6 ways to create the perfect ‘homegating’ experience, according to a soccer pro

In a new era where social distancing is the norm, many people are opting to enjoy gameday from the comfort of their own homes. (And in some cases, that’s the only choice.) People are rethinking and reshaping their everyday lives, and those changes extend all the way to sports. Stadiums once full of cheering fans sit empty, and parking lots are no longer teeming with tailgates and wafting with the aromas of grilled foods. Today, sports fans are still celebrating, but they’re getting creative with what they have around them.

Josmer Volmy “Jozy” Altidore, the celebrated soccer player and forward for Toronto FC and the United States Men’s National Team, spends his days playing in a COVID-conscious way like many other professional athletes around the world, but it hasn’t stopped him from coming up with fun and unique ways to tailgate at home when he’s watching other games.

As game season comes into play, Altidore took time to tell us his tips on creating the perfect at-home tailgating (translation: homegating) setup in your living room, backyard, or beyond. Here’s how to make the most of “game day” right now, with the best foods, company, and atmosphere. Follow Altidore’s tips, and it could be just as good, if not better, than the real deal.

Although it might not have the same community vibe as tailgating, homegating provides a different level of comfort than being outside in a parking lot. As Altidore puts it quite simply: “The benefits of homegating over tailgating is the TV and the bathroom.” Using public bathrooms often entails long waits (or not having access to a bathroom at all), so avoiding lines is priceless. And for Altidore, homegating also allows for a better viewing experience. “When you are home with a TV,” he says, “you get to see all the replays and angles.”

Classic tailgating foods are well-known and appreciated. And for good reason! No fan experience is ever complete without wings, chips, salsa, and burgers. But that expected arrangement can be one-upped at home with your favorite dishes, spices, and snacks. “I know it’s not really what people would expect for a homegating experience, but I love to eat all kinds of fish,” Altidore explains. “I also eat a lot of vegetables and grain, especially during the season. We also make a lot of Haitian foods since that’s the food I grew up eating.” Your homegate, your rules.

Sports and adult beverages (if you’re of age) are a winning combination. Whether you’re talking beer, liquor, hard cider, or just classic sodas, you’ll need something to pair with your game-day snacks. “We usually like to have some Angry Orchard hard ciders for our homegating,” Altidore says. Being comfortable at home also allows for different kinds of drinks that aren’t usually associated with watching sports. While tailgating often means getting hyped up, watching sports in your own living room could be a surprising chance to wind down, too. “I know wine might not really be a homegating beverage, but I enjoy a nice glass of wine now and then,” Altidore adds.

The true heart of fandom is community. After all, we build connections with our friends and family through rooting for our favorite teams. (Or jeer them a little over a friendly rivalry.) During times when face-to-face contact might not be possible, it’s important to get creative and find new ways to reinforce those communities that mean so much. “We have been doing a lot of FaceTiming, Zooming, and talking on WhatsApp,” Altidore says. “We have friends literally all over the world. We have been staying connected this way for a very long time.” What’s the point of enjoying a game alone, anyway?

Each homegating situation is different, and everyone has little secrets to make theirs as great as possible. It could be enjoying a specific food that people love, or spinning the perfect playlist in the background to set the game’s mood. “The secret is to have approachable foods,” Altidore says of his own strategy. “By approachable, I mean easy to grab, and make a small commitment.” Translation: you’ll have easier clean-up afterward, but people will feel more welcome to eat. “If your foods are small and simple enough, people will actually eat a lot more,” he adds.

There are endless ways to create an unforgettable homegating experience, and each gameday has its MVP: the item (or person) that takes the event to the next level. For Altidore, it’s the air fryer. “When you are trying to prepare a million different things at once,” he says, “the air fryer is so helpful and versatile.” An athlete who knows his way around the kitchen, too? That’s double-MVP status.

Ready to create the perfect homegating experience? Add some Angry Orchard Hard Cider to the mix for the ultimate gameday at home.