Tailgating Tips:

• Set the date well in advance, and determine the location.
• Show your school spirit: shop for disposable napkins, plates, cups, and utensils in your school’s colors. Stick to white or neutral colors for large serving pieces so you can use what you already have.
• Pack several rectangular tablecloths. A large one can be draped over the car’s backseat and trunk area, while the others can cover any portable tables you might bring.
• Create a checklist, and include such items as garbage bags, a bottle opener, chairs, serving platters and utensils, ice, hand wipes or sanitizer, and a radio or small television.
• Use Sandra’s Championship Menu – each dish is made ahead, then served in a way that allows your guests to “grab and go” during pregame festivities.
• Make the meat mixture for the Ropa Vieja-Style Sandwiches at home. Transport it warm in a towel-wrapped slow-cooker ceramic liner, or chill it before leaving and reheat after you arrive using a saucepan on your grill. Assemble the sandwiches, and then roll them in parchment paper. Secure the paper with double-faced tape and a piece of sports-themed ribbon.
• Grill the chicken for the sliders on-site, or grill it at home and chill before leaving. Transport it cold, and then bring to room temperature before serving. Keep the sauce cold until you assemble the sliders.
• Serve up your slaw in disposable cups so guests can forego plates for social snacking.
• If the weather is warm, keep the cake bites in the cooler.
• Transport your supplies and food in matching baskets and buckets. Once on-site, use them as decorative lifts for your tablescaping in the car and on portable folding tables.