Disclaimer: Turnkey Tents & Events is an independent rental company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official partner of Texas State University.
Game day in San Marcos is a special experience. The energy, the fans, and the tradition make Texas State tailgates some of the best in Central Texas. But pulling off a flawless tailgate requires planning.
Whether you’re an alumni organizing a reunion or a business hosting a corporate hospitality event, this guide will walk you through the essentials of planning a Texas State tailgate. We deliver and set up everything from luxury tailgate trailers to tailgate tents and tables and chairs right at the stadium in San Marcos, so you can focus on enjoying game day.
1. Pick the Right Location
Location is everything. The prime spots near the stadium fill up fast, so you need to secure your spot early. Consider the logistics: how close are the restrooms? Is there shade? If you’re bringing a large group, you’ll want to ensure you have enough space for tents and seating.
2. Interactive Packing Checklist
Don’t leave for San Marcos without the essentials. Check these off as you pack:
- Game tickets and parking pass
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Folding chairs (or rent them from us!)
- Cooler with ice and drinks
- Pre-prepped food and snacks
- Trash bags for easy cleanup
- Bluetooth speaker
- Portable power bank
3. The Ultimate Setup
A basic tailgate has a cooler and a truck bed. The ultimate tailgate has shade, comfortable seating, TVs to watch the early games, and great sound.
If you don’t want to haul all that gear yourself, consider our tailgate trailer rentals. We deliver a fully loaded trailer with dual TVs, satellite TV, Bluetooth audio, and a built-in generator directly to your spot. We set it up, and when the game starts, we break it down. You just show up and enjoy the party.
4. Food & Drinks
Keep it simple. Prep as much as you can at home. Burgers, brats, and BBQ are classics, but don’t underestimate the power of a great breakfast taco setup for those early kickoffs. Make sure you have plenty of water—Texas heat is no joke, even in October! For more tips on beating the heat, check out our guide to keeping your tailgate cool during early season games. You can also read about renting a tailgate trailer for watch parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Turnkey Tents & Events set up at Texas State?
Yes! We specialize in delivering and setting up tailgate trailers, tents, and seating for Texas State games in San Marcos. Learn about our event planning services or contact us to reserve your spot.
How far in advance should I book rentals?
For big rivalry games or homecoming, we recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance as our premium trailers and large tents book up quickly.
Do I need my own generator?
If you rent one of our tailgate trailers, a quiet inverter generator is included to power the TVs and sound system.
Written by Trey Garza
Co-founder of Turnkey Tents & Events. Trey has spent 20+ years in New Braunfels and has set up more Hill Country events than he can count. Meet the team or ask him a question.
