Here in Dallas—and all across Texas—football is more than sport; it’s a way of life! Whether you’re cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, gearing up for a Texas Longhorns or Texas A&M Aggies game, or supporting your favorite college team, football season is all about gathering with friends and family, sharing delicious food, and celebrating the game. If you’re planning to host a game day party this season, why not take it up a notch? Whether it’s an NFL Sunday showdown or a Saturday filled with college football, I’ve got you covered with tips on how to host the ultimate Texas football game day party.
1. Set the Stage with Team Spirit
What’s a game day party without showing off your team pride? Whether you’re loyal to “America’s Team” (the Dallas Cowboys, of course) or your heart belongs to your alma mater’s football squad, deck out your space in team colors and logos. You can:
- Cowboys Theme: Deck the room with blue and silver decor—throw in some stars for good measure. Hang up banners, posters, and even team jerseys.
- College Football Fans: Whether it’s burnt orange for the Longhorns or maroon for the Aggies, show off your love with flags, banners, and team swag.
Don’t forget to encourage your guests to wear their favorite team’s gear. Create a festive, fan-filled atmosphere that gets everyone hyped for the big game.
2. Perfect Your Viewing Area
The heart of any game day party is the screen (or screens!). Make sure your viewing setup is on point:
- Big Screen TV: Make sure you have a large enough TV so everyone can catch all the action. If possible, set up multiple TVs or projectors so guests can watch different games.
- Outdoor Option: If the weather’s nice (and in Dallas, that can be most of the fall), consider hosting an outdoor game-watching party. Set up a projector in the backyard, and bring out comfortable seating. Add blankets if it gets cool in the evening.
No matter your setup, arrange your seating so everyone has a great view of the screen. Spread out couches, chairs, and even comfy floor pillows for that stadium-like feel!
3. Serve Up the Ultimate Game Day Food
In Texas, food is just as important as the game itself—especially when football’s involved. Your menu should be crowd-pleasing, easy to eat, and, most importantly, delicious. Here are some must-have items for your game day spread:
- Classic BBQ: Whether it’s brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, you can’t go wrong with some Texas BBQ. Pair it with sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans for the perfect hearty meal.
- Tex-Mex Favorites: Serve up a nacho bar, tacos, or fajitas for a fun and flavorful option. Let your guests build their plates with queso, guac, salsa, and all the fixings.
- Finger Foods: Keep it simple with sliders, wings, pigs in a blanket, and chips and dips. These easy-to-eat snacks will keep your guests satisfied without missing a minute of the game.
- Sweet Treats: Football-shaped cookies or cupcakes decorated with your team’s colors are a fun way to end the party on a sweet note.
Pro Tip: Make sure to stock up on plenty of Lone Star State beverages, too! Whether your guests prefer an ice-cold Shiner Bock, margaritas, or sodas, have a variety of drinks on hand to keep the party going.
4. Fun Football-Themed Games & Activities
Keep the excitement going even during halftime with some interactive, football-themed games and activities:
- Football Toss: Set up a football toss in the yard for guests to test their throwing skills during halftime or commercial breaks.
- Football Squares: Get everyone involved with a football squares pool where they can predict the final score or winner of each quarter.
- Cornhole: A Texas favorite! Set up a cornhole board in the backyard and let guests play while they chat and eat.
These activities add a little friendly competition to the mix and help keep everyone entertained throughout the day.
5. Plan for Tailgate Vibes (Even at Home)
Even if you’re not heading to the stadium, you can still recreate the tailgate atmosphere at home. Set up an outdoor space with some foldable chairs, coolers, and a grill. You can even go for a pre-game tailgate vibe, complete with backyard games and classic tailgate music. If you really want to bring the stadium home, consider playing the Cowboys or your college team’s fight song before kickoff to get everyone in the spirit!
6. Don’t Forget to Keep Cool
In Dallas, the weather can still be quite warm, even in the fall. Make sure your guests stay cool by providing plenty of shaded seating areas if you’re outside, setting up fans, or keeping the AC running indoors. Have ice-cold drinks on hand, and maybe even a fun dessert like homemade popsicles or ice cream sandwiches to help everyone beat the heat.
Football season in Dallas is an event all on its own, whether you’re cheering for the Cowboys or your favorite college team. Hosting a game day party is the perfect way to enjoy the camaraderie of friends and family while rooting for your team. Now that you know how to host the ultimate Texas football game day party, you can throw a celebration that will be remembered all season long! With the right food, fun activities, and festive atmosphere, you’re sure to create an unforgettable experience for everyone who walks through your door. Need help finding the perfect home to host all your Texas football game day parties? I’d love to assist you in finding a place that’s perfect for watching every game in comfort. Let’s connect, and I’ll help you get started on your home search today!
