Gear

Gate Expectations

Five Keys to Tailgating Supremacy

Eating in a parking lot isn’t something you do every day. But the Patriots’ home opener this Sunday is a special occasion. The kind that calls for indestructible beer vessels, spring rolls in the triple digits and these other things that can only improve a tailgate. Though a win wouldn’t hurt.

FOR BEING FULL OF BEER

These Tumblers That Never Die

You Require: Something to pour beer into. Maybe a faint feeling of patriotism.
You’ll Receive: These American-made, insulated and double-walled tumblers that come with a lifetime guarantee. And a little blue man holding a rifle on the side. That’s the Ball and Buck part.

FOR SHIRT SECURITY

This Apron That’s Unlike Other Aprons

You Require: To not wear a visual reminder of your barbecuing skills for the entire second half of the game.
You’ll Receive: What could have been a pair of distressed selvage jeans, but ended up being an apron instead. Denim works in mysterious ways.

FOR CROWD-PLEASING

These Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls

You Require: A hundred of something delicious.
You’ll Receive: A 100-count platter of crispy buffalo chicken spring rolls, made and delivered by Bee’s Knees. Just give them at least 24 hours’ notice. It’s basic spring roll etiquette.

FOR COOKING THINGS WITH FIRE

This Small Yet Mighty Stove

You Require: Fire. But in a form that’s easy, portable and preferably not illegal in a public place.
You’ll Receive: This foldable, lightweight steel stove that’s meant for camping but will do just fine in any out-of-home bratwurst scenario. Like tailgating. That really worked out.

FOR COVERING ALL THE BASES

This Box Full of Tailgating Gold

You Require: Leaving nothing to chance. Particularly where dipping sauce is concerned.
You’ll Receive: An embarrassment of tailgating riches in box-form. There’s a cherry-chipotle dipping sauce, a press for stuffing burger patties, a spicy Korean BBQ marinade, a set of portable speakers... we could go on, but no.