Event Playbook
The Tailgate
Lot setup, loud speakers, all day.
Tailgates are pure logistics. Once you've got a lot, the order of operations is: tents up, speakers running, food on, games out. The chapters that win on game day are the ones that nailed the gear list two weeks early.
This page is the year-round setup list. For specific game-day asks (buses, bigger tents, custom flags), use the quote form — we'll pull options from vendors who already work with chapters.
Running a tailgate
Tents first. 10x10 pop-ups in the chapter colors set the lot before anything else goes down.
Sound: a loud outdoor speaker or two carry the whole event. Don't skimp here.
Games: cornhole, ladder ball, beer darts, paddle smash. Two or three setups across the lot.
Coolers: bigger and more than you think. A 5-gallon dispenser for water/electrolytes is the move people forget.
Flags & banners: the chapter flag plus university/state flags claim the lot and help people find you.
The Gear List
What to source
Curated picks via Amazon Associates. As an Amazon Associate, TopHouse earns from qualifying purchases.
Tailgating Pros
Tailgating Pros 4'x2' Cornhole Boards
The classic lawn game. Two sets across the lot.
GoPong
GoPong 8-Foot Portable Pong Table
Folds, fits in a trunk, sets up in 30 seconds.
ION
ION Block Rocker Plus Speaker
Loud, battery-powered, made for lot setups.
Igloo
Igloo 5 Gallon Sports Cooler Dispenser
Water and electrolyte station. People will thank you.
Igloo
Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Holds the whole chapter's drinks in one cooler.
Turtlebox
Turtlebox Original Gen 3 Outdoor Speaker
Outdoor-rated. Survives the parking lot abuse.
Shop on Amazon
10x10 Pop-Up Canopy Tent
Two tents minimum. Get the heavier ones — wind is real.
Shop on Amazon
Tailgate Flag Pole Kit
Claim the lot. Chapter flag goes here.
Need custom merch or rentals for this?
We source custom gear and event rentals from vetted vendors — free for every chapter. Tell us what you need and we'll have quotes back in 24 hours.