearby.
5. Raft Up with Other Boats
Just like tailgating, sailgating is always more fun with company. Take some time to get to know the sailors docked around you. And if you’re anchored somewhere? Invite your sailing buddies to come raft up.
6. Fire Up the Grill
Nothing says tailgating quite like hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. If you don’t have a grill for your sailboat, this guide can help you choose the right one. It can also help determine whether you’d like a grill mount!
7. Get a Good Speaker Set-Up
Every sailgate party needs a good speaker set-up. While some boats have built-in sound systems, other sailors will need to bring a portable Bluetooth speaker of their own. If you’re the latter, make sure your speaker is waterproof.
8. Make Sure Everyone’s Safe
Sailgating is often a family affair, meaning kids, dogs, and others join the fun. Make sure to pack a life jacket for everyone on board – including your furry friends! And be mindful of who might be swimming around your sailboat.
Learn More About Boating with Dogs
9. Clean Up After Yourself
Sailgating usually involves a plethora of cups, plates, cans, plastic utensils, and the like. And while all these are necessary to eat and drink on a sailboat, you want to ensure they don’t end up in the water. Unfortunately, studies show that plastic water bottles, food containers, and utensils are the most common debris found along our nation’s shorelines. Therefore, make sure to bring plenty of trash bags for your empties.
10. Where to Host Your Sailgate Party
Wondering where to host your sailgate party? While anyone can celebrate their team from the water, here are some waterside stadiums that are ideal for sailgating:
- McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas
- Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington
- M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland
- Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida
- Firstenergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio
- Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee
- Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois
- Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California
The Ultimate Guide to Sailgating
If you’re interested in throwing a sailgate party for the next big game, we hope today’s article serves as your trusty guide. Whether you raft up outside a stadium or tune into the radio, following these tips will ensure your next sailing adventure is one to remember.
