By: Kristin Shaw, contributor, GM News
By: Kristin Shaw, contributor, GM News
COPY:
CAPTION: 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X tailgate
Tailgating at a sporting event is all about community, good food, and friendship. Whether you're gathering before the game or celebrating after, squeezing in one last trip to the lake for the season or camping under the stars, opening the tailgate to reveal a snack or a feast is a lovely way to enjoy the features of your truck.
Not sure where to begin? We've got you covered: start here with these helpful tips.
1. Select your setup
Every truck has a tailgate, which becomes a built-in sideboard to display snacks. A standard tailgate works great as a display and serving area, but Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra owners with the available Multi-Flex or MultiPro Tailgate, respectively, can choose from one of six different configurations to load, access, organize, and nosh.
The 2026 Silverado 1500 and 2026 Sierra 1500 are built to tow. That means you can roll out with a camper, giving you a place to warm up your food and keep drinks frosty. It doesn't hurt to have your own mobile bathroom, either.
2. Pack your food and gear
Your food selection may vary by state, including regional favorites like fried chicken, lobster rolls, chili, or pizza. Don’t forget the chips, dips, and cookies, either. Many Silverado and Sierra models include available 120-volt AC outlets for small appliances like a coffee maker for those early-morning games, a blender for evening beverages, or a crock pot for queso.
Check out the GMC and Chevrolet accessories pages for dealer-installed, high-quality products like a cargo organizer or bed cover. Let’s face it: nobody likes soggy or tumbled snacks. Plastic totes or canvas bags can keep your food dry and contained, and they may be strapped down inside the bed with bungee cords.
Paper or melamine plates are easy depending on how much you like washing dishes afterward. Tailgates are no place for breakable dinner plates unless you're super fancy.
CAPTION: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
3. Get to your tailgating spot and set up
Even if you’re just driving across town for a home game, available Super Cruise1 hands-free driver assistance technology manages steering, acceleration, and braking on compatible roads. You’ll arrive fresh and ready to assemble your tailgate feast and cheer on your team.
Once you’ve staked out a great parking spot, set up camp: unload your chairs, tables, and decorations and stay alert for chatty neighbors eyeing your homemade lemon bars. A bed mat ordered straight from the factory is a smart way to create a flat surface for a galvanized tub filled with ice and root beer or a dish of 7-layer dip.
It’s not a bad idea to toss a canopy or tent in the bed for shade if you’re tailgating early in the season. If you're tailgating at the University of Florida, Florida State, or Miami, just go ahead and keep that shade at the ready all year long.
4. Accessorize
Music is essential for any camping trip or tailgating party. Bring your own with a boom box–-rise up, Gen X—or a Bluetooth speaker connected to the Silverado or Sierra's infotainment system.
We're big fans of tailgate-ready coolers, which may be ordered directly through the GMC and Chevrolet websites. You don’t have to haul much more than a cooler and a bag of sunflower seeds for a basic tailgate party. Work up to the larger coolers for spreads worthy of a big celebration.
5. Easy clean-up
Now’s the time to whip out the trash bags and sweep away the crumbs. Pack away the plates, leftovers, and your gear and close the tailgate. Rest for a few days; repeat.
CAPTION: 2026 GMC Sierra
1Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit the Super Cruise pages on Chevrolet.com or GMC.com for compatible roads and full details.
Tailgating at a sporting event is all about community, good food, and friendship. Whether you're gathering before the game or celebrating after, squeezing in one last trip to the lake for the season or camping under the stars, opening the tailgate to reveal a snack or a feast is a lovely way to enjoy the features of your truck.
Not sure where to begin? We've got you covered: start here with these helpful tips.
1. Select your setup
Every truck has a tailgate, which becomes a built-in sideboard to display snacks. A standard tailgate works great as a display and serving area, but Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra owners with the available Multi-Flex or MultiPro Tailgate, respectively, can choose from one of six different configurations to load, access, organize, and nosh.
The 2026 Silverado 1500 and 2026 Sierra 1500 are built to tow. That means you can roll out with a camper, giving you a place to warm up your food and keep drinks frosty. It doesn't hurt to have your own mobile bathroom, either.
2. Pack your food and gear
Your food selection may vary by state, including regional favorites like fried chicken, lobster rolls, chili, or pizza. Don’t forget the chips, dips, and cookies, either. Many Silverado and Sierra models include available 120-volt AC outlets for small appliances like a coffee maker for those early-morning games, a blender for evening beverages, or a crock pot for queso.
Check out the GMC and Chevrolet accessories pages for dealer-installed, high-quality products like a cargo organizer or bed cover. Let’s face it: nobody likes soggy or tumbled snacks. Plastic totes or canvas bags can keep your food dry and contained, and they may be strapped down inside the bed with bungee cords.
Paper or melamine plates are easy depending on how much you like washing dishes afterward. Tailgates are no place for breakable dinner plates unless you're super fancy.
3. Get to your tailgating spot and set up
Even if you’re just driving across town for a home game, available Super Cruise1 hands-free driver assistance technology manages steering, acceleration, and braking on compatible roads. You’ll arrive fresh and ready to assemble your tailgate feast and cheer on your team.
Once you’ve staked out a great parking spot, set up camp: unload your chairs, tables, and decorations and stay alert for chatty neighbors eyeing your homemade lemon bars. A bed mat ordered straight from the factory is a smart way to create a flat surface for a galvanized tub filled with ice and root beer or a dish of 7-layer dip.
It’s not a bad idea to toss a canopy or tent in the bed for shade if you’re tailgating early in the season. If you're tailgating at the University of Florida, Florida State, or Miami, just go ahead and keep that shade at the ready all year long.
4. Accessorize
Music is essential for any camping trip or tailgating party. Bring your own with a boom box–-rise up, Gen X—or a Bluetooth speaker connected to the Silverado or Sierra's infotainment system.
We're big fans of tailgate-ready coolers, which may be ordered directly through the GMC and Chevrolet websites. You don’t have to haul much more than a cooler and a bag of sunflower seeds for a basic tailgate party. Work up to the larger coolers for spreads worthy of a big celebration.
5. Easy clean-up
Now’s the time to whip out the trash bags and sweep away the crumbs. Pack away the plates, leftovers, and your gear and close the tailgate. Rest for a few days; repeat.
1Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit the Super Cruise pages on Chevrolet.com or GMC.com for compatible roads and full details.