Tailgate Drinking Games: The Best Games for the Parking Lot
The best tailgate drinking games are the ones that set up in two minutes on a folding table or the grass: beer pong, giant beer pong, Beer Ball, flip cup off the tailgate and Dizzy Bat. Here’s what to play, what to pack, and how to not get your whole crew kicked out of the lot before kickoff.
The games
| Game | Players | Why it works in a parking lot |
|---|---|---|
| Beer pong | 4 | The classic. A folding table and you’re in business. |
| Giant beer pong | 4+ | Buckets on the grass. No table, no wind problems. |
| Beer Ball | 4–8 | Cans and one ball. Works on a table or the ground. |
| Flip cup | 8+ | Line up along the tailgate. Every new arrival can jump in. |
| Dizzy Bat | 4+ | Grass only. The best show in the lot. |
| Civil War | 6 | Three on three, no turns. Done before the next group shows up. |
Tailgate house rules
- Wind rule: a ball blown off course is a do-over. Without this one, every outdoor game turns into an argument.
- Rivals rule: a fan of the other team who wanders over gets to play, but their team is the opponent for the day. Winner gets bragging rights until the final whistle.
- Kickoff rule: the game in progress at kickoff is the last game. Pack it up and go watch.
- Settle the rest with the house rules builder and tape the sheet to the cooler.
During the game
Watching from the lot? Use the drink cards from our Super Bowl drinking games: penalties, reviews and fourth-down calls work for any game.
Tailgate packing list
- A portable folding beer pong table (or build one with a hinge)
- Cups, balls and cup racks so the wind doesn’t scatter your rack
- A water jug for rinsing balls and for drinking
- Towels, trash bags and a few extra balls (they will roll under cars)
- Shade, chairs, and food on the grill
Don’t get your crew kicked out
Every stadium and school sets its own lot rules, and some ban drinking games or glass outright, so check before you set up. Keep the games in your own space, clean up when you leave, and sort out a sober driver before the first cup. Getting towed is a bad way to start game day.
FAQ
What are the best tailgate drinking games?
Beer pong, giant beer pong, Beer Ball, flip cup and Dizzy Bat. All of them set up fast and work outdoors.
How do you play beer pong in the wind?
Use cup racks to hold your rack, put a little water in the cups, and play the wind rule: a ball blown off course is a do-over.
Are drinking games allowed at tailgates?
It depends on the stadium or school. Many lots have their own rules, so check before you set up.
More games: see all our party games, or find out what kind of beer pong player you are.