Interested in tailgating, but wondering how to get started? Check out more than 25 tips, including a primer for beginners, tailgating tools of the trade and food-safety advice.

10 things you need to know to get started

1. Pack up the car the night before with nonperishable food, tables, chairs, trash bags and all other supplies. Pack foods in reverse order so the last ones packed will be the first ones used.

2. Visit the game location ahead of time to stake out a good spot on game day. Parking at the end of a row can give you more space. Make note of the section letter and number, and distribute them to fellow tailgaters before the game.

3. Make sure propane tanks are full. Fill them at the beginning of the season and check them frequently.

4. Use separate coolers for raw meats and ready-to-eat food and beverages.

5. Instead of loose ice, freeze bottled water and put it in your cooler. Unlike ice, it won't melt and flood the cooler. It also provides cold drinking water after the game.

6. Ask all participants to bring ice to avoid running out.

7. Fly flags, balloons or other identifying markers so friends and family can easily find you in a vast parking lot.

8. Food should be ready at least two hours before game time to allow time to eat, clean up and extinguish fires.

9. Remove the ashes from the grill, keeping them in heavy-duty foil, and soak them completely with water before disposing of them in a noncombustible container.

10. Clean up after yourselves. Bring plenty of trash and recycling bags to properly dispose of all garbage, cans and bottles.

Page Two:
Learn more about staying safe while tailgating

Page Three:
Tailgating tools of the trade Food safety