How to Host the Ultimate Oklahoma College Football Tailgate
Football season in Oklahoma is more than just a game—it’s a tradition. Whether you’re cheering on the Sooners in Norman, the Cowboys in Stillwater, or your favorite hometown team on a Friday night, a great tailgate is all about good food, great company, and plenty of Oklahoma pride.
The best part? You don’t have to spend all day preparing. With a few Oklahoma-made products and a little planning, you can host a tailgate your friends will be talking about long after the final whistle.
Start with an Oklahoma-Inspired Menu
No Oklahoma tailgate is complete without comfort food. Keep the menu simple, filling, and easy to serve.
Build Your Spread
- Smoked brisket sliders
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Grilled hot dogs and burgers
- Smoked sausage
- Baked beans
- Potato salad
- Pasta salad
- Chips and queso
- Fresh fruit
- Brownies or cookies
If you’re feeding a crowd, prepare as much as possible the night before so game day is stress-free.
Add Oklahoma-Made Flavors
One of the easiest ways to elevate your tailgate is by incorporating products made right here in Oklahoma.
Some of our favorite additions from Sample Oklahoma include:
A & J Salsa
A fresh, flavorful salsa that’s perfect with tortilla chips before kickoff.
Stan’s Jerky
An easy grab-and-go snack while everyone waits for the grill.
Suan’s Scotch Bonnet Pepper Jelly
Serve it over cream cheese with crackers for an appetizer that’s always one of the first things to disappear.
Sample Oklahoma’s Maple Candied Pecans
A sweet snack that doubles as a dessert or salad topping.
The Smoked Nut Guys Flavored Corn Nuts
A crunchy, smoky, grab-and-go snack that’s easy to share between plays.
Sample Oklahoma’s Spicy Lime Pistachios
A zesty, tangy kick with just the right amount of heat, making them stand out perfectly on any Oklahoma tailgate table.
Don’t Forget Dessert
After the burgers are gone, everyone still wants something sweet.
Consider serving:
- Oklahoma-made chocolates from Bedré
- Homemade brownies
- Sample Oklahoma’s Chocolate Chip, Lemon, Orange, or Snickerdoodle cookies
- Freeze-dried candy from Mera Sona
- Hennessy Bundt cakes from Ann’s Boozy Cakes
- Sweet Temptation’s Bourbon Pecan Brittle
They’re easy to transport and even easier to enjoy.
Stock the Cooler
Keep everyone refreshed with a variety of drinks.
Pack:
- Plenty of bottled water
- Sweet tea
- Lemonade
- Soft drinks
- Sparkling water
- Sports drinks
Be sure to bring lots of ice—especially during those early-season Oklahoma games when temperatures can still climb into the 90s.
Tailgate Essentials Checklist
Before leaving home, make sure you’ve packed:
- Folding chairs
- Folding table
- Tablecloth
- Grill
- Propane or charcoal
- Cooler
- Ice
- Serving trays
- Paper plates
- Napkins
- Plastic utensils
- Trash bags
- Hand sanitizer
- Paper towels
- Bluetooth speaker
- Phone charger
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
Having a checklist helps avoid those last-minute trips to the store.
Show Off Your Oklahoma Spirit
The best tailgates are full of school spirit.
Decorate your space with:
- Team-colored tablecloths
- Flags
- Yard games
- Footballs
- Cornhole boards
- Team blankets
- Oklahoma-made serving trays or snack bowls
Whether you’re wearing crimson and cream or orange and black, don’t be afraid to go all out.
Keep Guests Entertained
The food is important, but so is the atmosphere.
Bring along a few games like:
- Cornhole
- Ladder toss
- Football toss
- Cards
- Giant Jenga
A good playlist featuring country music, Red Dirt artists, and classic game-day songs also helps set the mood.
Create a Tailgate Snack Board
Instead of placing snacks in their original packaging, arrange them on a large serving board.
Include:
- Jerky
- Crackers
- Cheese
- Summer sausage
- Jams & Jellies
- Fresh fruit
- Candied pecans
- Mixed nuts
Not only is it convenient, but it also makes your setup look much more inviting.
Don’t Forget the Kids
If little fans are joining the fun, keep them entertained with:
- Football coloring books
- Sidewalk chalk
- Mini footballs
- Bubble wands
- Freeze-dried candy
- Juice boxes
A few activities go a long way in keeping everyone happy until kickoff.
Make Cleanup Easy
Bring extra trash bags and disposable containers so leftovers can be packed up quickly.
A small tote for dirty utensils and serving dishes also makes unpacking at home much easier.
Celebrate Oklahoma, No Matter Who You’re Cheering For
One of the best parts about football season is bringing people together. Whether you’re gathering outside Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Boone Pickens Stadium, or watching from your own backyard, great food and great company make every game day memorable.
At Sample Oklahoma, we love helping families celebrate the traditions that make our state special. From locally made snacks and gourmet treats to thoughtful Oklahoma gift boxes, you’ll find everything you need to add a little local flavor to your next tailgate.
So fire up the grill, put on your favorite jersey, and get ready to cheer. Football season has arrived, and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in Oklahoma.