Fall weekends are made for football, food, and friends. Yet, hosting a tailgate at home isn’t always easy. The sun beats down, the grill gets hot, and glare makes watching the game frustrating. Without the right setup, guests head inside, and the fun fades fast.
The good news? Shade solutions from SugarHouse make it simple to solve these problems. With the right design, your backyard becomes the ultimate tailgating destination. Here are some backyard tailgating ideas to help you create a setup that wins every game day.
Backyard Tailgating Ideas: The Viewing Zone
Every great tailgate starts with the perfect spot to watch the game. A Toja Pergola creates a shaded outdoor living room where guests can gather. In addition, you can make it more inviting with outdoor furniture, cozy blankets, and string lights.
With a Verticool Drop Shade, you can even project the game right onto the fabric. This way, you get a big-screen experience without glare or squinting. Friends and family can cheer, snack, and relax without battling the sun or shifting indoors.
Because of this setup, the pergola defines the space and creates a true viewing zone. Even after the game ends, the structure continues to provide a stylish place for family time.
Backyard Tailgating Ideas: The Grilling Hub
Tailgating isn’t complete without food. However, grilling in direct sun makes it tough to enjoy cooking. A Rayblock Shade Sail or Suntamer Tension Panel solves this by shading your grilling station.
Both options not only provide UV protection but also increase airflow for comfort. The Rayblock Shade Sail offers flexible coverage, while the Suntamer Tension Panel delivers a sleek, permanent look. In addition, either choice keeps the cook safe, comfortable, and cool.
Because of this, the grill area stays shaded, and food and drinks remain fresher longer. As a result, guests are more likely to gather, mingle, and enjoy themselves near the action.
Backyard Tailgating Ideas: The Play Zone
Football may be the main event, but lawn games keep the energy alive. Cornhole, ladder toss, or touch football add excitement for all ages. Set your play zone near a retractable awning or drop shade so players can rest in comfort.
Since shade reduces glare and heat, guests can keep playing even in the middle of the day. Lawn games become an easy way to fill halftime or keep kids entertained during slower moments.
Backyard Tailgating Ideas: The End Zone
When the final whistle blows, the fun doesn’t have to stop. Awnings and pergolas create a cozy space to relax. Add Adirondack chairs, porch swings, or an outdoor sectional for comfort. Blankets and lanterns extend the evening and add warmth.
Desserts fit perfectly here, too. Imagine ice cream sundaes on the porch swing or s’mores over the firepit. With a drop shade or awning blocking glare, snack time becomes more comfortable for everyone.
Because these shaded retreats are versatile, they shift easily from spirited gatherings to quiet family time. Tailgating turns into a memory-making tradition long after the game ends.
Create Your Backyard Tailgating Setup
Backyard tailgating often comes with challenges—too much sun, uncomfortable seating, or limited entertainment options. Our shade solutions solve these problems and transform every space. The Toja Pergola and Verticool Drop Shade create a dedicated viewing zone. The Rayblock Shade Sail and Suntamer Tension Panel make grilling cool and safe. Retractable awnings extend fun with lawn games, desserts, and post-game relaxation.
Instead of fighting the weather, your backyard becomes the best seat in the house. Ready to kick off your perfect season? Request a Quote online or call 801-563-9600 and make your backyard the MVP of game day.
SugarHouse Ind. has served its clients in the Intermountain West since 1941. In that time, we have become Utah’s largest provider of awning, boat tops, and specialty canvas covers. After over 80 years, our focus is still to provide customers with the highest quality products and the best prices. We remain a family-owned company, and we remain committed to putting a personal touch into everything we do. That’s why we make every product that we offer in our 30,000 ft2 facility in Midvale, Utah.