Oklahoma State University tailgate party setup with food, drinks, and fans in orange gear, featuring a glowing LED figurine of the Edmon Low Library as the centerpiece.

How to Throw the Ultimate Tailgate Party (with a Touch of University Spirit!)

There’s nothing quite like a college game day tailgate — the energy, the food, the friends, and of course, the school spirit. Whether you’re a die-hard alum, a proud parent, or just love the atmosphere, hosting a memorable tailgate is all about creating the perfect mix of tradition, fun, and team pride.

If you’re ready to throw the ultimate tailgate party, here are some essential tips — plus a unique way to showcase your school’s most iconic landmark right at your celebration.

1. Pick the Perfect Spot

Location is everything when it comes to tailgating. If you’re on campus, aim for a space near the stadium with plenty of room for your setup. If you’re celebrating from home, your backyard, driveway, or even a community park can become your personal “fan zone.”

2. Create a Team-Themed Menu

Every good tailgate starts with great food. Go classic with burgers, wings, and BBQ, or add local flavor inspired by your university’s hometown. Don’t forget team-colored snacks and desserts — cupcakes with frosting in your school colors or cookies shaped like footballs are always a hit.

Here's a sample tailgate menu:

🍔 Main Dishes

  • Grilled Burgers & Hot Dogs – Tailgate staples, with all the toppings (cheese, onions, pickles, chili, jalapeños).

  • BBQ Pulled Pork or Chicken Sliders – Slow-cooker friendly, easy to serve on small buns.

  • Buffalo Chicken Dip with Tortilla Chips – Always a crowd favorite, served warm.

🌮 Sides & Snacks

  • Loaded Nachos – Cheese, beans, salsa, jalapeños, and sour cream.

  • Potato Wedges or Fries – Great with ranch, cheese, or chili on the side.

  • Coleslaw or Pasta Salad – Refreshing, easy to make ahead.

  • Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip – Game-day friendly and filling.

🌽 Game-Day Finger Foods

  • Chicken Wings (Buffalo, BBQ, Garlic Parmesan) – A must-have tailgate classic.

  • Pigs in a Blanket – Bite-sized, easy to grab.

  • Deviled Eggs with Paprika – Old-school but always popular.

  • Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers – Cream cheese or cheddar stuffed, wrapped in bacon.

🍪 Desserts

  • Brownies or Blondies – Mess-free, handheld, and portable.

  • Team-Colored Cupcakes – Decorated with sprinkles or frosting in your team’s colors.

  • Rice Krispie Treats – Easy to cut into football shapes or decorate.

🍹 Drinks

  • Coolers with Beer & Seltzers – Tailgate essentials.

  • Pre-mixed Cocktails (Bloody Mary, Margaritas, or Sangria) – Serve in pitchers.

  • Non-Alcoholic Options – Water, soda, lemonade, and sweet tea.

Tailgate party spread on a red and white checkered tablecloth outside a stadium, featuring classic game day foods including a cheeseburger, hot dogs, chicken wings, pepperoni pizza, chips, macaroni salad, and cups of beer, with red flags and chairs set up in the background.

3. Set the Scene with School Spirit Décor

This is where you can really make your tailgate stand out. Beyond banners and team flags, try adding décor that highlights your university’s iconic landmarks.

✨ Imagine your snack table glowing with a 3D printed, LED-lit figurine of your school’s famous building — whether it’s the UT Tower, UNC’s Old Well, Alabama’s Denny Chimes, or Penn State’s Old Main. These lighted centerpieces aren’t just decorations — they instantly become conversation starters and show off your alumni pride in style.

Our university landmark figurines are lightweight and portable, making them easy to bring to any tailgate setup. Plus, when the sun goes down, the LED glow makes your party space truly shine.

Small LED lighted figurine of the University of Texas Tower used as a centerpiece at a tailgate party table, surrounded by Longhorn-themed décor, food, and drinks, with Texas flags and banners in the background.

4. Plan Fun Games & Entertainment

Keep the energy up with tailgate classics like cornhole, ladder toss, or a trivia game featuring your university’s history. A portable speaker with a pumped-up playlist of fight songs and stadium anthems will get everyone in the game-day mood.

Outdoor university tailgate party on a grassy lawn near a stadium, featuring cornhole boards with bean bags, giant Jenga blocks, colorful balls in tubs, and folding chairs with team flags in the background.

5. Don’t Forget Comfort & Convenience

Shade tents, foldable chairs, and plenty of coolers are must-haves for a successful tailgate. Bring extra blankets for chilly fall games, and always have a backup supply of ice and bottled water.

6. Capture the Memories

Tailgate parties are as much about the people as they are about the game. Set up a photo spot with your university landmark figurine as the centerpiece — it makes the perfect backdrop for alumni group shots, family pictures, or even gameday selfies with friends.

LED lighted Samford Hall figurine displayed on an orange tablecloth at an Auburn University tailgate, with alumni and fans socializing under an Auburn banner in the background.
Check out our Auburn University figurine!

Wrap-Up: Show Your School Spirit in Every Detail

The best tailgate parties combine great food, great company, and great school spirit. With thoughtful touches like a glowing university landmark centerpiece, you’ll not only celebrate your team but also create a tailgate that guests will talk about long after the final whistle.

👉 Browse our full collection of university landmark cake toppers and décor to find the perfect piece for your next tailgate, alumni reunion, or graduation celebration.

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