Tailgating lots become havens for technology

A whole load of gadgets can come in handy for those partying before football games.

By MARK W. SMITH, Detroit Free Press

September 28, 2011 at 7:36PM
Dish Network's portable satellite TV antenna called the Tailgater is aimed squarely at football fans. The device ($350) weighs 10 pounds and requires a digital receiver ($150) that then hooks up to an HD TV.
Dish Network's portable satellite TV antenna called the Tailgater is aimed squarely at football fans. The device ($350) weighs 10 pounds and requires a digital receiver ($150) that then hooks up to an HD TV. (Mct/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Tailgating, one of the great Saturday and Sunday pastimes, still includes the basics: beer, barbecue and bean bags -- but just don't trip over the power cords.

From high-definition televisions and portable satellite dishes to coolers that double as motorized scooters, tailgating has never been more plugged in.

Satellite TV: Dish Network recently released a portable satellite TV antenna called the Tailgater, aimed squarely at football fans. The device ($350) weighs 10 pounds and requires a digital receiver ($150) that then hooks up to an HDTV. Existing Dish customers can add the use of the Tailgater and receiver for $7 a month and cancel the service at the end of the season.

Cool cooler: Just for fun, check out the Remote Control Cooler from RC. The cooler ($52 on Amazon.com) is small for the serious tailgater but comes with a remote control to drive up to 12 ice cold drinks to any of the parched members of your party. It's a novelty that's sure to bring some smiles.

Handy Wi-Fi: If you're looking to make friends in the tailgating lot, there's only one thing that can compete with free beer: Wi-Fi. Cellphone reception is often hard to come by as huge crowds gather at football stadiums. Wi-Fi will be the best option to post photos from your smartphone or find out where your friends are. The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE MiFi ($30 with a two-year service contract if you buy online) can send Wi-Fi to up to five devices at a time.

Power music: The Jawbone Jambox ($200) is the most attractive, battery-powered portable speaker out there. It's ultra-portable and connects to a music player wirelessly via Bluetooth so you can use your smartphone, tablet or personal computer to play music. It packs serious sound into its 12-ounce frame -- definitely good enough for a small tailgating gathering.

More tech: Consider a waterproof camera, too. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 ($330) takes 16.2 megapixel images and is certified to protect against tailgating hazards including water, dust, drops and freezing temperatures. It also has a huge 3-inch touch screen on the back to show off pictures as you take them.

about the writer

about the writer

MARK W. SMITH, Detroit Free Press