There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a game day in Indiana. Whether you’re cheering on the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, heading to a college football matchup in Bloomington or West Lafayette, or setting up for a Pacers watch party in your backyard, tailgating is a tradition that brings people together. Good friends, great food, and the right drinks can take the experience from fun to unforgettable.

If you’re gearing up for your next tailgate, Payless Liquors has everything you need to stock your cooler, fire up your grill, and keep the party going. Here’s your ultimate guide to tailgating 101: what to pack from Payless.

Step One: The Beer Lineup

No tailgate is complete without beer. It’s the centerpiece of most coolers, and for good reason—it’s easy to sip, share, and pair with game day foods. The trick is to have a mix of styles so everyone finds something they like.

• Domestic Classics: Keep things simple and crowd-pleasing with favorites like Bud Light, Miller Lite, or Coors. These easy-drinking beers are always a hit for long tailgates and go well with burgers, hot dogs, and chips.

• Craft Beer from Indiana: Show your Hoosier pride by supporting local breweries. Pick up Sun King’s Sunlight Cream Ale, Three Floyds Zombie Dust, or Upland Brewing’s Wheat Ale. These bring variety and flavor while highlighting the best of Indiana’s craft scene.

• Seasonal Picks: In the fall, pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest beers are a great conversation starter. For warmer months, crisp lagers and session IPAs keep things refreshing.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to grab a mix of beer singles at Payless so guests can try something new without committing to a full pack.

Step Two: Wine for the Win

Beer may dominate most tailgates, but wine drinkers deserve options too. A few bottles in the cooler can really elevate your setup.

• Portable Options: Canned wines like Underwood or House Wine make sipping easy and travel-friendly. No corkscrew needed.

• Red for the Grill: A smooth red blend or a bottle of cabernet pairs beautifully with steaks, burgers, and BBQ.

• Chilled Whites: Crisp sauvignon blanc or a fruity rosé keeps things light and refreshing, especially for afternoon games.

Tailgating tip: Pre-chill bottles at home and pack them in the cooler last so they stay cold until kickoff.

Step Three: Spirits & Cocktails

If you really want to impress, bring a small cocktail station. It doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few versatile bottles and mixers can cover a lot of ground.

• Whiskey & Bourbon: Great for sipping straight, mixing with cola, or making a simple old fashioned. Local favorite Hotel Tango adds a Hoosier touch.

• Vodka: The most versatile spirit, perfect for screwdrivers, vodka tonics, or spicy Bloody Marys.

• Tequila: Margaritas and tequila sunrises keep the energy high.

• Pre-Mixed Cocktails: Canned margaritas, seltzers, or ready-to-drink mojitos are convenient and a big hit with crowds.

Don’t forget mixers—club soda, tonic, cranberry juice, and ginger beer are all essentials. Throw in some limes and lemons, and you’re covered.

Step Four: Non-Alcoholic Essentials

Good hosts always think of everyone, and that includes designated drivers and non-drinkers. Stocking a few alternatives ensures all your guests feel welcome.

• Sparkling waters (LaCroix, Bubly, Liquid Death).

• Zero-proof cocktails or mocktail mixers available at Payless.

• Classic sodas like Coke, Pepsi, and Sprite.

• Gatorade or BodyArmor for hydration, especially if you’re tailgating under the sun.

Step Five: Game Day Food Pairings

Drinks are half the fun—food seals the deal. While Payless isn’t your grocery stop, here’s how you can plan smart pairings that make your tailgate memorable:

• Burgers + Pale Ale: A classic combo with balance.

• BBQ Ribs + Bourbon: Sweet, smoky, and bold.

• Chips & Salsa + Margaritas: Easy crowd-pleaser.

• Pizza + Lager: Always works, always loved.

Grab your drinks at Payless and stock up on tailgate grub at a local grocery store on your way. Together, you’ll have a spread that rivals the big game.

Step Six: Tailgate Vibes

The right drinks set the tone, but don’t forget the extras:

• Coolers: Bring at least two—one for drinks, one for food.

• Ice, and plenty of it. Always bring more than you think you’ll need.

• Portable Speakers: Music is non-negotiable. Build a hype playlist ahead of time.

• Cups, Napkins, Plates, and Trash Bags: Stay organized and respectful to your tailgate neighbors.

• Games: Cornhole boards, a football to toss, or card games keep energy high before kickoff.

Local Spirit: Making It an Indiana Tailgate

One of the best parts of tailgating in Indiana is weaving in local pride. Highlight local breweries, wineries, and distilleries in your spread. Whether it’s a Sun King beer, Oliver Winery wine, or Hotel Tango bourbon, Hoosier-made products spark conversation and support the community.

Another tradition worth embracing? The hearty, comfort-food tailgate dishes that Hoosiers love. Bring brats, pulled pork, or chili to warm up during colder months. Pair them with your Payless picks, and you’ve got a true Indiana-style tailgate.

✅ The Payless Checklist

Before you head out the door, make sure you’ve got the essentials packed:

• ✅ Domestic beer favorites

• ✅ Craft & seasonal beers (Indiana-made if possible!)

• ✅ A few wine options (reds, whites, canned)

• ✅ Versatile spirits (whiskey, vodka, tequila) + mixers

• ✅ Pre-mixed cocktails or seltzers

• ✅ Non-alcoholic drinks (water, soda, Gatorade)

• ✅ Ice, cups, and coolers

• ✅ Grill food, snacks, and tailgate games

With Payless Liquors as your one-stop shop, you’ll have everything you need for a successful tailgate—without the stress.

Final Thoughts

Tailgating isn’t just about eating and drinking—it’s about the memories you make with friends, family, and fellow fans. With the right mix of drinks, food, and local Indiana flavor, you’ll be the MVP of the parking lot.

Next time you’re planning a tailgate, stop by your nearest Payless Liquors. From beer singles and wine favorites to local spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails, Payless has everything you need to stock your cooler and fuel the fun.

So grab your gear, pack your cooler, and get ready to cheer—because game day starts at Payless.