By Whitney Spencer
October is one of the best months of the year for good sports and good eats. When you think about it, every single major sport is in play. MLB has its playoffs, the NFL is in its early stages, both NBA and NCAA basketball are in preseason mode, and even the NASCAR Chase is heating up. With so many opportunities to enjoy sports, every fan should know the recipe for a successful sports experience.
If you’re a fan of tailgating, then you have many opportunities to enjoy good food before the start of the game. If you really want to eat, hamburgers and cheeseburgers are always an easy way to get started. If you have extra time you may even venture to barbecue. Don’t forget to add your sides—like chips or potato salad. The key ingredients to a successful tailgating experience are the cold drinks and the camaraderie. But remember not to enjoy those drinks too much before the game begins.
So you have tickets to the game? Most people don’t want to have a full meal in the middle of the stands. But every fan wants to eat. My tip here is to go for the classics. A hot dog or two, with a side of nachos, is always a favorite. Depending on your age, a cold drink of your choice is ideal here. Don’t forget the condiments. If you’re a pizza fan, a hot slice never hurts, and it’s still mobile enough for you to be able to signal for another first down.
Couldn’t get a ticket to the big game? No need to worry. The key during these times is to surround yourself with lots of other fans. Then you want to order some wings. Wings are essential when watching a good game. Hooters and Buffalo Wild Wings are great places to surround yourself with those essential ingredients. Ice-cold lemonade is a good way to quench your thirst and be able to make it home safely.
Not a big fan of being in the stands? If you would rather be in the comfort of your own home, you can still have the full game experience. A bag of chips and your favorite type of dip is a good start. A mixture of wings, pizza, and maybe some popcorn to toss at the TV during the bad calls are the main course. The topping to this, of course, would be a win; but a little dessert never hurt. Go for some of your favorite cookies or a brownie.
Every sport, every game, has something specific to eat while watching it. How specific you get is all up to you. Whether you like it simple, or you like to add a little flare to your menu, remember to keep your hunger for the game. Sports alone are an enjoyable experience, but when you add the right ingredients, you will have a recipe for success. Enjoy!
