Ready, set, score! Football season is finally here and not only are we excited for NBC's own Steve Kornacki to highlight important match-ups and break down crucial stats, but we're excited to share some of our favorite tailgate essentials that will help you cheer your team on to the championships.
Shop TODAY contributor Chassie Post stopped by The 3rd hour of TODAY to share accessories, home goods, fall apparel and more that display an admiration for your favorite team.
We found practical picks (like a customizable clear bag, or a BBQ caddy) to fun finds (such as a football-shaped slow cooker to personalized photo cutouts) to help you get game day ready.
Tailgate essentials seen on The 3rd hour of TODAY
Clear bags, for the win! The NFL encourages fans to "be clear on game day safety," insinuating that should guests need to bring a bag, make sure it's a clear one.
This option from Mark & Graham can be held one of two ways: in your hands or as a crossbody thanks to the extended strap. Plus, it can be customized with a special, three-letter acronym or set of initials.
Truly customize your stadium bag with one of these crossbody straps. Rooting for the Steelers? Snag the black and yellow striped colorway. How about the Buffalo Bills? They have a navy and red option for the nor'easters, too.
Chips and dip don't have to sit inside boring bowls — these options can be personalized with your name or the name of your favorite team.
Personalization Mall is one of Post's favorite "last-minute gift hacks," that don't look last-minute, helping you to avoid arriving empty-handed to the watch party.
Perfect for queso, chili, little smokies (as they're nicknamed in the Midwest) and more, this slow cooker can be easily set up at any tailgate or watch party, seamlessly fitting the theme.
"Cleanup couldn't be easier," says Post. "The stoneware insert pops out and goes straight into the dishwasher. And there's even a handy lid holder so you can prop it up while you're serving."
And, readers can save an additional 20% with code TODAY, now through Sept. 23.
Make going from one cooking space to another even easier with this "time-saving hack" according to Post. It's a caddy that has two adjustable hooks for storing utensils or oven mitts, a basin that can hold condiments, spices and seasonings and a spot for paper towels. It's "like having your own personal BBQ assistant," says Post.
Don’t get food stains on your good luck jersey! This apron allows you to still embody team pride while protecting your gear underneath.
It has five pockets for storing spices, utensils and more within reach, as well as a built-in bottle opener.
Poke fun at fantasy football members by decorating a tailgate space with their own faces. Choose between 19 different helmet colors and upload a photo of their face for a fun surprise and laughs when they pull up.
Plus, readers can save an extra 20% off with code TODAY now through Sept. 23.
More tailgating essentials to shop
Everyones least favorite part of hosting is the cleaning up afterwards. Make the process easier with this bristle-free scrub brush — that works to easily rid grills of buildup thanks to its flextexture foam core.
This core is soft when ran underneath warm water, and hard when ran underneath cold water, allowing you to "control your scrubbing power," per the brand.
I [Hoeger] received this tee for my birthday (which just so happened to be Super Bowl Sunday) to cheer on the San Francisco 49ers.
While they didn't clinch a championship ring, I cheered them on in comfort thanks to the relaxed and breathable fit of this tee. They offer many vintage-inspired designs, and collabs with Peanuts, The Simpsons and even New Heights.
Associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky recently gifted her parents with some new Eagles drinkware ahead of the 2025 season, in hopes of securing another Super Bowl appearance (and win)!
Yeti drinkware and other accessories, like coolers, a flask and more, are available to customize with three different logos, including a 2025 championship option.
Don't let cooler temperatures stop you from having team spirit! This hoodie is available in a range of sizes and teams.
Don't own a football jersey? A baseball cap is the next best accessory. Carhartt recently teamed up with '47 brand to bring you comfortable styles to sport on gameday.
Ask Alexa for the score, check the weather before heading to the game and make sure the lights are all turned off thanks to the Echo Pop. Amazon Alexa devices make it easy to control areas of your home, add items to a grocery list, play music and more all through the app or with the sound of your voice. And now, you can get one customized with your favorite team's logo.
This once-viral bag has been trusted by moms and nurses for toting essentials to the beach, the park and even to work. Now, the brand has collaborated with the NFL to provide fans with a design that goes beyond the basic solid and stripes.
With 33 teams to choose from — including collegiate logos — you can show support for your favorite professional team or your alma mater.
Cowboy boots and western wear have been trending for quite some time now, however fans of the SEC have been pairing game day 'fits with the now-popular shoe for ages.
Multiple editors love Tecovas for how truly comfortable they are (I've worn mine to concerts, work and more) and how easily they pair with a range of outfits.
Meet the experts
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Chassie Post.
- Chassie Post is a Shop TODAY contributor, TV host and lifestyle editor. Whether she’s talking fashion and beauty or home and entertaining, Post is known nationwide for covering the latest trends with her keen eye.
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How we chose
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. We're a team of football fans — whether we're spending our Saturdays cheering on our alma maters, or our Sundays in the stands of an NFL stadium, these tailgating essentials were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Chassie Post.
