It’s the greatest time of the year in Texas: football season. With the effects of COVID-19 limiting or cautioning against large gatherings of people, your weekends might look a little different if you’re used to attending games and tailgating beforehand. But that doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the football season from your home, surrounded by family and socially-distanced friends. We’re big football fans here at Riverside Homebuilders, so we’ve rounded up a few ideas to bring the excitement, camaraderie and tailgate-friendly food back home. 

Gear up for your team

The first step to creating the ideal atmosphere for your at-home tailgate is with spirited decor for your house. You can find branded tablecloths, napkins, plates and more for most teams to make it clear who you’re rooting for. Embrace your team’s colors and consider adding a few throw pillows or blankets to the couch you’ll be watching the game from. To really feel like you’re steps from the stadium, set up a tailgating tent in your driveway or backyard to gather under with fellow fans—include whatever games you like to play as well (cornhole, horseshoes or catch). 

It won’t feel like gameday if you’re not sporting the right clothing: break out the lucky jerseys, sweatshirts (once the Texas heat lets up), face paint and foam fingers to get your head in the game. 

The tastes of tailgating

Arguably one of the best parts of tailgating is the food, and now you get to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. Fire up your backyard grill for hot dogs or burgers to get your stadium-food fill—or go a little fancier with steak, grilled corn and kebabs. If you’re lucky enough to own (and know how to safely use) a smoker, everyone loves a fresh rack of ribs or a batch of wings during the big game. Another benefit to tailgating from home is keeping cold items fresh in your refrigerator instead of the old cooler. Make layered dips, fresh salsa and pasta salads the night before to free up your mornings. An added bonus: your beer and batch cocktails will stay extra cold. 

Bring the traditions home

The hardest part of being away from the stadium for games is being away from the traditions that make your team so special—so be sure to include them in any way you can. Play their fight song over your speakers before kickoff, participate in whatever chants you have memorized and maybe even pull up halftime performances (marching bands, dance teams, etc.) on YouTube. 

This football season may be different for a lot of teams and fans, but it doesn’t have to be any less fun—we hope these tips inspire you to show team spirit in a new way. If you’re looking for a new home to enjoy the game in, Riverside Homebuilders has just the right lineup. Reach out today for more information.