Inspiration for the Ultimate Football Kickoff Party

Ah, football season. It'll be here before we know it, and we can hardly wait! We love any excuse for a party, and football just might be the perfect party sport. It's just one of those things that is best experienced in community, surrounded by good friends and great food. Read on for our tips to host the ultimate football viewing party to help your community kick off the season in style.

Step 1: The Viewing Venue

A great watch experience starts with a great venue. Apartment amenity spaces like clubrooms and common areas are a perfect spot for a crowd to gather and are usually equipped with a big-screen TV. Just make sure to run to do a test run leading up to the event to check for the channels available and to make sure the TV works well.

Want to take things to the next level? Use a projector and outdoor movie screen for the ultimate viewing experience! Take your football area outside near the fire pit or by the pool, and make use of the other apartment amenities while you watch. Set up by a ping pong table or put out corn hole to add to the fun.

You'll want to create some designated space with seating for those who will be glued to the game, as well as a place to chat and mingle for those who are there for the food and friends. Speaking of food, that brings us to our next point...

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Step 2: The Game Day Menu

No matter what team you're rooting for, everyone loves to unite around delicious food. Think of hand-held and finger food options that attendees can eat sitting or standing, watching, or mingling. Pizza and burgers are always an easy win, but BBQ, ribs, sub sandwiches, and wings are also universally loved foods that are easily ordered in bulk to feed a crowd.

Chips, along with dip of any kind, make another great option. Check out one of our favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip recipes that you can make at home (hint: it goes great with homemade beer bread).

Lastly, don't forget about the drinks! Make sure to have a few fully stocked coolers with plenty of beverages and water to wash down a delicious meal.

Step 3: The Epic Match-Up

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to make your football party a great time is to pick a great game. It doesn't have to be the super bowl, but selecting a game that has some anticipation around it will ensure more investment from everyone who attends. It could be the season kickoff game for your local area's NFL team, or it could be one of your home state's epic college rivalries.

Consider polling your neighbors and friends to find out what games of the season they consider a "must-watch" and plan accordingly.

Encourage everyone to come decked out in their team gear and show off their team spirit! Consider offering face painting, temporary tattoos, or team-specific accessories upon arrival. You might also throw in a raffle prize giveaway or host a fun activity (like trivia or a table tennis tournament) during halftime. We always encourage a photo booth so that residents can capture memories of their great time and share the fun on social media.

For more inspiration, check out our fall football party Pinterest board, and be sure to follow us on social media to follow along with the fun!

Apartment Life Blog

Inspiration for the Ultimate Football Kickoff Party

Step 3: The Epic Match-Up