The Tailgate Grill + Accessories That’ll Make Your Party the Talk of the Lot

Tailgating brings people together over food, fun, and team spirit. From early morning set-ups to kickoff, having the right grill and cooking gear helps keep the good times — and great meals — rolling. But how do you keep your favorite gameday tradition from becoming a hassle? Our grilling experts have rounded up the best tailgate grill and cooking equipment to help you focus on the fun.

Every tailgater has different needs, so think about what matters most to you before choosing your setup. However, these features can make grilling on game day smoother, easier, and more enjoyable.

• Size + Weight: A compact, lightweight grill is easier to transport and set up, especially if you’re working with limited trunk space.

• Cooking surface area: A grill with about 200 to 300 square inches of space is usually enough for most tailgates, but go bigger or smaller depending on how many people you're feeding.

• Foldable legs and handles: These make it simple to pack up and move your grill, even if you're short on storage space.

• Wheels for easy portability: Built-in wheels help you roll your grill across parking lots without breaking a sweat.

• Fast heat-up time: A grill that gets hot quickly means less waiting and more time enjoying the food and fun.

• Sturdy construction: Durable materials like stainless steel or cast aluminum can handle frequent transport and unpredictable weather.

• Removable grease tray or drip pan: Cleanup is faster and easier when you can simply remove and rinse the drip tray after cooking.

With so many tailgate grills on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! No matter which grill you pick, our expert recommendations will make your party the talk of the lot.

A great tailgate grill is only part of the equation. Having the right tools on hand can make cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable for you and your partygoers. Here are a few essentials to keep in your kit:

• BBQ tool set: A set of tongs, spatulas, and more to help you manage food on the grill and clean up afterward.

• Blackstone hamburger kit: This set includes a burger press, spatula, and dome to help you cook patties evenly and melt cheese like a pro.

• Grilling basket: Perfect for veggies, shrimp, or anything that might fall through the grates.

• Snap-fit measuring spoons: These stay organized and make it simple to measure out spices or sauces without hunting through your gear.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures your food is cooked safely and to the right temperature.

• Grill gloves + apron: Heat-resistant gloves protect your hands, while an apron keeps your outfit clean and gives you a spot to stash tools or towels.

A great tailgate starts with good company and ends with full plates and happy fans. With the right grill and cooking gear, you'll be ready to serve up crowd favorites and keep the energy high all season long. Check out the wide variety of tailgating grills available at Academy Sports + Outdoors to get started!