How to Host the Perfect NFL Sunday

The Ritual of NFL Game Day

Football on a grass field with players in the background

NFL game days are more than just football. They're a weekly tradition where friends, families, and neighbors gather to cheer, eat, and celebrate. From Sunday afternoon showdowns to primetime rivalries, the atmosphere is electric. What makes the experience complete is a sizzling BBQ spread that turns every matchup into a party. Watching football with grilled food in hand isn't just fun; it's part of the game day ritual.

Setup & Gear: Building the Right Atmosphere

Two men grilling outdoors in a forest setting

Preparation is everything for a successful Game Day BBQ.
Grill choice: Charcoal grills bring smoky flavor and a traditional vibe, while gas grills offer speed, consistency, and easier temperature control. If you're cooking for a big crowd and need to fire up quickly, a gas grill like the Monument Eminence 605 is an ideal pick with its fast ignition and generous cooking space.

Tongs, grill brushes, a reliable meat thermometer, plus plenty of disposable plates and cups keep things smooth. Whether it's a backyard cookout or a tailgate party, arrange your TV or projector so everyone can catch the game while enjoying the food.

Key Takeaways:

Monument Denali 605Pro = quick ignition + big capacity.
Must-have tools: tongs, brush, thermometer, disposables.
Layout matters: viewing setup + easy access to food.

Game-Day Menu Ideas

No Game Day BBQ is complete without a menu that excites fans as much as the action on the field.
Classic meats: Steaks, burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, and ribs. Try different marinades such as sweet BBQ sauce, spicy Buffalo, or honey mustard. A multi-burner gas grill like the Mesa 415BZ makes it easy to cook meats at different heat levels all at once.

Key Takeaways:

Classics: steaks, burgers, hot dogs, wings, ribs.
Marinade variety: BBQ, Buffalo, honey mustard.
Creative snacks: corn, veggie skewers, nachos, mini pizzas.
Healthy/veg: tofu, veggie burgers, sweet potatoes.
Mesa 425 = cook multiple foods at different temps.

Sides & Drinks: The Unsung Heroes

Three people sitting around a picnic table with drinks and food, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.

Pair your mains with sides that balance the feast. Coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, and baked beans always work. Drinks can be craft beers, themed cocktails, or refreshing mocktails. For dessert, try S'mores, fruit skewers, or grilled peaches with ice cream.

Key Takeaways:

Top sides: coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, baked beans.
Drinks: craft beers, cocktails, mocktails.
Sweet ending: S'mores, fruit skewers, grilled peaches.

Tailgating Tips: Take It to the Stadium

Person placing a pizza into a grill outdoors.

Cooking at the stadium parking lot has its own rules. Pack a small-sized grill like the Monument Mesa 200S, folding chairs, tables, and coolers. Arrive early to grab a good spot. Decorate with team flags, table covers, and cups in your team's colors to boost the atmosphere.

Key Takeaways:

Stadium = portable grill, chairs, tables, coolers.
Arrive early to secure a spot.
Show team pride with NFL-themed décor.
Mesa 200S = perfect portable tailgating grill.

Game Day Fun & Interaction

Two men grilling outdoors with a group of people in the background

Football is the main event, but halftime is the chance to keep energy alive. Cornhole, tossing a football, trivia quizzes, or score prediction games keep guests engaged and competitive.

Key Takeaways:

Halftime = perfect time for interaction.
Games: Cornhole, football toss, trivia, score predictions.
Keeps the energy high beyond the field action.

Safety & Clean-up

Stainless steel grill with glass panel on a patio

Stay safe while you grill and cheer. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, separate raw and cooked food, and make sure coolers stay cold. Provide trash bags so cleanup is quick and painless.

Wrap-Up: Make It a Tradition

Silhouettes of football players on a field with stadium lights in the background

Each NFL Sunday can be its own unique celebration. Try new themes such as a Super Bowl special, a holiday-inspired spread, or a regional food twist.

From backyard feasts to parking lot tailgates, having the right grill makes all the difference. Monument Grills offers options for every NFL Sunday, whether you need the power and space of the Eminence 605, the balance of the Mesa 415BZ, or the portability of the Mesa 200S. With reliable ignition, precise temperature control, and plenty of cooking space, these grills help you serve up the ultimate Game Day BBQ experience.

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