With just weeks away before the big showdown between the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio Buckeyes, we've prepared some helpful tips to keep in mind while you prepare for your tailgating party. The following advice is sure to help you and your guests have a successful and amazing tailgating experience.

Prepare Food Ahead of Time

Every food can be prepped in advance — even if it's just making sure snacks and meats are in the right containers before you head out. Marinate any meat the night before and set aside all condiments and ingredients game-goers will need on tailgating day. Also make sure you have enough ice to keep food and drinks cold. If it's going to be freezing on game day, consider adding a comfort food like chili and festive warm drinks like hard cider to your spread.

Have the Right Equipment

It happens to all of us at least once — we bring all the food and drinks but forget the plates, napkins, or cups. Consider the kind of food you're bringing and whether it might be messy to eat. There's nothing worse than enjoying barbecue or a sticky treat and being left with messy fingers. Pack napkins or wet wipes ahead of time to avoid mishaps, and consider bringing a clear storage bin or container to keep dirty dishes contained and easy to transport home.

Let the Games Begin

Have something to keep guests busy and mingling if they arrive before the game kicks off. Some tried and true favorites are beer pong, cornhole, and ring toss. There are plenty of other quick-setup games like flip cup, can jam, and pocket passer too. Even if you don't have equipment for these, you can bring a football to toss around, test friends' knowledge with sports trivia, or play cards.

Bring on the Spirit

Find a way to incorporate team colors or décor related to the game. Some ideas beyond face paint include wearing a team jersey, using car markers to show your support, or bringing blankets and cushions in your team's colors. You can also set the mood before festivities begin by playing the pre-game on the radio while you get set up.

Don't Forget the Essentials

No one wants a splitting headache or a painful sunburn because they didn't think ahead. Make sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, ice packs, and duct tape. Also assume that whatever you bring will have to come home with you — so bring plenty of trash bags for quick and easy clean-up throughout the game. These items are easy to forget unless you make a conscious effort to check them off a list beforehand.

Not going to the game but hosting a watch party instead? Make sure to prepare your house for guests so that party-goers have an amazing experience and leave talking about how much fun they had!