Knoxville Tailgate Checklist
Leaving at 5 a.m. for an 8 p.m. kickoff is reasonable. Leaving without the cooler is not. Here is the list we actually use.
The setup
- Canopy tent, weights or stakes, and a backup plan for wind
- Folding chairs (count them twice)
- Folding table and a tablecloth that can take a spill
- Portable speaker and a charged battery pack
Food and drink
- Two coolers: one for drinks, one for food. Fewer arguments.
- Grill, fuel, lighter, tongs, foil
- Paper towels, wet wipes, trash bags, a bottle opener
- Water. More than you think.
Gear
- A hat with a real brim. Our Vols Deep Rope Hat ($34) and Tennessee Rope Hat ($34) are built for long days in the sun.
- A layer for after sunset, like the Vols Deep Hoodie ($55).
- Stickers for the cooler: the Tennessee Outline Sticker and the Vols Deep Sticker, from $6. Durable kiss-cut vinyl for coolers, laptops and water bottles.
- Sunscreen, a poncho, and a small first-aid kit
Before you walk to the stadium
- Check the stadium's current bag policy. It changes, and the gate will not make an exception for your tote.
- Phone charged, ticket on your phone, meeting spot agreed on
- Same hat as last week. It's not superstition. It's a system.
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