When it comes to football tailgate party ideas, nothing beats tailgating games. The most popular games have to be drinking games. From beer pong to sink the biz, everyone loves a good football tailgate drinking game. However, rather than playing the same old games, why not mix it up this year? There are a ton of fun drinking games that will help your tailgating team get their buzz on. Here are some different drinking games to consider playing at your next tailgate. But first, here are a few of our most frequently asked questions about drinking games at the tailgate.
🥤 Tailgate Drinking Games Tips & FAQ
There’s no better way to keep the pregame energy high than with a few fun tailgate drinking games. Whether you’re tossing a ball, flipping cups, or testing your luck with friends, the right games can turn any parking lot into an instant party. Here’s everything you need to know to level up your tailgate lineup.
How can I make my tailgate more fun?
Add a mix of good food, great music, and friendly competition. Tailgate drinking games like beer pong, flip cup, or cornhole keep everyone entertained and help new friends bond fast. You can even create a mini “game zone” with a folding table, scoreboards, and team-themed prizes. Pro tip: Alternate drinking games with non-drinking ones (like ladder toss or trivia) so everyone can join in, whether they’re drinking or not.
What’s the most fun drinking game?
That depends on your crowd, but beer pong and flip cup top most tailgate lists for a reason — they’re easy to set up, work well outdoors, and get the competitive spirit going. For a twist, try themed versions like “Team Pong” (where each side represents rival teams) or “Cornhole Cup” (losers drink after every toss). The goal isn’t to get everyone drinking fast — it’s to keep spirits high and the laughs coming.
What is the 7 14 21 drinking game?
In 7-14-21, players take turns counting up from one. Whoever lands on 7, 14, or 21 takes a drink. The real challenge? You can switch directions, skip players, or add new rules after each round to keep everyone on their toes. It’s a great choice for smaller tailgates or when you’re waiting for the grill to heat up since all you need is a few friends and your favorite beverage.
What is the five finger drinking game?
Also called “Never Have I Ever,” the five finger drinking game is a fun way to learn more about your tailgate crew. Everyone holds up five fingers, and players take turns saying things they’ve never done (“Never have I ever eaten a hot dog at 9 a.m.”). Anyone who has done it puts a finger down and takes a drink. The last one with fingers left up wins — or gets bragging rights until kickoff.
Tailgate drinking games bring the party to life — they’re the heartbeat of any great pregame. From quick card rounds to full-blown tournaments, the best games are the ones everyone can jump into and enjoy. Now let’s get into our five game recommendations.
1. Flip Cup
Flip cup is a great way to mix it up and get more use out of your beer pong table. Here’s how to play:
1. Divide your tailgating team into two equal groups
2. Have each team stand at opposite sides of the table
3. Arrange one cup for each member of the team at the edge of the table
4. Fill the cups 1/4 of the way with beer (or soda for the kiddos)
5. Start by signaling “Go!”
6. The first player on each team will drink the beer and then try to flip their cup
7. Once the cup is upside down on the table, the next player drinks and flips
8. Repeat until all players have flipped their cups
9. The first team to flip all of their cups wins
Pro Tip: Focus on tipping rather than flipping. The fewer rotations the cup makes, the more likely it is to land. So try to just tip the cup 180° degrees by lifting gently.
2. Thumper
If you’re looking for a high-energy game but with low alcohol consumption, Thumper is perfect. Here’s how to play:
1. Have everyone sit in a circle facing one another
2. Give everyone a drink
3. Then all members of the team need to pick a simple hand gesture (The hand gesture must be short so think “ok” symbol, a thumbs up, or something more inappropriate depending on your crowd)
4. The game starts by having everyone play drums on the table, their thighs, or whatever is available
5. Going clockwise, each person will have a turn being the leader of the game
6. The game starts with the leader shouting “What’s the name of the game?”
7. The players respond “Thumper!”
8. The leader responds “Why do we play it?”
9. The players respond “To get messed up!”
10. Then the leader makes their hand gesture
11. Players respond with their hand gesture
12. The person who makes their gesture last has to drink
13. The first one to finish their drink loses and the last to finish wins
ProTip: When you are the leader, be creative about how you make your hand gesture. The point is to trick the other players into missing it. Speed up or slow down the questions and drum as needed to give yourself an advantage.
3. I’m Going To The Stadium
If you’re looking for a game that can quickly escalate into hysterical laughter, I’m going to the stadium is perfect.
1. You sit in a circle with your team
2. The first person starts by saying “I’m going to the stadium…”
3. Then they will make up a sentence that happens next (for example: “I’m going to the stadium. I’m going to watch the game.”)
4. The next person will repeat what they say and add their own line (for example: “I’m going to the stadium. I’m going to watch the game. I’m taking a rocketship to get there.”)
5. Then the next person repeats and adds their line
6. This continues until someone messes up the line and has to drink
7. Whoever is left standing with a drink is the winner
Pro Tip: The more complicated you make your sentence, the harder it is to remember. So try to use big or unfamiliar words to throw off your competition. For example, try a tongue twister like “The sixth sick Sheikh’s sixth sheep’s sick.” Just make sure you know how to say it!
4. The Name Game
If you and your tailgating crew know a lot about the players, this is a really fun and challenging game you’ll love. Here’s how to play:
1. Gather your crew in a circle
2. Fill everyone’s cups
3. The first player will name a football player (for example, “Aaron Donald”)
4. The second player will then pick a player whose name starts with the first letter of the last name of the player (for example, “Aaron Donald” could be followed by “Derrick Henry”)
5. If a player cannot think of a name, they have to drink
6. If a player runs out of beer, they are out
7. The game continues until there is only one player standing
Pro Tip: Try to pick names that present a challenge for the next player like Rock Ya-Sin. There are not that many first names that begin with a Y.
5. Forbidden Words
If you want a drinking game you and your tailgating crew can play all day, Forbidden Words is perfect. It’s really simple, very fun, and brings a sense of camaraderie. Here’s how you play:
1. Your team makes a list of forbidden words (pick words that are common like “Football” or “coach”)
2. Then throughout the day if someone says those words, they have to drink
There is no winner or loser with Forbidden Words, it’s just funny to call each other out for using common words. The game also gets harder as the day progresses because it is really easy to forget not to say “football” at a football game. Go forth and have fun!
One more thing, for some fun NFL-specific drinking games, we also recommend this fan-favorite list from Bleacher Report. It’s got 12 different NFL drinking games ranging from classics like drinking when there is a penalty to anytime Ed Hochuli poses. These are probably better for homegating because many of them will knock you off your booty.
For more tailgate party ideas, the tailgating pros at Inside Tailgating always have great ideas. Check out the activities section of our website for tons of fun tailgate party ideas, activities, and games for your next tailgate.
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As always if you plan on playing a drinking game, make sure to have a DD or call an Uber.
