The do’s and don’ts of tailgating at Gillette Stadium

Hours before kickoff, the parking lots outside Gillette Stadium are filled with fires and tents, as fans tailgate while waiting to go into the stadium. Davis, Jim Globe Staff

By Legacy User

September 8, 2015

3 minutes to read

Do: Get there early

Do: Get there early. Tailgating is like the airport—you can’t get there too early. The day will be a marathon regardless, so you might as well get yourself situated without being rushed.
Do: Make yourself at home

Do: Make yourself at home. Tents are a must, but don’t forget about folding tables, chairs, a generator, and decorations to make your tailgate stand out from the crowd.
Don’t: Forget the TV

Don’t: Forget the TV. An entertainment center is crucial to any tailgate. You want to be able to watch the games before or after the Patriots play, just as if you were having a football watching party at home. Except this party is way better with thousands of guests.
Don’t: Bring a truck without a way to lock up valuables

Don’t: Bring a truck without a way to lock up valuables. Trucks are great for tailgating, but make sure you have a way to lock up your stuff before going into the game. Otherwise, you may find that a group of teenagers helped themselves to your entire cooler of unsupervised beer.
Do: Dress appropriately for the weather

Do: Dress appropriately for the weather. Start with layers, wearing the least amount and adding throughout the day. During warmer tailgates, avoid flip flops—some of the lots are filled with gravel. During colder tailgates, bring hand warmers to throw in your boots or mittens.
Do: Buy your booze ahead of time

Do: Buy your booze ahead of time. The liquor store on Route 1 doesn’t open until noon on Sunday, and the Trader Joe’s at Patriot’s Place will be packed.
Do: Share with friends

Do: Share with friends. Your neighbors ask if they can call next game? Sure! Have left over wings? Ask who’s hungry! Do a solid for your neighbors, so others are more apt to help you when you need something later. You’re all one big, happy, tailgate family.
Don’t: Just bring a bag of chips

Don’t: Just bring a bag of chips. You’re better than that. Try wings, Italian sausage with peppers and onions, steak tips, or at least burgers. Make sure to marinate them well—that way, even if your wings get overcooked while you’re getting another beer, they will still taste good.
Do: Bring something warm to eat

Do: Bring something warm to eat. It can get cold out there in the fall, and chili is the perfect solution. If you’re bringing your chili or soup in a crockpot, bring it to the game already warm. Your car generator will take hours to warm your food from being on ice.
Don’t: Bring pressurized beer

Don’t: Bring pressurized beer. We get that kegs are more convenient for drinking games, but the police are patrolling all of the parking lots, and they will take away your keg or beer ball. Save the kegs for college parties.
Do: Bring ways to entertain yourself

Do: Bring ways to entertain yourself. Corn hole is the classic go-to lawn game, but try mixing it up this year with some giant Jenga. You can have more players, and it is a great way to make friends with your neighbors.
Do: Partake in traditions

Do: Partake in traditions. Check out Keith McGovern’s tailgate prayer at the lot across from the main Route 1 entrance. Every game, the Massachusetts State Police Mounted Unit stops by to stand at attention, and the tailgaters duct tape any visiting fans who want to attend their party.
Do: Follow the rules of music etiquette

Do: Follow the rules of music etiquette. A Patriot’s game tailgate is a time for AC/DC Pandora and other classic rock stations. Come up with a good mix that everyone in your tailgating crew will enjoy. Or find the guy with a guitar, because you know there will be at least one in your area.
Don’t: Try to bring booze into the stadium

Don’t: Try to bring booze into the stadium. Trust us, $11 for beer inside the stadium is cheaper than bail after you’re arrested for trying to sneak in alcohol.
Do: Pace yourself

Do: Pace yourself. The whole point of tailgating is watching the game, so make sure you actually get there to enjoy it.
Do: Have a post-game plan

Do: Have a post-game plan. Restaurants and bars by the stadium, like Toby Keith’s and Bar Louie, won’t serve shots after halftime. Either plan to leave early, or save food and drink to continue the party while everyone else is stuck in traffic.
Don’t: Worry about your car

Don’t: Worry about your car. AAA is on site at Gillette and is included in the cost of parking there—so if you lock yourself out or need a jump, just track down a parking lot attendant.