--- title: "Shopping Guide: Serve Up the Best USNA Tailgate Ever!" description: REAL Naval Academy football merchandise makes it a football tailgate party to remember. Support and cheer on the Naval Academy Midshipmen! --- [NStar Articles | Official U.S. Naval Academy Store ](https://go.navyonline.com/blog) # [Shopping Guide: Serve Up the Best USNA Tailgate Ever!](https://go.navyonline.com/blog/shopping-guide-usna-tailgate) Written by [Bill the Goat](https://go.navyonline.com/blog/author/bill-the-goat) | Sep 16, 2025 12:30:00 PM Fall at the U.S. Naval Academy means one thing: it’s time for tailgate season! Diehard Navy fan? Proud parent of a midshipman? Someone who loves a good time? We’ve got a great tailgate party for you. It’s the perfect way to rally with friends and family before kickoff. When it comes to putting on a winning spread, [Navyonline.com](http://navyonline.com/) has you covered with all the essentials (and some fun extras) to make your tailgate as spirited as the game itself. ## Tailgating With a Purpose First things first: your Naval Academy football merchandise does more than show off your team pride. Every purchase from [Navyonline.com](http://navyonline.com/) supports the Brigade of Midshipmen in a real way. So while you're setting up tables, grilling burgers, and tossing a football around, you're also helping to fund important programs and extracurricular activities that shape the future leaders of our Navy and Marine Corps. Now that's a win-win. ## Set the Scene Let’s talk gear. The right setup can transform any parking lot or grassy patch into a proper party zone. Start with a [Navy 9x9 N* side panel](https://shop.navyonline.com/9X9-N-Side-Panel?location=3&quantity=1) - easy to pin up and hard to miss in classic navy blue and gold. Put it up and your spot will stand out, with protection from the sun, wind, and rain - all with that Navy proud spirit that goes beyond words. Add a branded tablecloth (yes, we’ve got those - [check this one out](https://shop.navyonline.com/USNA-Disposable-Table-Cloth?location=3&quantity=1)) for a polished look, and bring out some [Navy folding chairs](https://shop.navyonline.com/Event-Folding-Chair-GO-NAVY?location=3&quantity=1) so guests can sit back in style and comfort. Finish with a [string banner](https://shop.navyonline.com/Go-Navy-String-Banner?location=3&quantity=1) to call out your space with some Go Navy vibes! Pro tip: Pack a few [Go Navy blankets ](https://shop.navyonline.com/search?keywords=blanket&_ga=2.22318525.782350278.1753115914-276603591.1752678492&page=1)(like this [charging goat one)](https://shop.navyonline.com/Charging-Goat-Fleece-Blanket?location=3&quantity=1) for those late-season games when the temperature drops. They’re cozy, versatile, and scream team spirit. ## Fuel Up With Fan Favorites No football tailgate is complete without great food. Whether you're serving sliders, chili, or a full BBQ spread, try our [delicious spices and hot sauce](https://shop.navyonline.com/search?keywords=spices), which bring an extra kick to the party! And make sure you’ve got the serving gear to match. Navy-themed [coolers](https://shop.navyonline.com/search?keywords=cooler&page=1), [like this one that can hold sixteen cans](https://shop.navyonline.com/16-oz.-Can-Cooler-Tote?location=3&quantity=1), grill sets like this [USMC Eagle, Globe, and Anchor BBQ set](https://shop.navyonline.com/USMC-Globe-Anchor-BBQ-Set?location=3&quantity=1), [drinkware](https://shop.navyonline.com/gifts-accessories/gifts-drinkware) like this [aviation lowball glass](https://shop.navyonline.com/Aviation-Lowball-Glass?location=3&quantity=1), and serving trays like this [Chesapeake Bay map tidbit tray](https://shop.navyonline.com/Chesapeake-Bay-Map-Tidbit-Tray?location=3&quantity=1) are the subtle-but-mighty details that elevate your party from basic to legendary. And let’s not forget frosty beverages. From [USNA tumblers](https://shop.navyonline.com/search?keywords=tumbler&page=1) to [koozies for days,](https://shop.navyonline.com/search?keywords=koozie) you’ll find everything you need to keep drinks cold and hands warm You’ll also need some [USNA napkins](https://shop.navyonline.com/search?keywords=napkin), [plates](https://shop.navyonline.com/USNA-Crest-8-Paper-Plates-10-count?location=3&quantity=1), and even [USNA frosted plastic tumblers](https://shop.navyonline.com/USNA-Frosted-Plastic-Tumblers?location=3&quantity=1) to keep the party going. Nothing says Navy love like decking your tailgate out with the USNA seal ## Order Early, Cheer Loud The key to a successful tailgate? Planning ahead. Visit [Navyonline.com](http://navyonline.com/) early in the season so you can score all your must-haves before game day. Or order online and pick up in the store! Stock up on tailgating sports gear, clothing, serving items, and decorative extras to ensure that your football tailgate party is unforgettable from the first hot dog to the kickoff. Here’s an easy list: ### ✅ Tailgate Essentials - ☐ Navy pop-up tent or canopy, with N* side panel - ☐ Folding table (with Navy tablecloth) - ☐ Navy folding chairs - ☐ Go Navy blankets - ☐ Navy-themed cooler(s) - ☐ Trash bags  - ☐ Napkins and paper towels - ☐ Hand sanitizer and wet wipes ### ✅ Serving and Dining Gear - ☐ Navy compostable plates and napkins - ☐ Cups or tumblers (insulated preferred) - ☐ Navy-branded serving trays - ☐ Grill tools or portable grill - ☐ Serving utensils - ☐ Bottle opener/corkscrew - ☐ Food covers or tents - ☐ Ziplock bags/containers for leftovers ### ✅ Game-Day Menu Musts - ☐ Burgers, hot dogs, or sliders - ☐ Buns and condiments - ☐ Chips or snack mix - ☐ Finger foods (wings, mini sandwiches) - ☐ Desserts (cookies, brownies, etc.) - ☐ Drinks (water, soda, juice, adult beverages) - ☐ Ice (in cooler or bagged) - ☐ Coffee or hot cocoa (for cooler games) ### ✅ Naval Academy Football Apparel - ☐ Navy T-shirts or polos - ☐ Hoodies or jackets - ☐ Team hats or beanies - ☐ Scarves or gloves (for cold-weather games) - ☐ Face paint or Navy tattoos - ☐ Kid-sized Navy gear ### ✅ Tailgating Sports and Entertainment - ☐ Football for tossing - ☐ Bluetooth speaker (with Navy playlist!) - ☐ Folding game table or board games - ☐ Phone charger or portable power bank ### ✅ Decor and Extras - ☐ USNA flags or pennants - ☐ Navy balloons or banners - ☐ License plate frames or magnets - ☐ Navy welcome sign (hello, infinity banner!) - ☐ USNA umbrella or ponchos (weather prep!) - ☐ First aid kit ## Be Part of the Tradition Every time you shop at [Navyonline.com](http://navyonline.com/), you’re doing more than preparing for a party. You’re becoming a part of the Naval Academy tradition, supporting the midshipmen who give their all every day. Your tailgate, your gear, your support - it all helps build the camaraderie and pride that make USNA football something special. So grab your grill, gather your crew, and set sail for an amazing season of Naval Academy football. With REAL USNA football merchandise that gives to the Mids that give everything, your ultimate USNA tailgate awaits! [View full post](https://go.navyonline.com/blog/shopping-guide-usna-tailgate) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Bill the Goat" }, "dateModified" : "2025-09-16T12:30:00.830Z", "datePublished" : "2025-09-16T12:30:00Z", "headline" : "Shopping Guide: How to Serve Up the Best USNA Tailgate Ever!", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 706, "url" : "https://4986174.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4986174/1727323809%20NAVY_Sept%20Shopping%20guide-blog%20image.png", "width" : 1354 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://go.navyonline.com/blog/shopping-guide-usna-tailgate", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 60, "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png", "width" : 60 }, "name" : "NStar Articles" } } ```