Game Day Essentials: 5 Tips to Prep for Attending an NFL Game

Whether you’re going to your first NFL game or you’re a season ticket holder, attending a game live in person is an experience like no other. The 2025 season is around the corner, and it’s time to get your game face ready for the first kickoff of the year.

Once you’ve got your tickets secured, you can prep for game day by making a checklist before you get there.

There’s no buzzkill worse than forgetting something crucial at home, so we’ve got you covered with all the game day essentials (aka: snacks) you’ll need to bring when you head to the stadium during the 2025 NFL season.

1. Get Your Tickets

Don’t get tripped up on game day — access your tickets and add them to your mobile wallet ahead of time, so you’re covered if there’s spotty WiFi at the stadium. You can access your tickets by downloading the Ticketmaster App (Apple/Google Play). You’ll also be able to manage, transfer, or sell your tickets if you can’t make it to the game — all within the Ticketmaster App.

For the 2025 season, any NFL tickets you buy on Ticketmaster are mobile. These tickets have a unique barcode, ensuring quick and safe entry into the stadium on game day. Make sure your phone is fully charged or bring an external battery with you, and add your tickets to your mobile wallet ahead of game day for easier entry.

2. Check the Stadium Bag Policy

Not all bags can make it through the gameday gates, depending on what stadium you are visiting. If you’re bringing things inside, the NFL’s clear bag policy ensures you’ll get to your seats safer and faster. Be sure to also review your stadium’s bag policy to be aware of any prohibited items. Here’s a quick rundown of the styles and sizes of bags that will be allowed inside any stadium:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
• One-gallon plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar)
• Small purse or clutch bag no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
• Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose

3. Pack Your Essentials

Going to an NFL game is more than just watching football — it’s a full-day experience. And while you won’t need to bring as much gear as the visiting team, it’s good to come prepared. Your exact needs will depend on the weather, the stadium and how strong your tailgating game is, but here’s a quick list of ideas of what to bring to a football game to get you started:

• Wallets and credit or debit cards for concessions and merchandise (leave the cash at home, as most stadiums are now cashless)
• Phone chargers
• Bottled water — sealed, if you want to bring it inside (leave the alcoholic beverages at home)
• Sunscreen
• Snacks — NFL stadiums generally allow small, personal snacks packed in approved clear bags

If you’re tailgating, be sure to consult stadium rules and regulations for the type of coolers, grills and fuel allowed on site.

Going with kids? Check out our gameday guide for taking children to an NFL game.

4. Fly Your Colors

You didn’t buy that jersey to wear it at home! Show your pride by getting decked out in your team’s colors. If you need something to wear, you can order official gear from your team’s NFL shop, or grab something when you arrive at the stadium. Rocking elaborate face paint is optional, but extremely encouraged. You never know when you’ll need to practice your look for a Super Bowl!

5. Get There Early

Tailgating is all part of the gameday experience! Be sure to review kickoff times and parking lot information ahead of time, so you know when to arrive. Typically, you’ll want to get to the stadium a few hours early so you have time to park, go through security, and attend any potential pre-game festivities. For pre-partying, the best food for a football game tends to be classic options like Buffalo wings, nachos, pizza, and sliders. More adventurous snack choices could include meatball subs, pigs in a blanket, or dip.