7 Simple Steps for the Perfect Homegate Party
Expert Advice

The Complete Homegating Guide

Gameday is about more than just sitting in the stands and cheering on your team.  It’s about connecting with other fans, eating great food and throwing back some beers before the game. Tailgating is the go-to way to socialize and energize during football season.

However, because of Covid-19 a lot of college and professional teams aren’t allowing fans to attend the games. So, Homegating is the next best thing. Here’s how to throw a homegating party from the comfort of your backyard without compromising your tailgating traditions.

1. Send Virtual Invites

Easily keep track of who is coming to your homegating party with virtual invitations. There are myriad options for sending guests invites online, from creating a Google calendar event to sending an e-vite through a virtual card service.

Often, these come with built-in RSVP features, allowing you to take a headcount without keeping a manual tally. Then, you can make enough food and plan enough seating to accommodate everyone who’s able to attend.

2. Fire Up the Grill

Whether you plan to homegate inside or out in your backyard, firing up the grill remains one of the best ways to feed hungry sports fans. A pellet grill is a simple and convenient route to go.

Hot dogs, burgers, shish kabobs and other classic barbecue foods are also perfect for game-day celebrations when you need a free hand to high-five your buddies after a great play. Plus, making most of the food outside means less cleanup. Simply give the grill a scrub, and you’re done.

3. Add Some Excitement

Sure, die-hard sports fans will most likely plop down in front of the TV and stay there the entire game. However, most guests will want to get up, move around and maybe even play some games. Here’s few fun tailgate games for your homegate!   

4. Serve Up Game-Day Cocktails

Cocktails and beer are staples at most homegating events. However, if you want to go the extra mile and truly impress your guests, serve up some great beer cocktails.  You might also make drinks that match your team’s colors, which will double as decoration and keep the day feeling festive.

5. Invest in Quality Sound

Your TV speakers might be adequate for bingeing Netflix and listening to music alone. However, if you want people to be able to hear the game over all the loud conversations and cheering, it’s a good idea to invest in a home theater system.

If you don’t want to rewire your whole TV, simply add Bluetooth speakers around the house so you can hear the game from the kitchen, bathroom or backyard without missing a play.

6. Dedicate Space

Hosting your homegating party in your man cave or sports-themed basement is a no-brainer if you already have one. Thanks to your fandom, you won’t have to purchase a single decoration.

However, if you don’t have a man cave, you must find or make space for guests elsewhere. Depending on how many fans you invite, you may host them in your backyard, living room or even the sunroom. Just be sure the space is big enough to fit everyone comfortably.

7. Keep Decorations Minimal

If you don’t have a homegating space with jerseys, framed photos and footballs in shiny display cases, you might be wondering how to decorate for the party. Generally, it’s best to keep decorations to a minimum.

Think of ways to decorate without buying streamers, banners and other generic party supplies. For instance, a few footballs placed here and there and festive paper products should be enough to get people in party mode.

Planning Your Next Homegating Event

Additionally, you should put some thought into how you want the day to play out. Will everyone gather in the living room to watch the game all day or will you take a halftime break to play yard games? Planning doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does matter if you want to throw the ultimate homegating event.