Team Captain’s Pregame Checklist

Start with the lot. On a driveway, skip anything that doesn’t apply.

• Confirm lot open window for this venue Must
• Flame / charcoal vs propane rules confirmed Must
• Glass & cooler-alcohol rules confirmed Must
• Parking pass / space plan set Must

Deeper: Tailgating 101: Planning

• Names on: grill · setup/canopy · ice/coolers · cleanup Must
• Who brings protein / sides / drinks locked Must
• Guest ETA channel set (text / group) Must

Deeper: Team Captain’s Pregame

Full pregame — night-before plan + morning-of walk. Lot-only crews: set “lot-only end” instead of gate.

• Arrive window set Must
• Fire-up / food-on-table time set Must
• Leave-for-gate or lot-only end set Must

Deeper: Team Captain’s Pregame

• Ice math for crew + late arrivals done Must
• Drinks cooler vs food cooler labeled Must
• Water for people + grill kill packed Must

Deeper: Ice Math for Twenty

• Early bites + later main locked Must
• Raw vs ready split clear Must

Deeper: Tailgating 101: Menu · Food Safety

• Grill + fuel + lighter packed Must
• Canopy/weights or lot-legal shade packed Must
• Utensils / plates / cups / towels packed Must
• Trash bags opened at setup Must
• Clean kit packed (sanitizing wipes · nitrile gloves · hand-wash jug · paper towels) Must

Deeper: Tailgating 101: Packing · Clean kit

• Weather play packed (sun / wind / rain / cold) Must
• Leave-it-cleaner bag + recycle ready Must
• First-aid + extinguisher if grilling Must

Deeper: Lot Grill Weather Play · Packing