15 Things You Need For The Perfect USC Tailgate

Football season is a big deal at USC. No, scratch that. It’s an enormous deal. Emphasis on enormous. In fact, it’s the most wonderful time of the year for many Trojans, current students, and alumni alike. A wave of school spirit washes over the entire campus every game day, from first light to the last play. Deeply rooted in Trojan football tradition are the hundreds of tailgates that take over campus and Expo Park before the game. So, to make sure that you don’t miss out on a huge part of USC culture, here are 15 items that will ensure an awesome tailgate! Keep reading for 15 things you absolutely need for the perfect USC tailgate!

1. #FUCLA USC Trojan Apparel

This is arguably the most important item on this list. Whether you choose a song girl skirt, USC bandeau, or a classic football jersey, anything in the most beautiful colors on earth, cardinal and gold of course, will surely do the job of showing off your Trojan pride.

2. Eye Black

For some reason black paint under your eyes automatically makes you look at least 20% more badass (yes, that is totally a scientific figure). More importantly, it shows how ready you are to destroy the other team!

Pro Tip: If you don’t have actual eye black, just use black eyeliner to draw on your face, and if you want to add some color, you can use red lipstick!

3. USC Flash Tattoos

These babies take temporary tattoos to a whole new level. As a hybrid between jewelry and tattoos, USC flash tats are a super cute and trendy way to display that Trojan spirit that runs so deep in our veins.

4. USC Solo Cups

You know how the song goes… “Red solo cup, you fill me up, let’s have a party” …Toby Keith ain’t lying here. Solo cups are a staple of American college parties, and yes, that includes USC tailgates because if you’ve ever been to one, you know what I’m talking about.

But why settle for boring red solo cups when you can have your own USC solo cups?

5. Trojan Flag

If you don’t already have one of these, you NEED one. Not only so friends can spot you in a tailgate, but just because it is necessary to have.

6. USC Beer Pong Folding Table

Because beer pong is particularly difficult without a table…

7. Frozen Water Bottles

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Keep frozen water bottles in your cooler along with your beer to keep your booze cold. When the water bottles melt you can hydrate later!

Public service announcement: Spending all day in the sun while drinking makes dehydration a very real possibility, so make sure to drink plenty of water and try to alternate alcoholic drinks with it.

8. This USC Balloon

(So your friends can spot your tailgate in the crowd!)

9. USC Koozies

Drink in style, obviously.

10. USC Football

Because tossing a football around with your buddies might be the most surefire way to get pumped for the game!

11. Trojan Corn Hole

Everyone loves a good old-fashioned game of bean bag toss! Having an easy game around for anyone to play makes for an awesome tailgate. You can even split people up into teams to get those competitive juices flowing before the big game, or turn it into a drinking game!

12. USC Cooler (With Wheels)

Nobody likes warm beer or warm soda, or any warm drink for that matter, especially when it’s hot outside and you’re thirsty.

13. USC Trojan Hair Tie Bows

I know, guys, not exactly useful for you…(unless you have longer hair)…but ladies, these are so adorable to throw in your hair for a little extra touch of Trojan spirit!

14. Grill

Tailgate food is the best food, and the best tailgates have the best food. It’s simple logic, really.

15. Trojan Tailgate Tent

This will provide much needed shade, keeping you cool and all of your drinks and food out of the sun. It also gives you a great place to hang accurate signs like this one.

Whatever you do, don’t forget your game tickets! FIGHT ON!

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.