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Summer is already coming to an end, and the start of fall brings milder temperatures, earlier sunsets and returns to school. It also signals the start of one of America’s favorite pastimes, especially in Texas—football season. Whether you live in the same city as your team or are cheering them on from afar, one of the best ways to watch the big game is from your own outdoor living space. Sandlin Homes knows how much of an impact outdoor living spaces can have on the functionality of homes, which is why we include a back patio, optional covered patio and front porches in as many of our floor plans as possible. Our team has rounded up some ideas to bring the excitement, camaraderie and tailgate-friendly traditions to your backyard this season.

Get your space ready for gameday 

The first step to creating the ideal atmosphere for your at-home tailgate is preparing a seating area. It can be an outdoor dining set to enjoy your favorite football food, furniture around a patio-safe television or folding lawn chairs to spend time outside before watching the game from inside your home. For a real tailgating experience, consider buying a team-branded canopy tent to hang out under (if you don’t already have a covered patio).  

Then add in some spirited decor. You can find branded tablecloths, napkins, plates and more for most teams to make it clear who you’re rooting for. Embrace your team’s colors by adding a few throw pillows to your outdoor couch, or really go all out with your team’s logo hung up as an outdoor-safe metal sign or flag. 

Cook up the tastes of tailgating 

Arguably one of the best parts of tailgating is the food, and now you get to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. Fire up your backyard grill for hot dogs or burgers to get your stadium-food fill—or go a little fancier with steak, grilled corn and kebabs. If you’re lucky enough to own (and know how to safely use) a smoker, everyone loves Texas barbecue or a batch of wings during the big game. Another benefit to tailgating from home is keeping cold items crisp in your refrigerator instead of a cooler. Make layered dips, fresh salsa and pasta salads the night before to free up your mornings. An added bonus: your drinks will stay extra cold.

Bring old traditions home and create new ones 

The hardest part of being away from the stadium for games is being away from the traditions that make your team special to you—so be sure to include them in any way you can. Play their fight song over your speakers, participate in whatever chants you have memorized and maybe even pull up halftime performances (marching bands, dance teams, etc.) on YouTube to get the ultimate home-game experience.  

We also recommend busting out your favorite tailgating games in the yard or driveway. Toss a football around, compete in cornhole or play some ladder toss before kickoff.   

Watching the game from home with fellow fans can be just as fun as attending the game in person, and we hope these tips inspire you to show team spirit and enjoy your outdoor living space in a whole new way. If you’re looking for a new home to enjoy the game in, Sandlin Homes has just the right lineup. Browse our roster of quick move-in homes or learn about our neighborhoods throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area by giving us a call at (817) 281-3509 or contact us online.