17 Retro Tailgating Items That Aren’t Used Today
Many classic tailgating items that were once common are rarely seen at games today due to modern changes in habits, safety, and technology.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Tailgating has long been a key part of the game day experience, filled with food, gear, and traditions. Over time, several once-popular items have disappeared due to stadium policies, new technologies, and changing fan behavior. While some fans still enjoy tailgating, many retro items are no longer part of the scene.
1. Charcoal Grills
Owen Kelly on Wikimedia Commons
Charcoal grills were once the centerpiece of many tailgate parties. Fans loved the smoky flavor and hands-on cooking process. These grills took time to heat and cool down, but they were worth the effort. Many stadiums now ban open flames or restrict the use of charcoal for safety reasons.
2. Coleman Gas Lanterns
Eddie Willers on Wikimedia Commons
Before LED lighting and phone flashlights, gas lanterns were used to light up tailgates that stretched into the evening. They provided strong light and lasted for hours. However, they required fuel and careful handling. With safer, battery-powered lights available, most fans have stopped using them.
3. Folding Metal Lawn Chairs
Acabashi on Wikimedia Commons
Old-school tailgaters often brought heavy metal chairs with cloth or plastic seats. They were durable but bulky and uncomfortable. Over time, lighter and more portable camping chairs became more popular. Most fans now choose compact folding chairs with cup holders instead.
4. Foam Coolers
Metalcraft Manufacturing Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
Styrofoam coolers were once a cheap and easy way to keep drinks cold. They were light and disposable, but they broke easily and didn’t last long. Concerns about waste and environmental harm led to a decline in use. Fans now use reusable plastic or high-performance coolers.
5. Keg Taps and Party Pumps
Kychot on Wikimedia Commons
Tailgates used to include full-size beer kegs with manual party pumps. Setting up and pumping beer was part of the fun for many fans. Stadium policies and stricter alcohol rules have made it harder to bring or serve kegs. Today, most fans bring cans or bottles instead.
6. Portable Boom Boxes
Retired electrician on Wikimedia Commons
Large battery-powered radios and cassette players were used to play music before games. Fans made custom mixtapes and blasted music from their cars or tables. These devices were heavy and needed lots of batteries. Bluetooth speakers have replaced them almost entirely.
7. Vinyl Team Tablecloths
Bernd Schwabe in Hannover on Wikimedia Commons
Fans often covered folding tables with plastic or vinyl cloths printed with their team’s logo. These cloths helped protect the table and added team spirit to the setup. They were reusable but often hard to clean. Many tailgaters now skip tablecloths or use disposable ones.
8. Folding Card Tables
Bernard van Risenburgh on Wikimedia Commons
Basic card tables were a go-to for food, drinks, and board games. They were simple and easy to carry, but not very sturdy. Today’s tables are often larger, stronger, and made with materials designed for outdoor use. Fans prefer tables that can handle grills and gear.
9. Paper Team Flags on Sticks
Horst Alsleben on Wikimedia Commons
Small team flags were once handed out or bought before games. Fans stuck them in their food or held them while cheering. They were made of paper and often tore easily. Now, these items are rarely seen, replaced by larger, reusable flags or digital team content.
10. Disposable Cameras
Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones, fans brought one-time-use cameras to take photos of friends and setups. They were cheap and fun to use, but pictures couldn’t be seen until developed later. Some fans saved those prints in photo albums. With phones replacing all cameras, these are almost never used.
11. Wire Charcoal Chimneys
Joshmt on Wikimedia Commons
To speed up the charcoal grilling process, many fans used tall wire chimneys. These tools helped light coals faster without lighter fluid. They were effective but required space and heat-resistant surfaces. Now that fewer people use charcoal, chimneys are also disappearing.
12. Pennant Garlands
Henry Söderlund on Wikimedia Commons
Strings of triangle-shaped team flags were used to decorate cars and tents. These decorations helped fans mark their territory and show support. They were easy to hang but tangled or ripped in the wind. Fans now choose simpler decorations or focus more on digital content.
13. Handheld Megaphones
Varu1971 on Wikimedia Commons
Before portable speakers, fans used plastic megaphones to get loud. They were used to chant, cheer, and call friends across the lot. They worked, but they also got annoying or were banned in some places. Few people bring them anymore.
14. Manual Thermometers for Grills
Хрюша on Wikimedia Commons
Tailgaters once relied on old-style meat thermometers with analog dials. These tools helped make sure burgers and hot dogs were cooked safely. They worked well but required careful watching. Today, digital thermometers give faster and more accurate results.
15. Canopy Sidewalls
Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels
Some tailgaters added fabric walls to their tents to block wind or rain. These sidewalls added privacy and weather protection. However, they required extra time to set up and were difficult to store. Most fans now use open-air tents or rely on simple umbrellas.
16. Foam Hand Cozies
Chris Metcalf on Wikimedia Commons
Oversized foam drink holders shaped like team hands were once popular. They were meant to keep drinks cold and add a fun look. They didn’t work very well and were hard to carry. Slim, reusable drink sleeves have replaced them.
17. Printed Game Day Schedules
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
Fans used to print or bring pocket-sized schedules with game times and opponents. These were passed around or taped to coolers. They helped keep track of the season without checking a screen. Now, apps and live updates have replaced printed schedules.