The weather may be cooling down, but football season is just heating up.  But before the games even get started, you're sure to find hours of non-stop pre-kickoff action in parking lots across the country as the gangsters of grilling and the masters of mixology square off for some ultimate tailgating action.

In an effort to get the part started right, we have asked our good friend, Steve "Sweet G" Glor of Tailgating Times to offer up his top 10 tips to the ultimate parking lot bash.  And should you question Steve's authority on the subject, just take a second to check out his ultra sick ultimate tailgating truck, The Carnivore.  Steve is also a contributing writer for the print publication, Tailgater Monthly.   Now on to the tips!

Ten Tips to the Ultimate Tailgate Party

1. This should go without saying but know where you’re going.  Get a map of the parking lot, find out the tailgating rules and make sure you get there before the gates open so you can get a great spot to set up.

2. Don’t assume that just because you’ve had the same spot for years you automatically get that spot without having to show up early to get it.  Tailgate parking is pretty much “first come first serve”.  It’s a new game every week.

3. Have a good grill. Charcoal is great for flavor if you’ve got the time to get it going properly. Gas lights quickly and wood chips or plank cooking offer smoke flavor. Make sure you bring a grill that allows you to stand while cooking and that’s big enough to cook more than a couple frozen burgers.

4. Bring plenty of ice.  You need ice to keep your drinks cold and if you’re going to mix any cocktails you’ll need ice for those too.  You also need to be sure to keep any raw meat as close to 40 degrees or under as possible to avoid illness.

5. You can never have enough food. Most party planners recommend at least 8 ounces of meat per person.

6. Side dishes are great, but make sure it's something people will actually eat.  Many, many tubs of unopened potato salad get thrown away every Sunday.

7. Some people will disagree but I say go ahead and throw away most perishable leftovers. Keeping food below 40 degrees over the course of a 4-6 hour tailgate party followed by a 3 hour football game and the drive home is a serious challenge and Mondays are bad enough without getting food poisoning at lunch.

8. Never underestimate the value of a good cocktail shaker.  While others are making complicated concoctions in gas powered blenders, you can easily blast out margaritas on the rocks, sex on the beach, mai tais, and a number of other drinks just by having a couple large shakers on hand. My favorite recipe is just ice, reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, limeade, and a fresh lime in a salted glass.

9. Generators rock! Having a portable generator allows you to bring TVs, blenders, and even microwaves to make the parking lot almost as comfortable as home.

10. Seating is important – bring comfortable folding chairs, inflatable couches, or buy something like the tailgatecouch or the Tale Gator seats that attach to the tailgate of a pickup truck for added comfort.

If possible load your vehicle the night before the game except for the coolers. That way you have less to do on game day and you can really enjoy the tailgate. Drink responsibly, designate a driver, go crazy with team colors and apparel, fly flags, set up a tent for shade, and most importantly…Have Fun!

- SmokeInDaEye.com, Home of Bigger, Badder, Bolder BBQ(c)