Football season is here, and in Tallahassee, that means one thing: Go Noles! FSU football season isn't just about what happens inside Doak Campbell Stadium. It's about out-of-town visitors, backyard parties, tailgates, good food, friends gathered around the TV, and showing off your garnet and gold. So, is your house ready for the fun and game days ahead?!
Whether you're hosting a small or large group of Seminole fans, a little preparation can turn your home into the perfect football headquarters. And if you're thinking about selling your home someday, some of these game day upgrades can make your house even more appealing to buyers who love to entertain. Whether it’s for a Holiday, family gathering or a gathering with friends to watch football.
Now, let's get ready for kickoff!
1. The Backyard Hosting
Tallahassee weather is one of the best things about Football Season in Tallahassee, Florida. Having a backyard, patio, or screened-in porch are perfect for hanging out.
- Invest in comfy outdoor furniture: Look for comfortable seating that is also durable (for the kiddos) and connected well for intimate conversations with other guests. If you have a large attendance at your home parties, you may want to consider a set like this one here.
- A large outdoor table for a food spread: Think rust-proof material such as aluminum, x-brace legs for stability and and a convenient umbrella hole for those hot, sunny days. Making sure your table is large allows for guests to easily and comfortably make a plate at any given time.
- Garnet and Gold outdoor decor: The final touches of game day entertaining are absolutely the garnet and gold touches. LED signs are all the vibe right now and we found the coolest FSU Seminoles head one on Etsy here.
- Extra foldable outdoor seating: Purchase extra seating that can easily be placed and put away after gathering.
- The outdoor TV: Take your game day setup to the next level by adding an additional TV or projector outdoors.
2. Indoor Hosting
Creating an inviting and entertaining indoor space will take your football parties a step up as well.
- The surround sound system: There is something to be said about all those football stadium sounds and game day music choices. Nothing beats hearing these sounds through a top-rated surround sound system. Check out this popular sound bar from Sonos.
- The game-day foot station creation: Football fans need and love alll the food! Set your food spread on a large buffet table, long bar, or kitchen island. Along with plates, bowls, utensils and napkins. Ensure plenty of room for those fans to serve themselves.
- The drinks: Your guests will appreciate having soft drinks, water, teas, Gatorade, and various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks ready in coolers, wheelbarrows or beverage tubs filled with ice.
- Don't forget multiple trash cans: Setting out various trash cans in convenient areas throughout the home will make clean-up so much easier!
- The guest bathroom: Make sure it’s clean and stocked with plenty of toilet paper, hand soap and disposable hand towels. Get creative! Add some garnet and gold touches such as FSU hand towels, garnet soap rocks and/or a framed FSU print. Simple and fun!
- The decor: Be creative here- a few decorations sprinkled throughout the home in garnet and gold can make all the difference. Think pillows, throw blankets, wall art, flags, tableware and more!
3. Halftime Indoor and Outdoor Entertainment
Let’s keep our guests entertained! Football fans vary in the way they celebrate from 24/7 game watchers, the guests who come for the food, the kids who need various entertainment... create a space with extra entertainment options such as the ideas below.
- A cornhole setup (or two): Cornhole is meant for all ages!! You can really stick to the theme and set up a horseshoe toss as well.
- FSU games: Think trivia games and cute on-theme matching games for the kids.
- Elakai outdoor games: Not only are these high quality, they are beautiful and durable.
Where to Find Florida State University Essentials in Tallahassee
Tallahassee has plenty of shops to get all you need for game days. Here are a few great picks below.
- Garnet & Gold: For over 45 years, Garnet and Gold has served Tallahassee with premium FSU gear with everything from apparel, home décor, tailgate supplies, gifts and more! Great for “Everything Seminole”! (Locations: Governors Square Blvd., West Pensacola Street, Village Commons)
- Alumni Hall: A hometown college store that tailors to the whole family. In addition to traditional FSU apparel, gifts and gear, Alumni Hall carries contemporary, trendy, style clothing as well. (Location: 1415 Timberlane Road)
- DICK'S Sporting Goods: DICK'S also carries officially licensed FSU merchandise, including jerseys, apparel, accessories and more. (Location: 1729 Apalachee Pkwy)
- FSU Store: Let’s not forget the FSU Store right on campus! Carrying official FSU gear, clothing, gifts and more. Great for Official FSU merchandise and a true Seminole experience on campus. (Location: 75 N. Woodward Avenue)
Game Day Features That Boost Home Value in Tallahassee
Consider viewing your home through a 'game-day lens' for buying and resale market appeal. Here are a few things to consider.
- The floor plan: Think spacious kitchens where the gathering spaces are fun and intimate, large or multiple living areas, easily accessible half bath close to the common areas and plenty of extra storage for entertainment pieces.
- The outdoors: Ample parking is a must. Areas for outdoor entertaining and outdoor kitchens or grills spaces will make an impact. Lastly, those Florida sunrooms are a huge selling point with the Tallahassee weather.
- Durable floors: Hosting means a lot of foot traffic. Make sure your floors are durable, scratch- resistant and easy to wipe down.
- Various lighting: Pay attention to your lighting sources and add detached lighting sources for various brightness, functionality and ambiance.
Whether you're just gathering family for a special occasion or hosting a house full of Seminoles on game day, a home designed for entertaining is a home everyone will appreciate. And, when the time comes to sell, those same features may be exactly what catches a buyer's eye.
Planning a Move in Tallahassee?
Whether you're looking for a home with a yard made for Saturday tailgates or wondering how your home’s entertaining amenities stack up in today’s market, I’m here to help.
Visiting for a game weekend or thinking about your next move? Reach out today or connect with me on Instagram for future conversations and let's talk Tallahassee real estate!
