Cheap Tailgating Ideas For NFL Football Fans

Dozens of new tailgating ideas are born every day, the inevitable result of combining the testosterone-laden manic energy of NFL football fans with a little inventiveness, a little necessity, & a lot of alcohol. I mean, how else could you possibly explain the Grooler?!

The Grooler (a Bud Light Tailgate Approved product) is a folding, wheeled contraption that features a simple compact pop-up grill and 2 mounted coolers & will set you back $125. There is a convenience factor involved - a Grooler is more compact & easier to pack and store. But for $50 less you can get a folding grill with wheels ($35) from Home Depot and 2 sixteen-quart coolers with wheels ($20 each) from Walmart.

I just can't see paying that much for a product that is more a novelty than anything else… can you? Ask yourself this: (Especially) in this economy, is it really worth the extra cash? Wouldn't you rather spend the extra 50 bucks on something that you or your loved ones really want or need??

Tailgate Approved ≠ Savings

Here are some tailgating ideas that - while not as flashy or in vogue as the Tailgate Approved products - will certainly save you more of your hard-earned cash.

Let's start with the food - or more specifically, what you use to cook it with. Choosing the tailgate grill that's just right for your situation & needs can save you over $100.

This is not your grandfather's tailgate - back then they couldn't have even dreamed of having things like an HD TV with satellite hookup, high-tech smokers, seasonal microbrews, or fine vintage wines as part of the pre-game festivities. For them it was more like hot dogs on a charcoal grill & tossing around a football for entertainment.

So when it comes to tailgate food, hot dogs no longer err… cut the mustard. Sure they're still great, but most people these days center their tailgate menu on something more elaborate & expensive like lobster or steak. And when it comes to steak, there's nothing more elaborate or expensive than a Kobe steak.

In recent years it has become fashionable to serve Kobe beef at tailgate parties, but at a cost of about $300 - that's right, $300 - a pound, it's too rich for most people.

So…
You're dying for a taste of this delicacy…
You have some extra cash (remember? You were smart & got the perfect grill, not a Grooler)…
But it's still too damn pricey…

Your best bet then is to get the domestic version of Kobe beef - Wagyu.

While much cheaper, Wagyu beef is still quite expensive at $100-$150 a pound for the best cuts, but you can get lower grade cuts such as brisket for as little as $15 per pound.

If that's still too much then you can get NY Strip Steaks for as little as $10 a pound. Learn how you can transform your ordinary rib eye or strip steak into a melt in your mouth masterpiece.

How to make a perfectly grilled steak, every time.

Tailgating Ideas That Will Cut Your Costs, Not Your Fun

Buy cheaper cuts of meat See above. Why pay more?
Reusable tailgating supplies Go green - buy reusable/recyclable items such as utensils, plates, & cups will not only save you money in the long run, it will benefit the environment as well.
Buy a tailgate grill that suits your needs No need to shell out hundreds of dollars for that fancy grill with multiple racks and a built-in slow cooker if you're only serving steaks for a few.
Tailgating games for less Whether it's cornhole or beer pong, you don't have to pay full price.
Bring your own beer Save $$ by bringing your own to the game. Don't know how to pull it off? No problem… just read this. What's even better? Bringing beer that you made with your own two hands using home brew beer kits.