Tailgating Tech: How to Power Your Ultimate NFL Tailgate Party
NFL tailgating is an American tradition. It combines community, camaraderie, and sports. Today’s tailgates are a significant upgrade from those of the past, thanks to tech gadgets like portable power sources and on-the-go refrigerators that elevate the experience.
Traditional methods, like ice coolers and noisy gas generators, had limitations. But now? Revolutionary equipment is changing how we celebrate and prepare for game day.
Take your next tailgate to the next level with the ultimate tech setup.
Tailgating 101: What Makes This American Stadium Ritual Special
Nearly every American has attended a tailgate party at one point or another, whether for their favorite college team or their hometown NFL team. It’s a quintessential American pre-game tradition that often involves setting up a makeshift get-together in a parking lot, tailgate food like hot dogs and hamburgers cooked on a grill and served out of the bed of a truck, and plenty of social bonding through shared food, drinks, and good, old-fashioned team spirit.
The goal is to keep the drinks cold and the energy high, but traditional coolers packed with ice are unreliable in hot weather, when many football games occur. A wise modern tailgater instead brings the EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Refrigerator Freezer, which can maintain a consistent temperature, make ice, and offers separate compartments for refrigerated and frozen items.
As long as you have the right gear and the right people around you, the tailgate can be more fun than the game itself!
Powering the Tailgate: Fuel-Powered Generators vs. Portable Power Stations
Traditional generators produce carbon monoxide fumes and require ample fuel storage, adding bulk to your tailgate setup. Not only is the carbon monoxide unsafe in crowded tailgate areas, but the excessive noise can disrupt the ambiance and conversations you want to enjoy.
The perfect solution has emerged: a portable power station (PPS). It’s a clean, quiet, user-friendly alternative that produces zero emissions and runs nearly silently. You also don’t need to bring extra fuel; you can keep your load light. Rather than getting distracted by your power source, it seamlessly blends into the background, and you’ll likely forget it's there.
If you’re new to the world of PPS for tailgating, we suggest the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus + 160W Solar Panel. It’s more than just a PPS; it’s also a solar generator that can extend your runtime to last as long as you do. Who says the fun has to stop?
An upgrade from the standard PPS, tailgating solar generators use the heat and sun to their advantage, eliminating the need for AC power access and letting you keep the party going.
Entertainment on the Go: TVs, Streaming, and Outdoor Connectivity
The best tailgates have entertainment, and entertainment requires power. Some setups bring out big TVs to watch pre-game commentators; if you’re simply watching the game rather than attending it, a TV becomes necessary. But TVs can’t run on team spirit alone; they need electricity.
Another technology needed at tailgates is uninterrupted phone access so you can place bets on your favorite team or stay caught up on the play-by-plays as they happen. When your phone dies, it’s a problem. And you don’t want to turn your car on to draw energy from it, only to run the risk of your car battery dying and getting stranded.
Luckily, there’s one solution for both of these tailgate needs: portable electricity! EcoFlow’s range of solutions, from portable power stations and solar generators to the small and slim EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (25,000mAh), can keep your tailgate party going without disruption or discomfort.
Use EcoFlow to run a few TVs, keep your phone battery charged, play music through Bluetooth speakers, and handle any other equipment needs you might run into. With several outlets and USB ports, you can run multiple devices simultaneously, letting your tailgate guests enjoy the benefits, too.
Your tailgate might already be great, but that doesn’t mean it can’t improve. Invest in EcoFlow power solutions and see firsthand how much better it can get.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do People Power TVs at Tailgates?
Yes, people often get creative to bring power to their tailgates, but portable power stations or solar generators are the most practical. A car battery shouldn’t be your first choice if you want to get home reliably. Choose a solution with a capacity that can run your TV throughout the game time, and consider upgrading with solar panels to extend your power availability.
What Is the Best Power Source for Tailgating?
Portable power stations (PPS) and solar generators are the best electricity sources for tailgating. PPS offer the most versatility, while solar generators are best for extended tailgate parties. Both options produce no noise or emissions and are safe to run in social settings. They have multiple output options and don’t require fuel storage, making them perfect for these situations.
What Size Generator Do I Need for a Tailgate?
To determine the right generator size for your tailgate, add the total wattage of all devices you want to power. Consider peak or surge vs. continuous power requirements, factoring in how long your tailgate event will last. Don’t forget about the small appliances, like phone charging, too.
Solar Generators Power Modern Tailgates Safely
Modern tailgating has improved dramatically with the introduction of reliable portable energy. While gas generators were traditionally used to run TVs, speakers, and more, clean energy solutions like portable power stations and solar generators improve the social experience while enhancing safety and convenience.
Products like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus + 160W Solar Panel can help address common tailgate challenges, but the investment goes beyond just tailgating. Buying a quality power station also means using it for other outdoor adventures, events, or remote work. Are you ready to power the ultimate tailgate setup? Go team, go.