Game day is all about sharing experiences with your community – whether that’s your friends, family, current neighbors, or pals from way back. It’s also about rooting for your team. But mostly, the community thing.
If you’re spending a day in front of the TV with your crew, obviously you need good food to make the most of the day. A lot of it.
That’s why we’ve created a GAMEDAY TAILGATE GUIDE – to help you turn game day from a good hang to a straight-up EVENT. With our expert advice, you’ll have a playbook to secure the best starters, main courses, and drinks to help you set up a game day worth remembering… even after the excitement of the game fades.
Presented by DoorDash
PART I – Starters:
The best starters are finger foods. Uncomplicated snacks that aren’t going to be a problem when you throw your hands up celebrating that stunning TD pass. The sort of food you can eat that won’t be interrupted by a ringing doorbell, a beeping oven, or your cousin Facetiming you for the fourth time because they can’t figure out where to park.
Think gooey cheese sticks, sliders, fried pickles — anything you can eat without a plate.
You know what you and your crew like, but it’s always good to put something new in front of the crowd to try to find a new favorite. Maybe that means testing a different wing place from the Football Game Day Offers or Most Loved section on the app – the sort of spot that has an endless array of sauce options.
Maybe get a variety and run one of Uproxx’s famed Blind Taste Tests at halftime!
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PART II – Main Courses:
Your main course is all about letting your impeccable tastes shine. This is the moment when you bring out the family recipe, that specialty signature dish that reflects your personality, earns you a reputation amongst friends and family, and keeps people coming back for more.
Whether that’s an epic seven-layer nacho plate, a slow-roasted rack of ribs, or the perfect barbecue burger, your main course should be indulgent and decadent, a dish that’ll take time and attention to eat and enhance your game day experience, whether your team is winning or losing.
If you’re not skilled in the kitchen, don’t worry, you can always source your main course from your favorite food spots. Whether it’s subs or getting the local BBQ joint to cater, the important thing is that you put care into the main dish, be it in the kitchen or via DoorDash.
DoorDash launched a campaign called “Timeout, Order In” recently that can help to simplify their already easy-to-use process with prompts during commercials that’ll let you order by simply scanning a QR code. Sounds like a pretty great way to keep the party going without taking your focus off the game.
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PART III – Pizza
While technically a main dish, pizza gets its own section because it’s so versatile and such a staple of any game day party. But as with the play on the field, timing is key. If you order too early, you risk a cold pie by the time your guests arrive and a line forming for the microwave. Thankfully DoorDash offers an Express delivery option to help you ensure that your pies arrive piping hot right as kickoff is about to start.
Don’t play the guessing game when it comes to what kind of pizza to get. Try a mix of everything, from plain to different toppings. Your guests will thank you for putting some creativity behind your pizza offerings. And if you run out of one kind, you can always break out the DoorDash app and order some more.
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PART IV – Party Supplies:
Game Day is all about fun and showing team spirit. That means finding clever ways to reflect your team – with colored balloons, plastic cups, paper plates and a streamer or two (if you’re feeling wild). During those in-game lulls and at halftime, you’re going to need ways to keep the party going. Once you’ve filled up on food, use it to fuel some backyard activities. Bust out that giant Jenga set, hoist that four-square volleyball net, impress your loved ones with your epic Frisbee tossing skills, or keep it simple and just toss a ball around – there’s nothing wrong with a tried and true classic.
If you come up short on having all the supplies you need, you can rest easy knowing DoorDash is on your team. Whether it’s a game of cornhole from your local sporting goods store or a bag of ice from the mini mart, a Dasher will come in clutch everytime so that you can keep your eyes on the game and your focus on your guests.
Remember, DoorDash isn’t only limited to restaurants. Convenience stores, local grocers, party suppliers, and beloved retailers, DoorDash connects you to them all. Save yourself time (and stress) by outsourcing those quick runs for more plates, extra chips, and any last minute special requests from your guests and focus on the vibeeeeees.
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PART V – Themed Drinks:
Surely, there are going to be moments in the day when cracking open a can just feels right. But nothing elevates a party like a finely crafted cocktail and with the backdrop of game day behind you, you have all sorts of fun potential themes to work off of.
A whiskey drink inspired by your favorite player? A margarita that captures your team colors? The sky is the limit for your creativity.
Of course, drinks require a lot of supplies. Even if you gear up with all the mix-ins and garnishes, you can run out fast – especially if your drinks are a hit. So when supplies are running low, send DoorDash to help you re-up and keep the party flowing.
DoorDash can complete a beer run from just about anywhere but they’ve also got wine and liquor marts on their roster. Check to see which local spots they partner with before the cooler hits empty so you can keep the good times flowing until the clock runs out.
With this tip, and the others, it’s pretty clear that you need to head to DoorDash for a winning game day.
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Written by: Dane Rivera | Design: Carlos Sotelo Olivas, Daisy James, Joe Petrolis | Creative Direction: Steve Bramucci