5 ways to make your tailgate great

KICK THE SEASON OFF RIGHT

Here in Charlottesville, tailgating at UVA football games is a fall tradition. But, as longtime ’Hoos fans know, a stack of sandwiches, a cooler full of drinks, and a boombox aren’t enough to get you through until gametime anymore. Today’s tailgating is a very big deal, with better food, better drinks, and better ways to keep up with the pre-game hoopla. To kick gameday off right, you need the right gear.

ENJOY DISH SATELLITE RECEPTION IN THE PARKING LOT

The VQ4510 Tailgater antenna/receiver combo from DISH lets you and your gang enjoy satellite TV in perfect HD anywhere you have power. And you can even sign up for month-to-month, pay-as-you-go programming, with no long-term contract.

THIS WEATHER-RESISTANT TV IS MADE FOR TAILGATING

The Jensen JE2212LED HD TV runs off 12-volt DC power, so you can connect it and catch the pregame shows. With a 22" 1080p screen and plenty of inputs, you can hook up a Blu-ray player or gaming console. It’s also humidity-resistant and ready for outdoor use.

SNAP AND SHARE YOUR GAMEDAY SELFIES

There’s no “I” in “team,” but there should be a “you” in your selfies. The Nikon CoolPix S6900 (available in black or pink) features a vari-angle LCD that flips around, so you can see yourself in the frame and get great-looking shots. Snapbridge technology makes it easy to share with your friends.

PLENTY OF POWER FOR YOUR PRE-GAME PARTY

Charge up your Goal Zero Yeti 400 the night before the game and use the two AC outlets to power a blender or a small refrigerator. The two USB ports supply regulated power, so you can charge everyone’s phones, tablets, and laptops.

HAVE EXTRA POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT

This portable PowerAll Element can charge a smartphone, tablet, camera, and gaming system, so it’s going to be a popular top-off stop before gametime. And if you (or the guy in the space next door) run low on battery power, it can even start your car.

Our thanks to Virginia SportsProperties for letting us set up our gear at Scott Stadium, home of the University of Virginia Cavaliers.