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Big Game Drive-In! Gather together {while staying apart} with a game-watching drive-in party! Looking for ways to enjoy The Big Game responsibly? I've got a perfect solution! Party while you're parked with this unique game day party idea featuring decorative tailgates and snack kits for all featuring your favorite Tostitos®, Doritos®, Lays® & PEPSI® products found at Publix!
It's no doubt that we've had to get a little innovative with the way we celebrate special occasions. From virtual baby showers to birthday car parades, last year proved that there are many ways to share the love while staying at home.
As we approach the biggest football game of the year, you might be wondering how to make game day fun while keeping everyone safe, and I've got an idea that will bring the game to the big screen in your very own neighborhood: A game day drive-in watch party!
From decked out tailgates to snacking kits filled with your favorite game time treats, driveway homegating might just become a tradition that you'll keep for years to come!
Homegating: The New Tailgating
Homegating, if you've never heard of it, is the act of keeping the tradition of game day tailgating alive from the comfort of your own home. With many stadiums throughout the country prohibiting parking lot gatherings, fans have turned to the next best (if not actual best!) option: Bringing the fun of the tailgate to their own backyards.
If you ask me, there are SO many perks to this newfound activity -- guaranteed parking, no need to worry about forgetting special snacks and supplies, exclusive guest lists and VIP access to clean bathrooms (no lines!). As an extra incentive, having your homegate planned for the great outdoors means you don't have to worry about getting the house ready for company. It's a wonder homegating didn't catch on sooner!
Even though you're keeping the activities limited to your yard or driveway, that doesn't mean you can't get festive with the decor! Invite guests to decorate their tailgates with team colors and get creative! You can find lots of different types of game day decor online and in craft and even dollar stores, so stock up on items to turn your trunk into football central. You can even have a contest and award a prize to the most top-notch tailgate!
Game Day Snacks
Ok, I'm just going to come right out and say it: When it comes to game day... I'm most interested in the grub! Snacks are an important detail for any kind of celebration, and being fully stocked for the big game is essential!
Depending on how many friends you're inviting, you may feel comfortable setting up a concession stand with grab and go snacks where guests can pick out some things to take back to their cars or chairs. Instead of creating "communal" snacks like dips or putting food in large bowls, consider portioning out snacks into smaller cups and individual portions that are easy to serve and require less handling.
Better yet, create Game Day Snack Kits for each car and deliver them to each vehicle for a custom snacking experience! Publix makes it easy to stock up and save on your favorite gridiron goodies, so I took advantage of their deals on Tostitos, Doritos, Lay’s and Pepsi products when I shopped for my snack kits. Here are a few of the things I included:
- Football-themed napkins, plates and cups for mess-free serving in each car.
- Drinks: Mtn Dew Major Melon™ (a new flavor available now), Pepsi®, Pepsi® Zero Sugar, as well as Aquafina® Purified Drinking Water, and my personal favorite, bubly™ limebubly™ sparkling water.
- Crunchy savory snacks like Doritos® Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips, Smartfood® White Cheddar Popcorn, and Simply Tostitos® Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.
- Tostitos® Mild Chunky Salsa for dipping!
There's a little something for everyone and even fans of the losing team will go home feeling satisfied!
DIY Drive-In
Since fans won't be able to walk into the stadium and watch the game after a homegate, I had an idea to bring the big game to an even bigger screen in the most terrific way: A DIY Drive-In!
This may sound a little crazy, but believe it or not, my husband bought a projector several years ago that we've set up for outdoor movie nights, neighborhood holiday movies and sports-watching parties. While it was initially a bit of an investment, it is actually something we've gotten a lot of use out of... so much so that we've also purchased a blow-up screen for the ultimate viewing experience!
You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to create your own drive-in experience for game day. Here are a few tips for setting up your very own DIY Drive-In:
- Purchase or borrow a projector. Projectors can range from fairly cheap to VERY expensive depending on quality and portability. If you're not ready to invest in your own, check out local party rental companies that often have all the equipment for a fraction of the cost.
- Decide on a viewing area. We purchased a dedicated blow-up screen that is easy to set up, however, a large white sheet clipped to a clothesline or cleverly hung up outside can also do the trick. In the past, we've also projected directly onto our garage door, a wall, or the side of the house, so depending on what you have available, those are also options! If you're having people stay in their cars as part of your drive-in, consider viewability from all angles.
- Parking. Depending on your neighborhood and home, you may have enough space to be able to invite a few friends to "drive-in" for the game. Don't forget to check your neighborhood ordinances and make sure that you're not blocking neighbors or disturbing the peace... in fact, it may be a good idea to invite the neighbors to set up some lawn chairs and enjoy the show, too!
- Concessions. Don't forget the snacks! See tips in the "Game Day Snacks" section above.
How are you planning on doing The Big Game this year? No matter what you decide, make sure to head to Publix and take advantage of great game day deals that will come in handy when it's "crunch time!"
Head over to the "Crunchtime My Way" site for coupons, deals and promotions that will help you save on snacks!