Nine tailgating essentials

Portable grill You can always go the no-cook cold cuts and pizza route, but serious tailgaters won't leave home without a good <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-9949-750-Road-Trip-Grill/dp/B0009V1BDA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">grill</a> to make some delicious food on-site. (Amazon )

Utensils You need the right <a href="http://www.amazon.com/King-Kooker-1660-Stainless-Steel-Tailgating/dp/B0012Z1YIO/ref=sr_1_11?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1349112906&sr=1-11&keywords=tailgating">tools</a> when it comes time to grill those hot dogs. (Amazon)

Cooler Thirsty tailgaters want their beers to be cold no matter how chilly it gets. This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-62-Quart-Xtreme-Wheeled-Cooler/dp/B000G68GP4/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1349706034&sr=1-2&keywords=tailgating">cooler</a> holds 85 beverage cans with ice, so, depending on the size of your tailgate party, you might not need one this big. (Amazon)

Cups Don't forget the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SOLO-Cup-Company-Plastic-Party/dp/B004E2S4G2/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1349705671&sr=1-5&keywords=red+solo+cup">disposable cups</a> for those cold beverages. (Amazon)

Folding table You need a place to proudly display your tailgating bounty, and this is where the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000003098-Pack-Away-4-In-1-Table/dp/B002YXR766/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1349112821&sr=1-5&keywords=tailgating">folding table</a> comes in. Find one that is sturdy but easily storable. (Amazon)

Team swag Paint your face, wear your favorite jersey or show off your team spirit with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/NFL-Philadelphia-Eagles-Chef-Apron/dp/B001A8A7TU/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1349705370&sr=8-12&keywords=tailgating+chef+hat">chef hat and apron</a>. You want to make it very clear where your loyalties lie. (Amazon)

Wet wipes Even if you don't get into a parking lot scuffle with fans of the opposing team, things at a tailgate are bound to get messy. Keep some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wet-Ones-Antibacterial-Hand-Wipes/dp/B000GCOLZW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1349704864&sr=8-5&keywords=wet+napshttp://www.amazon.com/Wet-Ones-Antibacterial-Hand-Wipes/dp/B000GCOLZW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1349704864&sr=8-5&keywords=wet+naps">wet wipes</a> on hand so you don't get barbecue sauce all over the football you and your buddies are tossing around. (Amazon)

Folding chairs At some point during your tailgate, you are probably going to want to sit down. After all, you will have hours and hours to kill before the pregame fanfare even starts. Find <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picnic-Time-Portable-Folding-Sports/dp/B000NBED7W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349113155&sr=8-2&keywords=tailgating+chairs">chairs</a> with built-in side tables so you can safely set your drink aside while you eat. (Amazon)

Designated driver Perhaps the most important thing you need at your tailgate is a safe way to get home after the game. Have a designated driver or make plans to use public transportation or a cab so you can enjoy a worry-free tailgate. Well, worry-free until the game starts and your wide receiver drops a pass in the end zone. (iStock)