Outdoor Football Watch Party Checklist: Everything You Need for Game Day

Gathering your friends and family for a big, outdoor gameday party is one of the best ways to enjoy a game. So, how can you make sure you have everything you need to tailgate at home and ensure your guests have a great time? Get prepared with these football watch party ideas!

1. Make Sure Your Viewing Setup is Dialed

Your game viewing setup should be your top priority! Ensuring you have a reliable, high-quality way to watch the big game is critical to having an excellent gameday party.

Outdoor Projector or TV

If you’re considering purchasing a new device ahead of your outdoor gameday party, you may be wondering: should I get an outdoor TV or use a projector? Each has its pros and cons. Depending on how you intend to use your device in the future, one may be a better fit for you than the other.

Outdoor TV

Pros:

• Still bright enough to see during daylight hours
• Self-contained, with no separate screen needed, and typically has built-in speakers

Cons:

• Limited screen size
• Needs to be mounted or hanged
• May be more expensive
• Difficult to move

Projector

Pros:

• Can create a huge image
• Easy to move around if the weather changes
• May have a lower price point

Cons:

• Can be difficult to see during the day
• Requires a separate screen
• Some may require separate speakers

Whether you choose a TV or projector, visit your local Rent-A-Center for great options!

Speakers

Of course, you’ll want a great set of speakers to hear all of the action (plus the commercials and halftime show!). A set of wireless speakers can be easily moved outside to create a surround sound feel and are simple to connect to most TVs and projectors. A soundbar can also be a great option, especially if all of your guests are sitting in one area.

Subscription for the Game

Ensure that you have a way to watch the game! Most games are typically available on cable and certain streaming platforms, but they may change yearly. Make sure you have the correct subscription so that you don’t have any issues watching the game.

2. Test-Run Your Devices

At least a week before the game, try a test run of setting up your devices in the outdoor space you plan to use for your party. This will give you a chance to troubleshoot any technical issues and purchase additional equipment that you may need. Plus, on game day, you won’t be stressed about setup and can enjoy the day with your friends and family!

3. Ensure Everyone is Comfortable

Big games can be a long day between commercials, the halftime show, and actual gameplay. That’s why it’s essential to have plenty of comfortable seating available for all of your guests. If you have patio furniture, that can be great for arranging around your TV or screen. But what if you’ve got a big crowd coming and insufficient seating for everyone? Consider asking your guests to bring a camp chair or a big blanket.

Bonus Tip: If you live somewhere with chilly weather, bring out the blankets and portable heaters to make sure everyone is cozy. Offer hot chocolate or other warm beverages for extra warmth!

4. Have Activities Ready

For some games, your crew may be watching every second. For others, they might not be quite as invested. Likewise, if families are attending, some folks will likely be less interested in the game than others. That’s where some pre-planned party games come into play! Here are a few ideas:

Halftime Trivia

Plan trivia either based on the game (What color sweater was that famous girlfriend wearing? Which player scored first? No cheating, what’s the current score?) or more general trivia about the team or league history.

Game Bingo

Get crafty! Make bingo cards based on the game using an online card generator. Some ideas for squares include an easy center square (like a team scores), a missed field goal, a commercial featuring a talking animal, a retired player shown on the screen, etc. Depending on your crowd, you can adjust the cards to be more or less technically complicated. Pick a fun prize for the winner, like a local gift card.

Activities for Kids

If your party is kid-friendly, include activities for them to participate in. This could be yard games, a coloring station, or even setting up a video game console at another TV, depending on the age of the kids in attendance. Be sure to offer some kid-friendly snacks, too—keep reading for food recommendations!

5. Don’t Forget the Food!

What’s a party without food? This gameday, go beyond chips and salsa (no hate to a classic!) with a lineup that’ll have your guests drooling.

• Buffalo wings with ranch and bleu cheese – try fried cauliflower for a vegetarian option!
• Build your own nacho or taco bar
• Sliders – mini pulled pork sandwiches or burgers
• Stuffed jalapeño poppers
• Grilled chicken skewers with dipping sauces

Remember that many big games can last for hours, so keeping guests’ stomachs full will help keep everyone happy. Consider combining a “main” like tacos or burgers with snack foods for grazing. And if you live in an area where bugs like flies or mosquitoes are a problem, take relevant steps to repel pests while you dine outside.

6. Set Up a Drink Station

Keep your friends and family hydrated with a self-serve drink station. If there will be kids around, consider keeping soda and water in an easy-grab area and the batched theme cocktails or beer cooler in a supervised area away from sneaky hands!

7. Have a Backup Plan

Nothing kills the vibe of a great party like some sort of unexpected hitch in the plan. Whether there’s a surprise shift in the weather forecast or you experience technical difficulties in streaming the game, having a backup plan will ensure that your party can carry on!

Bad Weather

An outdoor watch party is at the mercy of the weather. Have a plan ahead of time for where you’ll host the party if the weather changes for the worst. You could move inside your house, go to a neighbor’s (with their permission, of course), or a local restaurant that’s showing the game. Be sure to plan this location ahead of time.

Technical Difficulties

A test run of your equipment ahead of time can help reduce the chance of technical difficulties, but sometimes they happen anyway. Consider having a backup mode of watching the game, like the television inside your house, prepped and ready to go. If the technical issue is on your cable or streaming service’s end, it may be time to whip out the board games or encourage your guests to visit the food table.

8. Visit Rent-A-Center for TVs, Furniture, and More!

Ready to plan your outdoor gameday bash? Get everything you need to make your party a touchdown success at Rent-A-Center. From TVs and projectors to home theater and audio systems, we have everything you need to get the party going. Start shopping today!