Tailgating Tips for Tiger Fans (If You're a Illini, I Guess You Can Use Them Too)

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I'm sitting here at my desk wearing my Mizzou jersey with my tickets to tomorrow's showdown with Illinois beside me. Needless to say, I'm really excited to go and support my alma mater tomorrow evening at The Edward Jones Dome. Go Tigers!

Besides the game, I most look forward to TAILGATING! This "sport" is great because you don't even have to have tickets to the game to enjoy this full day of celebration. But it's a well-known fact that some people tailgate bigger and better than others. They live for tailgating; they have the coolest gear, the best food and the most stocked coolers. The people are practically professional.

Here are a few tricks of the trade, along with some tailgating gear, that can help you keep up with the Jones' (aka ultimate tailgaters).

First off, you have to dress to impress. If you show up accidentally wearing blue and orange tomorrow, you might be booed right back to where you came from. No joke. Anyway, you're gong to need appropriate game-time attire. Temporary tattoos, beads, jerseys, foam fingers, team t-shirt and several other options will help you get in the spirit.

On a side note, you don't have to spend a bundle to dress for your team. Ladies, depending on where you live, most Target stores have jerseys in the little boys section that work just as well. Try a Large or an Extra Large for an adult-friendly version.

Now that you're looking the part, the main focus should be on what to bring to the tailgate. Food and beverages are of utmost importance. May I suggest mini BBQ wieners? Or try this recipe for Sack 'Em Salsa and Chips. Also, sure your coolers are fully stocked. There won't be any volunteers to drive to a nearby gas station to restock if you run out of anything before the game even starts.

Many tailgaters focus solely on how many beers they can fit into their coolers, but remember, it's easy to get dehydrated, so pack some water as well. Or mix your favorite clear adult beverage with some iced tea for a refreshing ice pick. QT cups usually work best for this so you don't have to worry about keeping track of the cup once the game has started.

If you want an ultimate tailgate set-up, don't just park your vehicle and flip open the tailgate. If you don't have an entire vehicle that is devoted completely to pre-gaming (hey, some fans do), then equip yourself with a few must-haves.

You never know how the weather is going to be in Missouri, so being prepared will help make sure that your fun won't get rained out. This tent, combined with this outdoor rug and a good stereo, will be a good place to start. You might also want to look into a coffee thermos for those who start early, a washers set, decorations, folding chairs and coolers.

For my favorite tailgating must-have ever, think about investing in a Trailer Hitch Grill. Whether you're grilling veggie skewers, burgers or you just need to stay warm for those chilly games later in the season, these are must-haves for extreme tailgaters. Even if you are not exactly a grill master, just having this grill as a part of your tailgate is enough to impress passer-bys.

Finally, there is the Tiger Tail. Some fans wear 'em, but most fans just close them in their tailgate for the drive to the game. Either way, it's one of the most traditional signs of Mizzou Football out there.

In the meantime, good luck Tigers! I'll see you all at the game tomorrow, where I'll be practicing my own tailgating skills.