Football Game Day Essentials: What to Wear & Bring to a Football Game

*This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase items through any of these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Living Layered!

Football season is almost here, which means tailgating, packed stadiums, Friday night lights, and plenty of team spirit! Whether you’re cheering from the bleachers at a high school game, spending Saturday at a college stadium, or heading to an NFL game, having the right football game day essentials with you can make the entire experience so much better.

A great game day is about more than throwing on a team shirt and heading out the door. Depending on where you’re watching, you could be sitting on hard bleachers for hours, walking a long way from the parking lot, standing in the sun, dealing with an unexpected rain shower or trying to stay warm through the fourth quarter.

After spending plenty of time at football games myself, I’ve learned that a little preparation makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable.

From cute Game Day outfits and comfortable shoes to clear stadium bags, portable chargers, cooling fans, rain gear, hand warmers, and comfortable stadium seats, I’ve rounded up everything you need to stay comfortable, prepared, and ready to cheer on your team.

Here are my favorite Game Day essentials for football season—from the tailgate to the final whistle. 

What to Wear to a Football Game

The best football game outfits strike a balance between comfortable, casual and put-together. You’re likely going to be walking, standing and sitting for several hours, so this isn’t the day for anything that looks great but feels miserable after the first quarter.

And unless you’re attending a game where you want to be decked out in official team gear, you don’t necessarily need a head-to-toe team outfit. Start with your team’s colors and build from there.

Style idea: White tee + jeans + cropped jacket + retro sneakers + sunglasses + hat + clear crossbody bag.

It’s simple, comfortable and very Game Day.

Comfortable Shoes Are a Must

This is one place where I wouldn’t sacrifice comfort. Between parking, walking to the stadium, tailgating and climbing stadium stairs, you may put in far more steps than you expect.

Retro-inspired sneakers are perfect because they look good with jeans, shorts and casual dresses while still being comfortable enough for a long day. I’ve included several neutral sneaker options in my collection, including classic white styles that you’ll wear long after football season ends.

Don’t Forget a Stadium-Approved Clear Bag

If you’re headed to a college or professional football game, check the stadium’s bag policy before you leave home. Many venues have restrictions on bag size and require clear bags for entry. A small clear crossbody or clear sling bag makes it much easier to carry your phone, wallet, sunglasses and other essentials while keeping your hands free.

I especially like the clear crossbody styles that still have a little structure and trim—they feel more like an actual purse than a plastic stadium bag.

Important: Stadium policies vary, so always check the rules for your specific venue before choosing your bag.

Game Day Accessories

The little extras are what make a simple outfit feel more like Game Day. A football-themed hat is an easy addition to jeans and a tee, while a jeweled football headband adds something a little more fun. Sunglasses are another essential for afternoon games—especially when your seats happen to face directly into the sun. And don’t underestimate a simple claw clip. After hours outside, sometimes getting your hair off your neck is the best style decision you’ll make all day.

For Hot Early-Season Football Games

September football can feel a whole lot more like summer than fall. A portable neck fan is one of those products that may look unnecessary until you’re sitting in a stadium on an 85-degree afternoon with absolutely no shade. Cooling towels are another inexpensive thing to throw in your bag or tailgating supplies. Wet one, wring it out and use it around your neck when the heat gets uncomfortable.

For hot-weather games, I would bring: Sunglasses + hat + neck fan + cooling towel + water, where permitted.

When the Weather Turns Cold

Then there’s the opposite end of football season. Those beautiful September games eventually turn into very cold October and November nights. Disposable hand warmers are inexpensive, easy to tuck into coat pockets and great to keep stocked throughout football season. Rechargeable hand warmers are another option if you’re attending games regularly.

Layering is also your friend. Instead of relying on one heavy piece, wear a tee or long-sleeve shirt underneath your sweatshirt or jacket so you can adjust as temperatures change.

Prepare for Rain

One thing I would always keep tucked away during football season? A disposable rain poncho. They’re small enough to stash in your bag or car, and when an unexpected shower rolls through, you’ll be very happy you have one.

An umbrella isn’t always practical—or even permitted—in a crowded stadium, so a lightweight poncho is one of the easiest backups to have on hand.

Bring a Portable Phone Charger

Between taking pictures, recording video, texting your group, checking scores and using digital tickets, football games can drain a phone battery surprisingly fast. A compact portable charger is one of my favorite practical Game Day essentials. The small plug-in style is especially convenient because there isn’t a long cord hanging out of your bag, while a traditional power bank can give you more charging capacity for an especially long day.

And when your tickets are on your phone, a dead battery is more than inconvenient.

Make Those Bleachers More Comfortable

If you’re spending your fall at high school or youth football games, this one might become your favorite thing on the entire list. A stadium seat with back support. Bleachers are fine for about ten minutes. After a couple of hours, that’s another story. A portable bleacher chair gives you a padded seat and actual back support while still folding up so you can carry it into the stadium. For parents and grandparents who attend games week after week, this is one Game Day purchase that can get a lot of use.

Don’t Forget a Blanket

Once the sun goes down, stadiums can get cold fast—especially later in football season. A lightweight, packable blanket is one of those game day essentials you’ll be glad you brought.

Look for one that folds down into its own small carrying bag so it doesn’t take up much room on the way to the game. I especially like puffy, down-alternative outdoor blankets because they add warmth without the bulk, and a water-resistant outer layer is helpful for damp bleachers, light rain, or even spreading out during a tailgate.

Game Day Tip: Before bringing any blanket into a college or NFL stadium, check the venue’s current bag and permitted-item policy. Stadium rules can vary, and some have restrictions on how blankets may be carried in.

Ready for Game Day?

Whether you’re heading to Friday night football, a college tailgate, or spending Sunday at the stadium, a little planning can make the whole day more comfortable—and a lot more fun. From a cute varsity jacket and comfortable sneakers to the clear bag, portable charger, hand warmers, rain poncho, or stadium seat you’ll be very glad you remembered, I’ve gathered all of my favorite Game Day style and stadium essentials in one place.

SHOP MY COMPLETE GAME DAY COLLECTION

If you’re tailgating at home or bringing something to share at a friends house, head over to my recipes and check out:

• Easy BBQ Crockpot Ribs  – they are an easy to make crowd-pleaser
• Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe – perfect for tailgating and adding to nachos or hotdogs.

Football season is one of those times when the outfit, the food, the tailgate, and the people you’re with become part of the memory. So grab your team colors, pack the things that will keep you comfortable, and enjoy every minute—from the tailgate to the final whistle.

See you on Game Day!