What to Bring to a Football Game: Printable Checklist (2026)

Updated November 2, 2026 · 4 min read

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Whether it is a pro game, a college Saturday or Friday night under the lights, the same few things decide whether you have a great day: tickets that work, a bag that gets through the gate, and enough warm layers for the fourth quarter. This checklist covers everything to bring to a football game, plus a tailgate and a watch-party list.

Tick items off as you pack. Your checks are saved on this device, and you can print the list for the car.

Fans walking to the stadium past the tailgating area on game day — Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Before you leave home

Tickets and plan

Tickets downloaded to your phone wallet (screenshots often do not scan)
Parking pass or ride plan, and the gate you will use
Stadium bag policy checked (most use the 12 x 6 x 12-inch clear bag rule) · clear bag guide
Weather forecast for kickoff and the fourth quarter
Phone fully charged

In your clear bag

Essentials

Clear bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, or a one-gallon freezer bag · clear stadium bags
Small wallet or clutch (no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches at NFL games)
ID, cards and a little cash
Small portable charger and cable
Lip balm, tissues and hand sanitizer
Sunscreen and sunglasses for day games
Any medications (in a clear pouch)
Earplugs for young kids (stadiums get loud)

What to wear

Clothing

Team jersey, shirt or colors
Layers: thermal base, fleece or hoodie, warm coat · what to wear in the cold
Comfortable, warm shoes or insulated boots
Wool socks · merino socks
Beanie or cap
Gloves or mittens · warm gloves
Rain jacket or poncho (umbrellas are usually not allowed)

Cold-weather extras

Stay warm

Stadium blanket, carried over your arm · stadium blankets
Hand and toe warmers · rechargeable hand warmers
Heated vest for night games · heated vests
Heated or padded seat, only where allowed (high school and youth games) · heated stadium seats
Neck gaiter or scarf

Fans watching a high school football game under the lights — Photo: dankeck, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tailgate checklist

Tailgating

Folding chairs · tailgate chairs
Cooler with ice and drinks · coolers
Portable grill, fuel and lighter · portable grills
Folding table, plates, napkins and trash bags
Pop-up canopy if it may rain
Football or cornhole for pregame games · footballs
Speaker and a charged power bank
Paper towels, wet wipes and hand sanitizer

Watching at home instead?

Watch party

Streaming apps and TV channels checked before kickoff
Extra seating · party essentials
Big screen or projector · projectors for sports
Snacks that hold for four quarters
Ice and drinks in a cooler so guests stay out of the kitchen

What not to bring

Non-clear backpacks, large purses, diaper bags and camera bags (at most NFL and many college stadiums)
Coolers inside the stadium
Umbrellas, noisemakers and selfie sticks at most venues
Seat cushions at NFL stadiums, unless approved or medically necessary

Rules vary by stadium, so check your venue’s guest policy page.

Big games coming up

NFL Thanksgiving games 2026 (Nov 25–27)
College Football Playoff 2026–27 (Dec 18 to Jan 25)
Super Bowl LXI (Feb 14, 2027)

Get football games on your phone

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Football events coming up

Nov 26NFL Thanksgiving Day Games 2026
Dec 12Army–Navy Game 2026
Dec 18College Football Playoff First Round

See the full sports calendar →

More free tournament checklists

Got questions?

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to an NFL game?

Mobile tickets, ID, a phone charger, a clear bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches (or a one-gallon freezer bag), weather-ready layers and a small wallet no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches.

Can I bring a backpack to a football game?

Only a clear backpack within 12 x 6 x 12 inches at NFL stadiums. Regular backpacks are not allowed.

Can I bring food into a football stadium?

Most NFL stadiums do not allow outside food, but some college and high school stadiums do. Check the venue’s policy.

Can I bring a blanket to a football game?

Most stadiums allow a blanket carried over your arm. Check your venue’s rules.

What should I bring to a high school football game?

Cash for tickets and concessions, a stadium blanket, warm layers, and a heated or padded bleacher seat if the school allows it.

What should I bring to a tailgate?

Chairs, a cooler, a portable grill with fuel, a folding table, plates and trash bags, a canopy, and a football for pregame catch.