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As football season begins, remember tailgating 'Do's and 'Don'ts'

University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Harriet Laird
August 31, 2009

STARKVILLE, Miss.-Those who've mastered the art of Bulldog tailgating at Mississippi State football games now have a new way to share their culinary creations.

By logging on to the MSU Facebook site (www.facebook.com/msstate), seasoned tailgate chefs and even those just starting out, can post their favorite recipes that add flavor to the game day experience. Just click on "Discussions" and see the link for "Tailgating Recipes."

And, while many may consider themselves at the top of their game when it comes to being the guru of the grill, all tailgaters should still consider several food preparation tips and other helpful hints when firing up for football festivities.

Brent Fountain of the MSU food science, nutrition and health promotion department, said tailgating has always been a big deal, but that the more elaborate foods now being prepared and the visual presentation call for words of advice when planning for the perfect gathering.

"Remember that tailgating is an event, and for many it's bigger than the game itself," the assistant extension professor said.

To go along with the team-themed serving dishes, logo-stamped glassware and cowbell decorations, Fountain suggests these "do's" for flawless fun.

Do:

Plan ahead. If there are foods that can be chilled or frozen ahead of time, do it. They'll stay cooler longer and help keep other foods cold.
Separate foods that are raw and uncooked from ready to eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. For instance, if you're planning to grill chicken, don't place the cooked chicken on the same plate that held the raw chicken.
Bring a thermometer. A simple bimetallic stemmed thermometer (not glass) can be purchased at most grocery stores and is a good thing to have if cooking on the grill or checking temperatures of foods left on the buffet.
Bring a fruit salad with fresh fruit. Fruit is perfect on hot days and is a great source of water, vitamins and minerals. By adding lemon or lime juice along with other citric foods like oranges, this can be a safe food to have for your tailgaters throughout the event.
Bring anti-bacterial hand sanitizer. It isn't a substitute for handwashing, but bathrooms may be difficult to get to and poorly stocked. Hand sanitizer will at least reduce the risk of pathogens.
Bring a variety of beverages. Consider regular and diet drinks, caffeinated and non-caffeinated beverages, and plenty of water. Also, if children are going to be around consider beverages like fruit juice.
Make a list of non-food items to bring. Plates, napkins, utensils and disposable cups are good things to have on hand and can make cleanup easier.
Bring something for discarding trash and garbage. Make sure to keep the area around you clean. If it's difficult to find places to throw away trash, it usually ends up on the ground.
Coordinate with others who share your tailgate space. It's not necessary for one person to carry the load, and it isn't much fun if everyone brings the same thing.
Make sure that you make everyone feel welcome, visiting team included. You may not have enough food for everyone that stops by, but be sure to be courteous. Many times you are the first impression and sometimes the only impression they may have of your favorite team.

"Tailgating allows us to spend time with those we may not see on a regular basis and with some we may never see again, but it allows us to be part of an event through the foods we bring and share," Fountain said.

To impress family, friends and even visitors rooting for the opposing team, he said the "don't" list is just as important as the "do's."

Don't:

Allow foods to sit out for extended periods of time unless they don't pose a threat to food safety. Foods like chips or certain cookies and cakes are fine to leave on the table, but cover them to protect from insects. For foods that are potentially hazardous, like meats or egg dishes, be sure to keep them out of the temperature danger zone (40-140 F) as much as possible.
Be careless with ashes or coals from your grill. It is unsightly to see several burn patches on Monday morning and can be dangerous.
Allow guests to over-consume alcohol at your events if it is present. This can lead to a difficult time for you and everyone at your tailgate. Have a plan to restrict alcohol if you think this could be a problem. It could ruin your day and be dangerous as well.
Judge what other people bring to the event. You can avoid this by planning ahead and making sure that everyone understands what is needed.
Leave your trash for someone else to clean up. Often times, trash is grouped in central locations. Find one and place it there.
Block walking isles with your tent unless you are willing to let them cross within your tailgating area. It's often difficult to maneuver around the maze of tents that find their way into the area. Try to be accommodating and understanding.

Fountain admits he is impressed by the newer tailgating recipes such as seven-layer dips and five-berry desserts, but says it wouldn't be tailgating without the simple things as well.

"It's good that beyond all the fancy foods and setups that can be found at these events today, it isn't hard for me to still find a hamburger and chips," he said.