Tailgate Tents/ Shades

Submitted by strick23 on

I'm in the market  for a new durable, easy set-up Michigan tent/ shade for tailgating.  Obvioulsy there are several options online, but wanted to get some opinions on what works for others.  I know that the EZ-up's are nice, but I haven't found any of that particular brand with the "M" logo. 

Also, is there anyone out there that has this sideline shade?  Is it big enough to walk under, or is it more for sitting?http://www.tailgaterzone.com/michigan-wolverines-sideline-shade.html

James Burrill Angell

July 26th, 2011 at 1:50 PM ^

I've used a pair of 9' by 9' EZ Ups with blue tops and the Block M in yellow for the last 10 years. Serves my purposes. My original one broke after 8 years of heavy tailgate abuse and I replaced it last year with the same thing. I didn't throw in for the sides but I've never found that necessary.

The real answer is what you expect out of the tent. Are you trying to put up something that actually covers your entire space? If so, you'll need to bigger rectangular EZ Up. We just want to cover up our food tables with one and allow the other to be for people looking to stay out of the sun.

 

2Blue4You

July 26th, 2011 at 1:14 PM ^

I think the 9 by 9 is the way to go.  Not sure what are the good brands vs. the cheap brands.  I know home depot had one for about $180 set up but it looked a little cheap.  Similar to one we had for one season that broke that was $80 from Cabelas (no logo). 

FWIW Home Depot did have tent sides for $30 i think.  They were pretty sweet.  Only have the M logo on one side though

lexus larry

July 26th, 2011 at 1:27 PM ^

Sadly, hunter green is mine.  With Sunbrella (TM) fabric, keeps the heat build-up down, but can't be dyed.

I also spray with 3M Scotchgard (TM) to assist with rain-repellency.

Good luck with your hunt!

Edit:  As below from Indiana Blue, work up to all the various accoutrements for your event:  grill, heater, sides, battery/generator, blender, crockpot, et al. 

Indiana Blue

July 26th, 2011 at 1:22 PM ^

I have the "cheap" easy to put up canopy (from Dick's) and bought the sides (must have when its freezing ... got a heater too, grill and beer are standard accessories) PLUS always flying the colors right above the tailgate.  Picture below was from PSU last year ... 9 hours of solid tailgating!  Great place to party!  (Note: the PSU flag on my pole was for my daughter who graduated from PSU last May)

 

Go Blue!

lexus larry

July 26th, 2011 at 1:33 PM ^

If  you're on soft ground, i.e. the golf course, use the stakes they provide, through the holes in the "feet" of each leg.

At Lions games, I've seen parking lot partiers use weights or sandbags hanging off bungee cords to hold 'em down.

SagNasty

July 26th, 2011 at 2:09 PM ^

Found an 8 x 8 canopy at Meijer for $30 clearance. Only plan on using it for select games.

Question: I have been bouncing around Pioneer for the last 5 years and need to find a tailgate home. Any suggestions? Its usually just myself and one other person, but would love to find a group that meets up every week. Maybe I am just a loser and nobody wants to be my friend.

SagNasty

July 26th, 2011 at 2:36 PM ^

When I park at Pioneer I usually park in the back. It is just easier for me to get out and head north. We always walk past that area with the dj. Last year we parked at a church nearby that is a longer walk, but saved us like $25 each time. I am fairly new to the blog and have been wondering if there is any sort of mgoblog tailgate.

ZB75

July 26th, 2011 at 8:26 PM ^

as far as i know the golf course is still $30. unless they are going to change it from last year.  as much as i like parking at pioneer, i think i might try the golf course this year.  Pioneer raised thier prices last year to $35 and now this year they are up to $40.  AAGO is $40, but the three big games this year are gonna be $50. 

mvp

July 26th, 2011 at 3:30 PM ^

This one is at Wal-Mart.  I can't remember if we got ours at Wal-Mart or Meijer.  The one in the link is $264 -- that seems like more than we paid.  Maybe closer to $200?  They are very well made and easy to get up/down.

For parking lots, it is tricky.  You need sandbags or cinder-blocks if it is windy.  I've also seen people fill buckets with concrete and tie off on those.  Trying to tie one corner to the car and another corner to a cooler ends up not working very well.  However, they are GREAT to have in the rain or on hot days with lots of sun.

tdcarl

July 26th, 2011 at 8:07 PM ^

We had a plain white one that we used for years until one day we decided that we didn't feel like putting the stakes in. Unfortunately a gust of wind picked it up, carried it 20 yards away, and slammed it back into the ground. It got bent beyond repair. Moral of the story, use the stakes.