Hosting a game day party is the perfect way to bring friends together for fun, food, and team spirit, whether cheering for the home team or simply enjoying the excitement. Get ready to score major points with your guests because by the end of your get-together, they’ll have had a memorable great time no matter what the final score says.
Team-Colored Décor
Use tablecloths, plates, napkins, and cups in your team’s colors to create a cohesive look. For an extra pop, hang a backdrop or banner featuring team colors and logos behind the main snack or television area, which is perfect for selfies and setting the scene for the big game.
Balloons and streamers are another easy way to make a big impact. Cluster balloons in team-color bouquets around the room and use streamers to frame doorways or the area around the TV. It adds instant energy and gets guests into the team spirit from the moment they arrive!
Themed Eats
Creative game-day snacks add fun and flavor to your party. Whether it’s Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Thursday there are countless opportunities to whip up football-shaped sliders. Top each slider with cheese and bacon, then use thin strips of cheese to create “laces” on top. Serve them on mini buns for a delicious, bite-sized treat.
Layered dips in team colors make an eye-catching centerpiece for your snack table too. For instance, create a blue and white or red and yellow seven-layer dip by dividing classic layers (like guacamole, sour cream, and cheese) into sections, and adding food coloring where needed for that bold team pride. Serve with tortilla chips or pita.
Game Day Dress Code
It goes without saying that guests should be encouraged to wear team apparel. Ask guests to arrive in their favorite player jerseys, team colors, or fan gear to create a unified, spirited atmosphere. (Remind them in your invite to wear their best outfit and consider offering a small prize for the “Best Dressed Fan” or “Most Spirited.”)
Add to the excitement by setting up a station with face paint, team-colored eye black stickers, and temporary tattoos featuring team logos. Guests can paint their faces with team colors, add logo tattoos to their hands or arms, or apply cheek stickers for a subtle show of support. This is a simple, inexpensive way to build team spirit and create great photo ops throughout the party!
Tailgating at Home Activities
You don’t need a parking lot to get everyone amped up. Put together a trivia game with questions about the team’s history, players, and memorable moments. You can mix in questions about the general sport for broader appeal. Divide guests into teams or let them compete individually and offer a small prize for the winner—like a team-themed keychain or mini foam finger. It’s a fun way to test everyone’s team knowledge and spark some friendly competition.
Or make it in Bingo form. Create custom bingo cards featuring fun facts about the team, iconic player numbers, and common terms like “touchdown” or “interception” for football and “strike” or “home run” for baseball. You can also include team-specific elements, like player nicknames or famous plays. As the game unfolds, guests can mark their cards when they see or hear these events on TV. First to get five in a row wins, making this game perfect for halftime or commercial breaks at your game day party.