How to Prepare Your Family SUV for Football Tailgate Traditions in Metro Detroit

Football season is slowly taking over southeast Michigan, and excitement is growing across superfan families. Tailgating before the big game is a great activity to get the whole family hyped up before kickoff, and luckily, Michigan and its teams have plenty of pre-game culture to help.

Whether your family spends Saturdays cheering on college teams or Sundays rooting for the Lions, a little preparation goes a long way.

With space for food, friends and gameday gear, a spacious SUV — from Ford or another trusted brand — and the right preparation are all you and your family need to keep tailgating traditions going strong.

Continue reading to discover Michigan’s top tailgating traditions and how you can stay ready for them with Ford SUVs!

Photo credit: iStock | monkyebusinessimages

Tailgate traditions families love

In Michigan, tailgating isn’t just about the game – it’s about coming together. Uniting through songs and chants, sharing food and showing team spirit allow kids to feel the excitement of game day while learning what community spirit is all about.

These tailgating traditions keep things fun and spirited: 

• Learning songs and chants: University of Michigan’s “The Yellow and Blue” and Michigan State’s “300” call are two game-time chants your kids can practice during the tailgate.
• Game day grilling: Food is at the center of any tailgate. Make sure your car is stocked with a portable grill and enough food to share.

• Repping team gear: Come prepared with t-shirts, hats and car flags that show off your team so you can contribute to the sea of team colors at the tailgate.

Vehicle set-up essentials

Hungry kids and unpredictable weather make stocking your car before the tailgate crucial to keep spirits high before the game.

The large cargo space in family cars like the Ford Expedition and Explorer leaves no cooler left behind — and whatever else you might need for the perfect tailgating set-up:

• Portable grill: The right grill should be compact enough to travel easily yet still big enough to feed a crowd. Small electric grills are great options that can plug into the 110-volt outlet at the back of your Ford Bronco or other compatible vehicles.
• Folding table: Having a table to set your food and drink on just outside your car’s trunk is a must. Look for one that compacts easily so it fits alongside your other tailgating gear.

• Car shades: The trunk of your SUV isn’t enough to shield from unpredictable weather at the tailgate – an SUV-compatible shade or awning attached to your car will help protect from rainy weather during football season. 
• Coolers and storage boxes: Keep snacks, drinks, and utensils organized with durable coolers or storage bins. SUVs like the Ford Explorer have hidden cargo areas where you can tuck them away neatly.

• Team spirit: Now that your vehicle is prepped and organized, customizing your car is the next step. Car flags, decals and team-colored gear are simple ways to show your team spirit from the windows or sunroof of your Ford SUV.

Photo credit: University of Michigan Alumni Association

Gameday eats

Authentic food and drink are not only delicious, but a huge part of the culture across football festivities in metro Detroit. Here are some of the essential pre-game meals:

• Coney dogs (and other grilled goods): Pre-marinated ribs, burgers or the Detroit-famous coney dog — a chili-drenched hot dog with mustard and onions — are all easy options for quick grilling. Check out this recipe for a delicious game-day coney dog.

• Detroit-style pizza: The crispy square edges of Detroit-style pizza make this authentic dish the perfect pre-game fuel. If you’re on the way to Ford Field, stop by the top-rated Buddy’s Pizza or Niki’s Pizza in Detroit’s Greektown.

Tips for tailgating with kids

With kids eager to get to the stadium for the big game, it can be hard to keep them entertained during the tailgate. Packing games like corn hole and bringing chalk in their teams’ colors to decorate the lot are great options for kid-friendly fun before the game.

If your family frequents Lions games, Pride Plaza next to Ford Field has plenty of activities and performances to get ready for the big game. The tailgate festivities at Pride Plaza start at 10:30 a.m. and include food trucks and bar stands, kids’ games and a drum performance of the Honolulu Boom.

This content is sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more fun things to do Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/juIQ4NH