It’s Friday night and you’re looking for something to do. Something easy, something local, something family-friendly where the kids can have fun and burn off any leftover end-of-week energy. Let me introduce you to Friday Night Football and tailgating at your local high school.
High school football is a long-honored tradition in communities throughout the country, and Indiana always takes its sports very seriously. You know we love taking our children to Indianapolis Colts’ games, but local, high school football games are an outstanding way to introduce your child to sporting events.
What We Love about High School Football
A high school football game is a great value for a family. Most high school football games are under $10 a ticket and younger children are typically free. Many high schools offer online tickets, but most of the time you can still walk up to the ticket box on a Friday night.
High school football stadiums are smaller and less overwhelming and usually completely outdoors. If you’re worried about your kids sitting still or being quiet during the game—a high school football is a great opportunity to test the waters!
Because the stadiums are smaller, it’s easier to interact with the cheerleaders and see the band. Cheerleaders make the game more exciting, especially for the littles that don’t necessarily understand what is going on during the game. And no one can resist the power of that drumline cadence as the band enters the field. The smaller venues also make it easier for little eyes to see what’s happening on the field.
Best of all, high school football games typically last about 2-2.5 hours. It’s not a huge time commitment, but a short and impactful family experience no one will forget.
High School Football Homecoming Activities
A time-honored tradition of football, Homecoming is the ultimate game of the football season, bringing students, alumni, and the community together in support of their team. Homecoming is always a home game, usually played in September against an important rival.
While many Homecoming festivities are only for students and alumni, many events are available to the public as well. The Homecoming Parade is probably the most popular event next to the game itself, but many schools offer special Homecoming tailgates and festivals for the big game.
Check with your school’s athletic department or booster organization for a full list Homecoming Week plans. Sometimes these events are only on game day, but often the excitement of Homecoming is a week-long event!
How to Tailgate a High School Football Game
Get an early start on supporting the team and join a tailgate! Many schools offer fan lots for tailgating prior to home football game. Tailgating builds community and support for the local team, and it’s hard not to be a fan after you’ve spent the evening with the biggest of the fans!
So, grab your grills and picnic baskets and make a whole evening of the game. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the high school tailgate:
What to Bring to a High School Tailgate
Bring a place to sit–chairs, a blanket, the back of a truck. Many tailgate events are held in parking lots and you will want somewhere to sit. A pop-up tent to protect you from sun and rain and table for your supplies are useful, but it’s okay to travel light. Do not forget the trash bags to clean up any mess you make. One of my favorite tips is to bring a portable speaker for music and some sort of game for the kids to pass the time.
Weather in Indiana can be unpredictable and the football season spans from August to October. For games in August and September, don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. Always pack jackets or sweatshirts for cooling temperatures at night, and plan for the possibility of rain (or snow). I always make sure I pack a blanket to bring in the football game too. If you’re worried the noise level of the stadium, pack ear protection for your kids.
Spirit gear is usually available from the high school athletics office, but it’s not required for a good time. Put on a shirt with the school colors and you’ll be all set! And, often you will find some fan face painting opportunities at the tailgate.
Food for Your High School Tailgate
Of course, no tailgate would be complete without the food or drinks. While many people bring small grills, check with your school about rules and regulations. Some schools allow gas or electric grills, but some may not allow grills at all. I personally find it’s easier to pack—and clean up—hand-held foods like sandwiches, fried chicken, and chips. But you could also grab some takeout before you head to the game.
Remember that Indiana law prohibits the possession and use of alcohol on school grounds, so grab water, soda, and Gatorade to stay hydrated. Don’t forget your cooler to keep your drinks and food cold for the whole tailgate–Another tip: a cooler can double as an extra seat!
Whatever you bring, leaving the tailgate spot as you found it is important. Avoid anything in a glass jar and make sure all trash ends up in the proper receptacle.
Tailgate Activities for Everyone
A tailgate is a bustling place of activity and often you will find free, kid-friendly activities like face painting and bounce houses. Cheerleaders and the marching band are fixtures of the football and you might catch a pre-game performance at the tailgate. The buzz of anticipation is contagious from the start of the drumline to the last play of the game.
We also like to bring games to keep our kids engaged during a tailgate. It can be as simple as a nerf football to toss around, but often you will see cornhole boards, giant Jenga, and ring toss games throughout the tailgate. My kids like to play “I-Spy” everywhere we go, and there is a lot to spy at a high school tailgate!
Eventually it’s time for the main event. But even if you’re not ready to watch a live game, many high school teams stream their games so you can keep the action going in the parking lot.
We love taking our kids to all sorts of sporting activities around Indiana. Enjoy those Friday Night Lights with your family! Start the gridiron tradition early and support your local high school football team.
