After nearly 6 months without football, Americans are finally getting their fix once again. Tailgates, fantasy football, and binge-watch Sundays are back.

Like the sport itself, these derivative activities all feature risk, excitement, and things that spike our dopamine – ultimately creating an addiction-like relationship with our beloved game.

As obsessed as many of us are with this epic sport, it’s easy to sometimes get carried away celebrating with friends, arguing with relatives, or razzing away fans as they enter hostile territory. Football brings out a side of us fans that, for better or worse, stays hidden during the off season.

The aim of this blog is to highlight safe gameday practices to keep your football alter-ego in check and responsibly enjoy your team, week after week this season.

Know Where Tailgating Is Allowed 

As quintessential as tailgating is to football, it may come as a surprise that not all parking lots around a stadium are fair game for a tailgate.

Before busting out your tent and cracking some cold ones, make sure to check if the lot you’re parking in has been cleared for tailgating.

Many stadiums, including Detroit’s, designate a handful of lots specifically for tailgating. Setting up in a non-approved lot can lead to fines or a ticket.

While Detroit football has one official tailgate, lots of other sanctioned lots exist. If you plan to tailgate before a game downtown this year, finding a lot (and purchasing the necessary pass if applicable) in advance is a pro move.   

Find Parking in Advance 

Even if you don’t plan on tailgating, finding parking online before heading down to the D can save you time and money.

Apps like ParkWhiz and SpotHero make it easy to scope out your options for parking, and in some cases, even reserve a spot in advance.

Be Smart About Alcohol Consumption 

From Bloody Marys to cold brews, you’re sure to encounter all types of alcohol while tailgating. As sweet as alcohol can be, things can turn sour very quickly if you aren’t careful.

First of all, it’s vitally important to keep the laws for alcohol consumption in mind while meandering Detroit on game day. Making sure you’re in compliance with Michigan’s public consumption, open container, and minor in possession laws can be the difference between a fun night out and a night you wish never happened.

In addition to abiding by the law, consuming in moderation is always a good rule of thumb. Many nights have been ruined and many season-defining moments have been missed due to irresponsible levels of intoxication.

On a similar note, never drink and drive. It’s against the law and never ends well for anyone involved. If you’ve had a couple drinks and weren’t planning on it –  you can always get an uber, a taxi, or even walk home! There is far too much at risk to even consider getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Don’t chance it.

Grill Safety

 As mentioned in a previous blog, barbecue grills can be a major health and safety hazard. Open flames and intense heat are dangerous enough as is. Paired with the chaotic environment of a football tailgate – grilling can be a recipe for disaster if you aren’t careful.

If you plan on bringing a grill to your next tailgate, it’s a good idea to also bring a fire extinguisher. On that note, where you place your grill is important. Keep your grill away from tents, vehicles, and large congregations of people.

Regardless of whether or not you plan on grilling, having a first aid kit handy is never a bad move. In the event that someone accidentally burns themself on the grill or with hot food, you can render quick medical attention and get back to the game!

Finally, it’s important to let your grill cool fully once you’re done cooking. A hot grill left unattended can be a hazard to unassuming fans, both young and old.

Tent Safety 

A key feature of tailgating is tents, canopies, and other coverings to protect fans from the sun and elements. A couple large tents and a few TVs can quickly turn an ordinary parking lot into a pop-up city fit for gameday.

As rapidly as a gameday hub can be erected, it can also be blown away in a matter of seconds if you aren’t careful. Securing the base of your tent with stakes or weights is of the utmost importance. Not doing so can lead to tents flying, people getting hurt, and complicated legal aftermath.

Avoid injuries and potential lawsuits against you – make sure your gameday coverings are secured!

Conflict Management 

When alcohol is present, trouble is typically not far behind.

Tense rivalry games, antagonizing away fans, and questionable referee decisions can all spark a heated altercation. Intoxication paired with rowdy “football alter egos” can turn even the most innocent of gatherings into a full-fledged brawl.

As volatile as gameday can be, there are steps you can take to avoid conflicts and keep your tailgate tame.

For starters, keep an eye on how much everyone has had to drink. If anyone appears to be getting a little too belligerent, it might be a good idea to cut them off, politely.

Another solid rule of thumb to avoid altercations is stick with fans of your team. Thrusting yourself into a sea of opposing fans is a good way to draw all the wrong kind of attention to yourself. As fun as a little chippy back and forth can be, it’s best to avoid such interactions.

Finally, if a fight does break out, practice de-escalation, rather than adding fuel to the fire. If your friend is the one getting into it with someone, try talking some sense into them. If a random fight breaks out, avoid implicating yourself.

If law enforcement is nearby as a fight ramps up, flag them down and explain what’s happening. The visible presence of a police officer tends to deescalate tense situations.

Power & Generators 

Chances are if you’ve walked around Detroit, Ann Arbor, or East Lansing on game day, you’ve been exposed to some absolutely extravagant tailgate setups. From TV’s to sound systems to full AC units – few expenses are spared by the most diehard fans.

If you’ve ever organized one of these impressive setups yourself, then you probably know the massive amount of planning, preparation, and power-generation that goes into making them possible.

While operating a portable generator isn’t rocket science, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before powering up your next tailgate HQ.

First, remember that ventilation is key. Without properly ventilating your generator, carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels, leading to hypoxia. Rule of thumb: keep your generator outside, at least 20 feet away from any tents or enclosures.

On a closely related note, remember to be conscious of residual heat given off by generators and space heaters (once it gets cold). It can be easy to forget about such gameday appliances in the midst of a classic game, but by all means, do your best not to. It only takes a second for a fire to catch and your whole caravan to go up in flames.  

Trash & Clean-Up 

Arguably the most important tailgate consideration – often overlooked in the joy of victory or the sting of defeat – is a proper cleanup.

No one likes a litterbug. This could not be more true around the most sacred grounds of your beloved team. Afterall, your homefield is your home. Do your part in preserving your team’s glorious stadium and clean up any bottles, wrappers, and trash left behind from your tailgate.

The exact same standard, arguably a higher one, exists for away games. Nothing shows worse on a fan-base than rowdy, disrespectful fans who don’t know how to clean up after themselves. Next time you’re on the road supporting your team, do your best to leave no trace.

Get David Get Paid 

With these tips in mind, you’re now ready to tackle this football season safely and responsibly.

However, if things do get out of hand and you or a loved one ends up injured at your next tailgate, there’s only one accident attorney you need to call – David Femminineo.

The team at Femminineo Law has seen it all. From burns to slip-and-falls to car accidents involving pedestrians – we’ve got your back.

If negligence was involved, you can rest assured that it will be brought to light and you will obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.

Give us a call at 855-65-CRASH for a free consultation and see why when you get David, you Get Paid.