Tailgating checklist: what to pack and how to fuel up

There’s nothing quite like game day—the crowd, the food, the camaraderie. But before you’re rallying around a grill or cheering in the stadium parking lot, there's one crucial step: prepping for the tailgate. Whether you're heading to stadium or tuning in from a local lot with friends, a solid tailgating checklist and a full tank of fuel can make all the difference. 

Here’s how to pack smart, fuel up fast and kick off game day right. 

Your ultimate tailgating checklist 

Forget something at home? Game day buzzkill. Use this handy checklist to make sure you’ve got all the essentials (and a few MVP extras): 

Grilling gear 

• Portable grill + fuel (propane or charcoal) 
• Tongs, spatula and grill brush 
• Aluminum foil, paper towels and wipes for clean-up 

Food and drink 

• Burgers, brats, wings—whatever your crew loves most 
• Buns, condiments and side dishes 
• Cooler stocked with ice, drinks and plenty of water 
• Snacks for munching before the main event 

Tailgate setup 

• Folding chairs, tables and a tent or canopy for shade 
• Team flags, banners and speakers for atmosphere 
• Blankets or stadium seats for post-tailgate comfort 

Fan favorites 

• Football or cornhole for a little pre-game competition 
• Phone charger and portable power bank 
• Extra layers (especially if you're tailgating through fall)

Game tickets + parking pass

• It sounds obvious… until it’s not. Double check!

Fuel up at Cenex on your way

Tailgating success starts long before you pull into the lot. From snacks and drinks to fast fill-ups, your nearest Cenex^® station has everything you need to keep the crew happy and the car humming.

And here's a smart play: Cenex^® gasoline is TOP TIER™ certified, meaning it contains a higher level of detergent additives to help keep your engine clean, improve performance and reduce emissions. While you're fueling up for game day, you're also giving your vehicle a boost that goes the distance.

Bonus tip: Download or bookmark directions to a Cenex location near your stadium or along your route. That way you’ll always know where to make a quick stop for gas, snacks, or last-minute supplies.

Tailgating tips from seasoned fans

Want to take your tailgate to pro level? Here are a few tried-and-true tricks:

• Prep the night before. Chop, marinate and pack everything in bins, so you’re not scrambling on game day.
• Color code your coolers. Drinks in one, raw meat in another, snacks in a third. It’s safer and smarter.
• Bring trash bags. Make clean-up a breeze and leave the lot cleaner than you found it.
• Don’t forget the tunes. A Bluetooth speaker can turn your tailgate into a party, even before kickoff.

Make game day legendary

Tailgating is more than a pre-game ritual—it’s part of the game day magic. With a little planning and a quick stop at your local Cenex, you'll be ready to bring the heat, the eats and the team spirit.

Wherever the road takes you this season, Cenex is here to fuel the fun. 

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About Cenex
Cenex is the largest cooperative refiner in the country, bringing over 90 years of expertise in high-quality energy solutions. Cenex offers premium fuels, lubricants and propane products that power both vehicles and homes in America.