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How to host a winning, budget-friendly Super Bowl tailgate: Video

Cody Godwin   Paste BN
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The Super Bowl is a great time to gather with friends to enjoy football, commercials and tasty food. However, hosting a crowd in your home for the big game may come with more stress than a last-second Hail Mary!

Understand, we're not just talking about stressing over whether your team will win or totally blow it! Hosting comes with other pressures. In addition to preparing your home for guests, you have to worry about feeding, watering and entertaining a crowd of people. But don't fret, there's a playbook for that.

One option is to make the gathering a potluck. This helps relieve some of the pressure on you as the host and cuts down on the dishes you have to clean later. 

And hosting doesn’t need to break the bank. Keep reading for some affordable ways to keep your guests happy.

Watch this video for tips on how to host a budget-friendly tailgate party.  

Super Bowl 2025 date and location

Super Bowl 59 is on Sunday, February 9, 2025. 

Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game will be broadcast on Fox. 

Super Bowl 59 halftime show

The Super Bowl halftime show will be headlined by Grammy-winning rapper, Kendrick Lamar.

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Tailgate 

Sometimes tailgating is an all-day affair. If you’re hosting people in the morning, consider a breakfast spread with bagels, yogurt, and fruit. Of course, you don’t want to forget the coffee and juice!  

For grazing options to hold you and your guests over until the main meal, consider making a veggie tray instead of choosing store-bought. The good thing about that is you can have double the carrots and none of the celery. Just don’t forget the dip, which you can make using a packet of Ranch dip mixed with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Consider portioning snacks, like chips, pretzels or popcorn into smaller containers. This makes it easier for everyone to enjoy a treat without crowding the food table. 

Not in the mood for grilling? Consider making other bulk dishes, like pasta or slow cooker chili. They can be prepped ahead of time and can easily feed a crowd. 

Consider also including these in your tailgating spread:

If any of your guests have dietary restrictions, look for meat or dairy-free alternatives.

If all else fails, you can always order a pizza. You might not be the only person doing this, so order ahead to avoid a long wait. 

No tailgate is complete without some beverages! Having guests BYOB is a great way to save money and make sure everyone has what they like. Consider offering a choice of non-alcoholic beverages, like soft drinks, sparkling water, coffee or tea for those who are underage or do not drink. Stock a cooler or two with ice so people can store their drinks without needing to find space in the fridge. Or, if it's cold enough where you live, keep them outside.

Games to play at a Super Bowl party

Tailgates can be a marathon of a day. Some people like to gather before and after the main event, so games are an enjoyable way to pass the time with your friends and family. Many of them can also be played by people of all ages. 

For your next gathering, consider playing:

  • Cornhole. 
  • Giant Jenga, also known as Tumbling Timbers Stacking Game.
  • A relay race or obstacle course.
  • Kan Jam. 
  • Make friendly wagers on plays and the outcome of the game, making bets with odd food combinations or silly dares. 
  • Get competitive with a chili cookoff or blind taste test dips. The winner gets a pat on the back!
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